Cancer, once primarily affecting individuals over sixty, is now increasingly diagnosed in people in their forties, largely due to lifestyle changes. Tobacco and cigarettes are not the only culprits behind cancer; there are five other shocking reasons that we often overlook in our daily lives. This disease is particularly rampant in the 40 to 45 age group. From genetics to daily diet, there are five important factors that invite cancer cells into our bodies. Let's look at what they are.
According to information given by Dr. Abhinav Narwaria to a website, he has provided crucial information regarding the increasing incidence of cancer among young people.
5 main reasons for cancer in people in their forties...
1. Changing Lifestyle: Sitting in one place for hours, excessive consumption of junk food and fast food, increased sugar intake in the diet, and insufficient sleep reduce the body's natural efficiency. Alcohol consumption and constant mental stress are internally weakening the body's immunity. Packaged and processed foods, refined flour products, and a diet lacking in fiber put a strain on the digestive system. Taking more antibiotics than necessary damages the 'good bacteria' in the stomach. This reduces the body's immunity and consequently increases the risk of cancer.
2. Air Pollution: Microscopic and extremely dangerous pollutant particles like PM2.5 in the air enter the lungs directly through breathing. These particles cause 'inflammation' in the body, which weakens the immune system. These toxic particles damage the DNA of the body's cells. When DNA is damaged, cell growth becomes uncontrolled, which can lead to the formation of a cancerous tumor. Vehicle exhaust, polluted air, and lack of ventilation in homes are increasing the risk of cancer.
3. Lifestyle is more responsible than genetics: In some people, the risk of cancer is due to BRCA gene mutations or a family history of cancer. However, the number of such cases is relatively very small. Due to unhealthy habits, cancer cells that should have become active only after the age of sixty or seventy are now starting to negatively affect the body even before the age of forty. In short, a wrong lifestyle accelerates the cancer process.
4. Late diagnosis of the disease: Most young people think that cancer is a disease that only affects the elderly. Due to the mentality that "we cannot get such a disease so early," they ignore changes in their bodies. The younger generation dismisses early symptoms such as small lumps in the body, indigestion, constant fatigue, or weight loss as common problems and try to treat them with home remedies or painkillers. Due to this flawed thinking, by the time young patients reach doctors, the cancer has often reached the third or fourth stage. Lack of timely diagnosis is becoming the main cause of death.
5. Ignoring the symptoms: According to doctors, it is essential to recognize the early symptoms of cancer and get tested in time. If there is persistent pain in any part of the body and it does not subside even with medication, it could be a cause for concern. If you suddenly lose weight rapidly without any exercise or dieting, do not ignore it. Blood in the stool can be an early symptom of colon cancer. A cough that lasts for more than 3 weeks or blood in the sputum can be signs of lung cancer. If you feel any kind of lump in the breast or armpit, get a mammogram or examination done immediately. A sudden change in habits such as persistent diarrhea, constipation, or bloating. Sores or patches in the mouth that do not heal even with medication could be a symptom of oral cancer.