Cancer risk and the link with your habits; how to stay safe, lifestyle choices and family history
Everyday habits could be silently raising your cancer risk, here's how to stay safe and take control
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Cancer risk and the lifestyle connection
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Key factors that reduce cancer risk:
Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking remains the leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths globally. It's directly linked to cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, bladder, kidney, and more.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is associated with increased risk for at least 13 types of cancer, including breast, liver, colon, and pancreatic cancers.
Stay Physically Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week.
Eat a Plant-Rich Diet: Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts. Limit red and processed meats, refined sugars, and saturated fats.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol increases risk for several cancers, including breast, colorectal, and liver. If you drink, do so in moderation (one drink per day for women, two for men).
Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major cause of skin cancer. Use broad-spectrum SPF, wear protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds.
Hydrate Wisely: Though not a direct cancer-fighting strategy, drinking enough fluids, around 8-13 cups daily, supports healthy cellular function and may reduce risks for certain cancers like bladder and colon.
Know Your Family History: Genetic predispositions matter. Share your family's cancer history with your doctor and consider genetic counseling if needed.
Get Regular Checkups and Screenings: Early detection saves lives. Annual visits after age 50 (or every 3 years before that) allow physicians to screen for cancers like breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancer.
Less obvious (but critical) risk factors to watch:
Chronic Stress: Stress doesn't cause cancer directly, but it can weaken immune response and increase inflammation, both contributors to disease development.
Infections: Viruses such as HPV and Hepatitis B have direct links to cancers like cervical and liver cancer.
Environmental Exposures: Workplace toxins, air pollution, and chemicals in plastics and cosmetics may also raise risk, especially over time.
Why cancer isn't just an 'Older Person's' disease anymore
Tips for Young Adults in Their 20s and 30s:
Cut out or avoid tobacco.
Focus on whole, fiber-rich foods and healthy fats.
Move daily, walk, swim, dance, lift.
Get regular Pap smears, colon cancer screenings (if family history applies), and HPV vaccinations.
Practice safe sex to reduce infection-related cancer risk.
Limit screen time and stress, and protect your mental health.
The brain-body connection: How lifestyle slows cognitive decline
The MIND diet
Leafy greens and other vegetables
Berries (especially blueberries)
Nuts
Whole grains
Fish (at least once a week)
Olive oil over butter
Limited red meat and sweets
Why you shouldn't wait until you're older
Cancer and dementia are among the most feared health threats of our time. While genetics and aging are unchangeable factors, a growing body of research continues to affirm one powerful truth, lifestyle choices matter.From your 20s to your 80s, embracing a healthy way of life can significantly reduce your cancer risk and potentially protect your brain from cognitive decline Leading health experts, including Dr. Mohammed Salhab of AdventHealth Hematology and Oncology in Denver, and researchers behind a landmark Alzheimer's Association study, are urging people of all ages to take charge of their health."Adopting a healthy lifestyle is one of the most effective strategies we have to lower cancer risk," says Dr. Salhab. "While not every case of cancer can be prevented, the evidence is overwhelming that diet, exercise, and other lifestyle habits play a major role."Recent research highlights a concerning trend: cancers of the digestive system, such as colorectal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers, are rising among adults under 50."It's more important than ever for young people to be proactive," says Dr. Salhab. 'Early lifestyle choices set the foundation for long-term health.'According to the groundbreaking US POINTER study, led by the Alzheimer's Association and presented this July at the International Conference in Toronto, lifestyle interventions helped slow cognitive decline in people aged 60 to 79, even those at high genetic risk for Alzheimer's.A blend of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, the MIND diet focuses on:This same diet also aligns with many cancer-preventive dietary recommendations.Whether you're in your 20s or your 60s, the message is clear: the earlier you adopt healthy habits , the better your chances of preventing disease and maintaining quality of life.There's no single magic bullet to prevent cancer or cognitive decline, but there is a blueprint. Nutrition, movement, mental fitness, and early detection form a powerful defense. As Dr. Salhab reminds us: 'Prevention is always better than cure.'Start where you are. Every step counts.
