These cancer risks are in your hands: Kerala oncology expert explains

Remember Gupta uncle, whom the character Rani famously mentions in the Kangana Ranaut film 'Queen'? 'Mera haal Gupta uncle ke jaise ho gaya hai,' says Rani, to explain that despite leading a healthy life, the man got diagnosed with cancer. At times, even those who lead extremely healthy lives meet up with the bad luck of getting the disease, due to genetic factors beyond our control. Though there are hardly any guarantees that our lifestyle can ensure we stay safe from such ailments, understanding the modifiable and non-modifiable risks of cancer can be quite helpful. Dr Ancy Mathew, Associate Consultant in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Mar Sleeva Hospital, Pala, explains.

Modifiable risk factors
1)Tobacco consumption
Tobacco products come in various forms like cigarettes, beedi or chewable tobacco leaves. Around 20 – 25 percent cancer cases that are reported across the country are because of tobacco consumption. Tobacco is responsible for more than 40 per cent of cancer cases among men and 20 per cent among women. Lung cancer, head and neck malignancies, colon cancer and pancreas and bladder cancer are the most common types of cancers caused by tobacco. Compared to non–smokers, smokers have 12 times more risk of getting lung cancer.

2)Alcohol addiction
Consuming alcohol may cause oesophageal cancer, intestinal cancer and rectal cancer. If your alcohol consumption rate is 30 grams per day, then the risk for cancer is 1.2 per cent. Meanwhile, it rises to 9.2 per cent if the alcohol consumption rate is over 60 grams per day. Experts think that it is possible to prevent cancer up to 30 – 40 per cent if proper awareness about the ill effects of smoking and alcohol consumption is created in society, especially among the youngsters.

3)Diet and lack of exercise
Foods that are dense in animal fat, especially red meat, food items loaded with preservatives and pesticides have crept into our regular diet. When such food is consumed, the risk of cancer also increases by 10%. To mitigate this risk, a diet rich in fibre may be beneficial. Besides, fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants should be added to your regular diet. Cancers related to diet and lifestyle could be prevented to some extent by reducing consumption of red meat and processed foods. Lack of exercise and obesity are other risk factors that could lead to cancer. It is possible to combat cancer through regular physical exercise. Breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and endometrial cancer are some of the cancers caused by overconsumption of animal fat.

4)Viral infections
Papillomavirus is a major cause of cervical cancer and oral cavity cancer among women. Meanwhile, the hepatitis B virus may cause cancers related to the liver. However, vaccines are now available against these viral infections, which could prevent cancer. Modern vaccines like HPV vaccines and Hepatitis B vaccines have been proven to be effective in fighting cancers to a great extent.

5) Pollution
Pollution is another reason why people are getting diagnosed with cancer. Occupational hazard or people who work in environments associated with cancer-causing agents are at a higher risk of getting cancer.

Non-modifiable risk factors
These are mainly genetic factors. If someone in the family has a history of certain cancers, those genetic factors may be transmitted to subsequent generations. Breast cancer, cancer in the endometrium, ovarian cancer and colon cancer are the most common types of cancers that are passed on genetically.