Did you know many factors can up your cancer risk beyond smoking and diet? Macmillan Cancer Support experts tell us it’s not always clear-cut why one person gets cancer and someone else doesn’t. Even with risk factors, it’s not a guarantee you’ll develop the disease. But here’s the kicker—around 40% of cancers could potentially be avoided with healthier lifestyle choices.
So, what’s on the radar? Apart from the usual suspects like smoking and poor diet, it’s about age, family history, environment, and even jobs you’ve had in the past. Did you once work with asbestos or soak up too much sun? These could play a part. Exposure to the harmful substance asbestos is especially sneaky, with jobs in construction, shipbuilding, and boiler making being some of the most affected.
But don’t fret! Awareness is the first step toward protection. If you’re planning that sunny getaway, remember to shield yourself from too much sun exposure. It provides vital Vitamin D but can increase skin cancer risk if you’re not careful. Cover up with clothes that block sunlight, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarised sunglasses. Opt for shade when possible and slather on SPF 30+ suncream, ensuring it protects against UVA and UVB rays.
And a quick tip for sun-kissed skin lovers: reach for fake tan products instead of sunbeds to get that glow safely.
Other little-known risk factors include certain chemicals, UV radiation, air pollution, and even low immunity. If your body’s natural defenses are down, cancers like lymphoma or those caused by viruses like HPV might be more of a risk. So, keep informed, make conscious choices, and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Stay safe, savvy and sun-smart!
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