10 Daily Things To Avoid That May Cause Cancer

female doctor talking to female patient

In 2020, for every 100,000 people living in the U.S., 403 cancer cases were reported, and 144 of these cases were fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Cancer is a topic no one wants to think about. Unfortunately, this can be counterintuitive as the best chance you have of preventing cancer is assessing your risk and taking the necessary steps to prevent it. So, what are the things that cause cancer in everyday life? Keep reading to learn the top 10 things that cause cancer.

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What Are the Top 10 Causes of Cancer?

1) Smoking

It’s common knowledge that smoking is a top cancer cause, but most people may assume this is mostly about lung cancer. According to the CDC, while it’s true that smoking causes the majority of lung cancer cases, smoking also increases the risk of cancer everywhere in the body, as well as the chance of dying from cancer. Quitting smoking is vital to cancer prevention.

2) Radon

After smoking, radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., according to the CDC. Ensuring proper ventilation and having your home tested for radon is an easy way to help prevent cancer.

3) Asbestos

According to the American Cancer Society, all forms of asbestos have been linked to an increased risk of the following cancers:

Lung cancer
Mesothelioma — a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of the organs in your chest and abdomen
Ovarian cancer
Cancer in the larynx

Cancer caused by asbestos is particularly common in people who have been exposed to it through their jobs and those sharing living quarters with those working these jobs. However, everyone needs to avoid exposure, as any asbestos exposure is dangerous.

4) Pollution

The American Lung Association notes that long-term exposure to particle pollution (pollution from motor vehicle exhaust, factories burning fossil fuels, wood stoves, agricultural fires, wildfire smoke, etc.) is linked to a higher chance of developing lung cancer and other serious health conditions. Avoiding areas with high pollution levels and installing air filters in your home may combat this.

5) Overexposure to Tanning Beds and the Sun

According to the CDC, the majority of skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to UV rays from the sun, tanning beds, or sun lights. UV rays damage skin cells, adding up over time and leading to changes in the cells. In severe cases (or for those with risk factors), this can directly lead to skin cancer. Luckily, limiting sun exposure, avoiding tanning beds, and wearing sunblock can all assist in avoiding this damage.

6) “Forever Chemicals”

According to the CDC, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or “forever chemicals,” have been linked to increases in several health problems, including kidney and testicular cancer. Avoiding PFAS is difficult as they can even be in our drinking water. However, you can research where your food is coming from, be cautious of how you store it, and install a water filter that rids your tap water of PFAS.

7) Pesticides and Herbicides

Exposure to pesticides and herbicides has been linked to an increased risk of cancer (especially for growers), according to the American Cancer Society. However, it is important to note that fresh produce’s health benefits — including preventing cancer — far outweigh the risks for the average consumer. To reduce risk:

Always handle these chemicals safely
Wash all produce thoroughly
Buy organic produce when feasible

8) Obesity

Obesity and being overweight have been associated with increased instances of thirteen different kinds of cancer, according to the CDC. Maintaining a healthy weight through a healthy diet and exercise is key to avoiding multiple diseases as well as cancers.

9) Excessive Amounts of Unhealthy Foods

Not only can unhealthy foods increase your risk of being overweight and obese, but many of these same foods have also been linked to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, medical evidence suggests that diets that include the following are linked to fewer instances of cancer:

Plant-based nutrition — whole fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc.
Lean protein — poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, and seeds
Unsaturated fats

What Foods Are Considered High Risk for Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, studies suggest that the following foods are linked to higher instances of cancer:

Red meat such as beef, pork, venison, and lamb
Processed meats (cured meats, deli meats, smoked meats, etc.)
Highly processed foods
Foods such as potatoes (and possibly meats) contain acrylamide, a chemical that may cause cancer when cooked at high temperatures

10) Excessive Amounts of Alcohol

According to the American Cancer Society, after smoking and being overweight/obese, excessive alcohol consumption is the third largest cancer cause. The American Cancer Society recommends not drinking at all. For those who choose to anyway, they recommend that alcohol be limited to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Preventing cancer isn’t easy. However, it is achievable by staying as healthy as possible, staying on top of your preventative care, getting screened, and avoiding what may cause cancer.

What Is a Preventative Scan?

A preventative medical scan is a scan done to check for diseases. According to the CDC, these tests are done routinely regardless of the symptoms or lack of symptoms. Preventative scans and screenings are done because the majority of deadly diseases (such as cancer) are more treatable when caught as early as possible.

Check out Preventative Diagnostic Center to get a preventative medical scan near you for peace of mind.