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Be aware of the hidden dangers of your guilty pleasures that could cause cancer, including being busy
A sip of wine, a craving for pizza, having a full calendar may all seem like harmless aspects of life but a scientist has revealed such seemingly innocent actions could be putting you on the brink of developing cancer.
University of California's Dr Raphael Cuomo claims chronic stress, fast food, alcohol, and drugs are an almost surefire way to set yourself up for a diagnosis with the disease later in life.
In Dr Cuomo's new book Crave: The Hidden Biology Of Addiction And Cancer, he noted that the body's repetitive desire to indulge in junk food and addictive behaviors drove the body to the deadly condition: 'Crave reveals how modern habits like vaping, binge-eating, and daily cannabis use hijack our biology.'
The expert added: 'These behaviors quietly damage the body's ability to repair itself. Over time, they open the door to cancer. It is not about genetics or bad luck. It is about the choices we make every day.'
Over 600,000 Americans and more than 150,000 Brits die of various cancers every year.
After studying 'millions of patient records' from across the University of California hospitals and spending months reviewing studies on cancer biology, Dr Cuomo revealed what he says are the top habits most likely to cause the destructive illness.
Fast food
Dr Cuomo called eating fast food 'slow poison', and noted that its effects could not be seen immediately but might cause long-term damage.
Earlier this year, researchers tested more than 300 foods sold at restaurant chains and in grocery stores across America for two microscopic toxins that have been linked to cancer, infertility, and autism.
They found that of all fast-food restaurants, the salad chain Sweetgreen and coffeehouse Starbucks scored poorest.
Sweetgreen's Chicken Pesto Parm Salad and Starbucks' Matcha Latte was found to contain the highest amount of phthalates, a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and transparent.
Studies showed that phthalates, commonly used in food packaging material, imitate the body's hormones and interfere with the production of and response to natural hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
Some phthalates were linked to certain cancers, particularly breast cancer and lymphoma.
However, Dr Cuomo pointed towards fiber consumption as a critical part of reversing damage as it would help improve gut bacteria, reduce inflammation, and keep cells healthy.
Smoking and drinking
Smoking causes about 30 per cent of overall cancer deaths in the U.S. and is a leading cause of lung, brain, neck, and bladder cancer.
Alcohol consumption's been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, liver, and esophageal cancer. About 20,000 people die of booze-related cancers, annually.
Researchers in Germany found that a combination of drinking and smoking significantly raised the risk of colon cancer in young Americans.
Researchers analyzed two dozen studies, comparing regular drinkers and smokers with people who abstained from both.
Just 100 cigarettes in a person's lifetime - the equivalent of one per week for two years - was linked to a 59 per cent higher risk of colon cancer compared to people who never smoked.
They also found drinking alcohol every day raised the risk of developing early onset colon cancer by 39 per cent, even if it's just one or two drinks per day.
Alcohol and smoking have both been linked to cancer in the past, as they release chemicals that destroy DNA and cause cells to mutate.
Also, each daily can of beer or glass of wine further increased the chance by an additional two per cent.
In his book, Dr Cuomo noted that deep sleep is the 'most underestimated tool' to improve damage caused by addictions, such as smoking and drinking.
He explained that during consistent deep sleep, the body performs critical tasks such as repairing tissues, regulating hormones, consolidating memory, and clearing metabolic waste.
Stress
A 2024 study presented at the United European Gastroenterology congress by a group of Chinese researchers noted that a combination of chronic stress and anxiety has been linked to colorectal cancer in young people.
They explained when a body is under frequent stress, a number of healthy bacteria that live in the gut start dying off, making it easier for cancer to move in.
When the bacteria die off, tumors grow more quickly, leading to more aggressive, rapidly growing colorectal cancers.
Research from Trinity College in Ireland suggested these bacteria support the body's immune system, can protect against virus and bacteria, and prevent damage in gut cells.
Apart from this, chronic stress can lead to increased levels of cortisol and other stress hormones in the body that can promote cancer growth and its spread to various parts of the body.
A constant state of stress can also weaken the immune system's ability to effectively fight off cancer cells.
However, Dr Cuomo believes that there are ways to break free from all addictions and prevent cancer development in the body.
He said: 'The real threat is not a single cocktail or slice of cake. It is the craving that drives you back again and again.
'That craving is what wears down your body's defenses. I tell people to test their control. Start with one week of abstention. Not forever. Just seven days. That short reset reveals a lot.
'You learn what your body depends on. During that time, focus on physical recovery. Sleep deeply. Move your body. Eat real food.
'Spend time with people you trust. Addiction thrives in isolation. Recovery begins with reconnection.'
Additionally, Dr Cuomo suggested replacing the habit by engaging in some form of movement, such as taking regular walks.
