Doctor Reveals 5 Things We Do Every Day That Could Lead To Cancer

2019-04-23 , 6:00 am

Remember when news of bubble tea being too unhealthy circulated online?

Along with these reports were videos of experiments conducted to educate boba lovers of the health issues it entails.

Despite Channel NewsAsia‘s findings which uncovered astonishing amounts of sugar levels in bubble tea, most Singaporeans were unable to give up on their favourite drink.

You know the main cause of diabetes in Singapore. But do you know the common cause of cancer?

What is Cancer, really?

Medical News Today states that cancer is a “disease that results when cellular changes cause the uncontrolled growth and division of cells.”

There are numerous variations of cancer; some result in rapid cell growth, while others induce cells to grow and divide at a slower rate. Cancerous cells eventually accumulate internally and consume oxygen and nutrients which are meant for other cells.

Cancerous cells may form tumours which impair the immune system and prevent the body from functioning normally.

5 daily activities you’re doing which contributes to cancer

According to the Singapore Cancer Society, 35 Singaporeans are estimated to be diagnosed with cancer every day. Men and Women commonly fall victim to Colorectal and Breast Cancer respectively.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Newsflash: Making minute changes to your everyday life can minimize the chances of falling victim to cancer.

World Of Buzz got in touch with a doctor from Malaysia, Dr Khiddir, and discovered a couple of lifestyle choices which contribute to the deadly C.

1. Poor Eating Habits

According to Medical News Today, a common agent of cancer is the presence of excessive body weight.

“That’s why it is recommended to have a diet that is high in fruit, vegetables and whole grains. These help you stay at a healthy weight, and may also protect against certain cancers such as prostate cancer”, Dr Khiddir mentioned.

2. Smoking

With the harmful substances in cigarette butts, it’s no surprise that countless diseases come hand in hand with smoking.

It was added that smoking has been verified to be the “main cause of lung cancer and at least 14 other types of cancer.”

Secondhand and third-hand smoke is not a new concept; both are perfectly capable of resulting in non-smokers developing serious health conditions including cancer.

Now, the Orchard Road ban makes sense.

3. Excessive alcohol intake

It’s a norm to drown one’s sorrows with alcohol but heavy consumption results in health complications, with cancer being one of them.

This is especially detrimental to women because alcohol stimulates estrogen production in females which increases the chances of developing breast cancer.

Furthermore, excessive alcohol consumption damages DNA, proteins and lipids, in addition to affecting digestion.

4. Insufficient rest at night

*Gasp*

I can’t say the same about the other pointers but this, I’m pretty sure we’re all guilty of.

According to Dr Khiddir, going for a day without proper rest affects one’s blood sugar, immune function and metabolism. All of which contributes to diabetes, weight gain and cancer.

On top of that, working night shifts for long periods severely disturbs the circadian rhythm which regulates the body’s physiological process, leading to obesity and heart diseases.

5. Exposure to radioactive substances

This is one factor often overlooked by many, myself included.

As Dr Khiddir mentioned, “Certain professions have higher risks of cancer because of exposure to high chemicals or radioactive substances in the workplace”.

If you work in the following industries, do exercise greater care:

Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Construction
Manufacturing
Service industries

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. I hope you learnt a thing or two because I sure did.