7 Daily Habits That Quietly Raise Your Cancer Risk; Know From Doctor

Cancer is a complex disease influenced by a mix of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. While some risks are beyond control, many daily habits can quietly increase the chances of developing cancer over time. Many of our routine behaviours, often seen as harmless, can gradually elevate cancer risk over time. Understanding these behaviours, often very subtle and having a great impact, is helpful for an individual to make better choices for long-term health. From diet and physical activity to substances one may be exposed to that are harmful, learning about these covert risks in everyday life is paramount to cancer prevention.

While genetic predisposition plays a role, research consistently shows that nearly 30–50 per cent of cancers can be prevented by modifying everyday lifestyle practices. Physicians and doctors stress that cancer preventive measures are not about making extreme changes, but about consistently making healthier choices in order to reduce risk over time. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr Salil Patkar, Consultant – Medical Oncology, Fortis Hirandandani Hospital, Vashi, shares seven daily habits that can quietly raise cancer risk.

Daily Habits That Increase Cancer Risks

Sedentary Living: Long periods of sitting and lack of exercise cannot only bring about obesity, but also low-grade inflammation and changes in the hormonal profile. These in turn create a biological milieu that favours cancer initiation and progression. E.g. breast, colon and endometrial cancers.

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Unbalanced Diet And Processed Food: Extended periods of sitting and reduced physical activity contribute to weight gain, chronic inflammation, and hormonal imbalances. Dr Salil Patkar states, “These create a biological environment conducive to cancer development, particularly breast, colon, and endometrial cancers.”

Poor Sleep Hygiene: Insufficient or irregular sleep is also among the causes of lowered melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone with anti-cancer and protective effects. An altered sleep-wake pattern results in an impaired immune system, thus less regulation and more freedom for malignant cells to multiply.

Daily Habits That Increase Cancer Risks (Image Credits: Canva)

Chronic Stress: Long-lasting stress has an impact on cortisol as well as immune system strength. Dr Salil Patkar mentions, “It is known that overexposure to stress leading to this scenario will, in a very short time period, turn the person into a cancer patient due to the compromised immune system situation.”

Alcohol Consumption: Even a moderate amount of alcohol may become a risk factor for cancer. The old conversion mechanism of alcohol turns it into acetaldehyde, a very dangerous carcinogen that is often found in breast cancer, liver cancer and oral cancers.

Tobacco Use In Any Form: No matter if it is smoked or chewed, tobacco remains one of the most potent cancer-causing agents. It is one of the main reasons that cancer risk goes up in many different organ systems as a result of its direct action on cellular DNA damage.

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Skipping Preventive Screenings: Putting off health check-ups and necessary screenings regularly, most attend to diagnosis of late-stage diseases when the situation is complicated and the prognosis is bad.

The first step towards combating cancer is being conscious of the problem and acting accordingly. Tiny, purposeful changes - doing more physical activities, eating right, getting good sleep, managing stress well, not smoking or drinking, and going for regular health checks - can greatly lower the risk. Giving people the power of knowledge and leading them to take preventive measures are still the two main supports if we really want to see fewer cancer cases.