The origin of cancer has genetic factors and others acquired by habits, but there are also many preconceived myths and ideas that actually, They have no scientific basis.
The doctor Liz O’Riordan She is a British oncologist who suffered breast cancer ten years ago and has written a book entitled The cancer roadmap: real science to guide your treatment plan.
After two recurrences in 2018 that forced her to retire as a surgeon, Dr. O’Riordan became Author and educator in social networks about breast cancerand now has 78,000 followers on Instagram.
The oncologist wants to help other people who are in position to tools to “Detect erroneous information” On his way to cancer. In an article published by The Sunexplain what things can cause cancer and what are myths.
Factors that do increase risk
Age: “Aging is the greatest risk factor for developing cancer. The more living time, the more tired your cells will be and more likely you will have to develop cancerous mutations,” he says.
“This is supported by national statistics that tell us how many cancers there are for a certain age group,” adds the doctor.
Carcinogens: “A carcinogen is something that can create cancer forming mutations in our DNA. Some naturally occur in our environment, such as viruses and ultraviolet light of the sun,” says O’Riordan.
“Others are chemicals such as alcohol, nicotine (which is not carcinogenic but can cause tobacco addiction, which is) and asbestos,” he continues. “If you are exposed to a carcinogen, it does not automatically mean that you will have cancer. It depends on the dose and exposure time,” he says.
Obesity: Overweight and obesity are the second main cause of cancer after smoking. It is linked to at least 13 different types of cancer and it is believed that it causes around one in 20 cases in general.
“The more weights, the greater the risk of getting cancer. We also know that people who are obese when cancer are diagnosed also have a greater risk of developing a second unrelated cancer,” says Dr. O’Riordan.
Physical inactivity: “We estimate that 5% of all cancers are due to the lack of regular exercise. The most strongly linked cancers with inactivity are that of breast, intestine and endometrium, where lack of exercise can increase the risk of developing them until in 30%. “
Diet: “People who consume a healthy diet are more likely to maintain a healthy weight and less likely to have chronic inflammation, which decreases the risk of cancer,” says Liz O’Riordan.
“There are only three types of food directly related to cancer formation: red meat, processed meat and ultraprocessed foods when consumed in large quantities,” he adds.
Stature: Some studies have discovered that high people are more likely to cancer. “Scientists believe that it is not the height itself, but the things that made you high, such as the genes you inherited and your children’s diet,” says the doctor.
“Or things that could have affected you when you were in the uterus, being a baby and crossing puberty, or how early you went through puberty. All those factors work together to increase the risk of getting cancer, he says.
Breast implants: “In 2016, scientists discovered that some textured breast implants can cause a very rare type of blood cancer called anaplastic lymphoma of large cells associated with breast implants (BIA-ALCL),” says the doctor.
“It is an immune system cancer. The first symptom is a very large and swollen breast due to liquid accumulation,” he says.
Factors that do not pose a risk
Sugar: Sugar does not cause cancer. “There is no scientific evidence that shows that it is,” says O’Riordan. Of course, sugar, when consumed in excess, increases the risk of gaining weight, as well as suffering diabetes and other health consequences.
And although these are linked to cancer, sugar itself does not lead directly to cancer.
Rings with hoops: A very widespread myth is that fasteners, especially those with insurance coverage, cause breast cancer. “All the main international health and charity organizations against cancer affirm that fasteners do not cause breast cancer. I promise you that you are safe,” says the doctor.
Toxic thoughts: The ‘body-mind connection’ and ‘positive thinking’ can make you believe that cancer can occur as a result of a negative perspective of life. But Dr. O’Riordan says: “Your negative thoughts, the stress of past lives or your personality are not the cause of your cancer.”
“Maintaining a positive attitude after a diagnosis of cancer will not prevent the disease from returning,” he adds. “It is true that taking care of mental health and controlling stress can help improve general health,” he clarifies, “but the reality is that cancer is caused by genetic mutations that alter the normal growth and repair of cells, and this It is not caused by the thoughts in your head. “
Deodorants: “It is not necessary to change the deodorant to avoid cancer. In 2020, the European Consumer Safety Scientific Committee analyzed all the tests. They published a report that confirmed that aluminum is safe in all cosmetic products and said that it does not cause cancer of Mama, “says the doctor.
“You can use any deodorant or antitranspirant with certainty and know that it will not harm you,” he continues. Myths say that deodorant ingredients, such as metal that can be absorbed through the skin, can influence cancer risk. “If you want to use a natural product without metals, do it. But it will not reduce the risk of breast cancer in the future,” adds O’Riordan.
Facastes: “There is absolutely no evidence that amalgama castes cause cancer. The American Dental Association, the Oral Health Foundation, the British Dental Association and the World Health Organization, to appoint some, agree on this,” he concludes Liz O’Riordan.
#Tight #fasteners #height #weight #myths #truths #increase #risk #cancer #oncologist