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The Hindu
13 hours ago
- The Hindu
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Anti-vaccine groups have long suggested a link between vaccines and autism, despite scientific consensus that childhood vaccines don't cause the condition. Adding autism to the list of injuries covered by the plan 'would dramatically increase the number of compensable cases, potentially bankrupting it," Schwartz said. Signed into law under President Ronald Reagan, the compensation programme is designed to provide quick, efficient compensation to Americans who report known injuries associated with vaccines, such as rare allergic reactions. At the time of its creation, a number of vaccine-makers were exiting the business due to risks of class action lawsuits. In a recent social media post, Kennedy called the programme 'broken' and accused federal lawyers and adjudicators who run it of 'inefficiency, favoritism and outright corruption.' Kennedy didn't specify the changes he's seeking. But some of the people he's enlisted to help have a history of bringing vaccine injury cases. 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Time of India
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Some key ways HDV promotes cancer include Genetic instability: HDV damages DNA molecules and disrupts cellular repair processes, which result in genetic material errors that lead to liver cell malignancies. The viral proteins of HDV trigger cell growth pathways, while simultaneously activating survival mechanisms and inflammation response. The reactive oxygen species levels increase, when HDV proteins are present which also triggers STAT-3 and NF-kB signaling molecules, to promote cancer cell development and survival. Epigenetic changes: HDV affects proteins that control gene expression (without changing DNA code), helping abnormal cell growth. Fibrosis becomes more severe under HDV infection, through TGF-β molecule activation, which leads to tissue scarring. The development of liver cancer becomes much more likely when patients have cirrhosis. 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Sources: Diaz G et al., Molecular Signature and Mechanisms of Hepatitis D Virus–Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma, PMC (2018) Farci P, Hepatitis D Virus and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, PMC (2021) World Journal of Gastroenterology, Hepatitis D and hepatocellular carcinoma (2015) WHO Fact Sheet, Hepatitis D (2025) WHO News, WHO announces hepatitis D as carcinogenic (2025)
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Time of India
Cancer risk and the link with your habits; how to stay safe, lifestyle choices and family history
Leading health experts emphasize that lifestyle choices significantly impact cancer and dementia risk. Adopting healthy habits like avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and eating a plant-rich diet are crucial for cancer prevention. A recent study also reveals that lifestyle interventions can slow cognitive decline, even for those genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's. Everyday habits could be silently raising your cancer risk, here's how to stay safe and take control Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Cancer risk and the lifestyle connection Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Key factors that reduce cancer risk: Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking remains the leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths globally. It's directly linked to cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, bladder, kidney, and more. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is associated with increased risk for at least 13 types of cancer, including breast, liver, colon, and pancreatic cancers. Stay Physically Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week. Eat a Plant-Rich Diet: Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts. Limit red and processed meats, refined sugars, and saturated fats. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol increases risk for several cancers, including breast, colorectal, and liver. If you drink, do so in moderation (one drink per day for women, two for men). Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major cause of skin cancer. Use broad-spectrum SPF, wear protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds. Hydrate Wisely: Though not a direct cancer-fighting strategy, drinking enough fluids, around 8-13 cups daily, supports healthy cellular function and may reduce risks for certain cancers like bladder and colon. Know Your Family History: Genetic predispositions matter. Share your family's cancer history with your doctor and consider genetic counseling if needed. Get Regular Checkups and Screenings: Early detection saves lives. Annual visits after age 50 (or every 3 years before that) allow physicians to screen for cancers like breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Less obvious (but critical) risk factors to watch: Chronic Stress: Stress doesn't cause cancer directly, but it can weaken immune response and increase inflammation, both contributors to disease development. Infections: Viruses such as HPV and Hepatitis B have direct links to cancers like cervical and liver cancer. Environmental Exposures: Workplace toxins, air pollution, and chemicals in plastics and cosmetics may also raise risk, especially over time. Why cancer isn't just an 'Older Person's' disease anymore Tips for Young Adults in Their 20s and 30s: Cut out or avoid tobacco. Focus on whole, fiber-rich foods and healthy fats. Move daily, walk, swim, dance, lift. Get regular Pap smears, colon cancer screenings (if family history applies), and HPV vaccinations. Practice safe sex to reduce infection-related cancer risk. Limit screen time and stress, and protect your mental health. The brain-body connection: How lifestyle slows cognitive decline The MIND diet Leafy greens and other vegetables Berries (especially blueberries) Nuts Whole grains Fish (at least once a week) Olive oil over butter Limited red meat and sweets Why you shouldn't wait until you're older Cancer and dementia are among the most feared health threats of our time. While genetics and aging are unchangeable factors, a growing body of research continues to affirm one powerful truth, lifestyle choices your 20s to your 80s, embracing a healthy way of life can significantly reduce your cancer risk and potentially protect your brain from cognitive decline Leading health experts, including Dr. Mohammed Salhab of AdventHealth Hematology and Oncology in Denver, and researchers behind a landmark Alzheimer's Association study, are urging people of all ages to take charge of their health."Adopting a healthy lifestyle is one of the most effective strategies we have to lower cancer risk," says Dr. Salhab. "While not every case of cancer can be prevented, the evidence is overwhelming that diet, exercise, and other lifestyle habits play a major role."Recent research highlights a concerning trend: cancers of the digestive system, such as colorectal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers, are rising among adults under 50."It's more important than ever for young people to be proactive," says Dr. Salhab. 'Early lifestyle choices set the foundation for long-term health.'According to the groundbreaking US POINTER study, led by the Alzheimer's Association and presented this July at the International Conference in Toronto, lifestyle interventions helped slow cognitive decline in people aged 60 to 79, even those at high genetic risk for Alzheimer's.A blend of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, the MIND diet focuses on:This same diet also aligns with many cancer-preventive dietary you're in your 20s or your 60s, the message is clear: the earlier you adopt healthy habits , the better your chances of preventing disease and maintaining quality of no single magic bullet to prevent cancer or cognitive decline, but there is a blueprint. Nutrition, movement, mental fitness, and early detection form a powerful defense. As Dr. Salhab reminds us: 'Prevention is always better than cure.'Start where you are. Every step counts.
