Although cancer accounts for high mortality in the US, things may improve as people become more aware of the disease, its risks, and its prevention. According to a recent report by the American Cancer Society, cancer deaths in the country have decreased over the years. The mortality has dropped 33% since 1991, which translates into 3.8 million lives saved from the disease.
Conversely, 2023 has shown an uptick, with statistics projecting over 1.95 million diagnosed cases and nearly 610,000 cancer deaths during the year. While these numbers sound scary, the good news is that you probably won’t get cancer, provided you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Studies suggest that 70% of cases are preventable for at least ten types of cancer because they stem from lifestyle factors.
Awareness can be a game-changer in this context because most lifestyle-generated cancers are caused by daily toxins that lurk in your environment. Your lifestyle habits are the second factor that elevates the risk. If you know these potential culprits, you can easily avoid them and keep the disease at bay.
Let us explain how daily toxins and carcinogens in your environment may increase your cancer risk.
Water Contaminants
If you think water contaminants can cause only digestive diseases, you should get your facts straight. A study states that contaminated water may contain 22 carcinogens that increase cancer risks. The Camp Lejeune contaminated water disaster is an instance of how bad things can get. More than a million residents at Camp Lejeune were exposed to volatile organic compounds for decades without the slightest hint of threat.
Countless cases of cancer have been reported over the years, and the recent Camp Lejeune Act is an initiative to compensate them. Victims can now hire the best lawyers for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit to seek compensation for their medical bills, damages, and pain and suffering. The disaster is a lesson that domestic supplies may be full of carcinogens, no matter how clean the water looks.
According to TorHoerman Law, anyone who was exposed to toxins at Camp Lejeune and suffered from cancer later must fight for their rights. The law applies to people who lived for at least thirty days in the area between 1953 and 1987. Another factor to qualify for the claim is to show a link between cancer and toxin exposure.
Air Pollution
Besides contaminated water, polluted air is another factor that contributes to cancer risk. Although lung cancer seems the most evident risk of breathing in toxic air, new research links air pollution with several other types of cancer, such as liver, breast, and pancreatic cancer. Dust, exhaust, and traces of solvents and metals in the outdoor air are the worst culprits.
While it is impossible to avoid pollution, you can do your bit to minimize contributing to it. Opt for walking or biking short distances instead of driving. You must also follow public health warnings and avoid going outdoors when air quality is bad. Installing air filters and purifiers at home can also lower your exposure.
Tobacco
Tobacco is a daily carcinogen everyone knows about, but quitting seems like a lot of effort. Did you know that cancer risk runs high even for passive smokers? Every time you light up a cigarette, you elevate the threat to people around you, including your loved ones.
Tobacco has at least 70 chemicals that are known to damage DNA and cause cancer on long-term exposure. Even light smoking contributes to the risk, so smoking cessation should be a priority if you want to minimize exposure to daily toxins.
Asbestos
Asbestos has tiny, tough fibers that strengthen products like ceiling tiles, roof shingles, and car parts. But these fibers may eventually break free and suspend in the air you breathe. Once they reach your lungs, they get lodged inside and cause cancer.
Studies show that asbestos is a carcinogen that may cause mesothelioma and cancers of the lung, ovary, and larynx. If it is in your home, you must get it removed sooner than later. Wear protective gear if your job involves asbestos exposure.
Ultraviolet Rays
You may love the sunshine, but excess exposure can be toxic. According to research, ultraviolet rays can damage the cells in your skin and cause skin cancer. You may even risk exposure to UV rays by using a tanning bed to get that gorgeous tan.
Climate change and pollution double outdoor exposure because they make the UV rays stronger. Protecting your skin with sunscreen is the best way to stay safe outdoors. Wearing sunglasses and a hat also helps. You must also avoid tanning salons to skip the threat.
Conclusion
Daily toxins are a part of life, but staying vigilant is the best defense against them. Watch your environment closely to identify the risk factors in the first place and find ways to minimize exposure. You can make a difference by being proactive and selective.
