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New light on the causes of cancer

For a long time, there was a belief about cancer that it occurs only due to age, bad luck or genetic reasons. But recent research is challenging this idea. According to a study published in the journal *Nature Medicine*, about 40 percent of cancer cases and half of the deaths due to it are to risk factors that can be largely prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Habits that cause diseases

Experts say that many habits that increase the risk of cancer have become a part of our daily life. Factors like staying awake late at night, sitting at one place for a long time, consumption of processed food, trying to avoid stress and lack of physical activities gradually harm the body. Initially, the side effects of these habits are not obvious, but over time they can lead to serious diseases. A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified tobacco use, obesity, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and air pollution as the major causes of cancer. In India too, cases of lifestyle- cancer are increasing.

Increasing risk of cancer in youth

Dr Anindya Mukherjee told *Times of India* (TOI) that cancer is no longer limited to old people only. The incidence of cancer among youth is increasing rapidly, especially those types of cancer which were previously seen mainly in people above 50 years of age. He said that factors like cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, poor eating habits, lack of exercise, environmental pollution and chronic stress are increasing the risk of cancer in people of all ages.

cancer associated with excess fat

U.S. According to research by the National Cancer Institute, having excess body fat increases the risk of many types of cancer. These include breast, colorectal, uterine, kidney, liver and pancreatic cancers. Experts say that when the body adopts an unhealthy lifestyle for a long time, it increases inflammation in the body, which can damage healthy cells and create an environment conducive to cancer.

Dangers of tobacco and passive smoking

According to Dr. Mukherjee, the biggest avoidable cause of cancer is tobacco. Its effect is not limited to the lungs only; It also has negative effects on the mouth, throat, stomach, kidney, bladder and other organs. Apart from this, passive smoking is also a serious problem. Additionally, air pollution is also becoming a rapidly growing threat, especially for people living in urban areas.

Ways to avoid cancer

According to Dr. Mukherjee, to avoid cancer, it is important that you control your weight, exercise regularly, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, stay away from tobacco, limit alcohol consumption, manage stress and get enough sleep.