Nearly Half of All Cancers Caused By Lifestyle, Report Says
New research shows almost half of all cancers are the direct result of lifestyle.
The report released by the British Journal of Cancer identified various factors as potentially cancer causing and found gender determines risk levels.
Tanning beds, alcohol, tobacco and even exposure to hormones were all among those factors posing health risks.
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The research considered different types of cancer, and assessed the risk in males and females separately.
The report suggests men generally have a significantly higher risk of developing cancer through alcohol and tobacco use than women.
When researches looked at the effects of exposure to sun and tanning beds, women were identified as being at higher risk of developing skin cancer.
Regarding obesity, women are at higher risks, with breast cancer in particular being associated with weight.
Lack of fruit and vegetables and lack of exercise were also recognized as causes of cancer (particularly esophageal cancer), which was more prevalent in men.
Overall the findings suggest that those who lead healthier lifestyles are at less risk of developing Cancer.
While this may be common knowledge for some, it should be noted that a healthy lifestyle does not automatically prevent the disease.
Unfortunately many people do not always understand cancer, and those at risk are often stereotyped.
Lung Cancer is a prime example, as critics often refer to it as a smoker's disease, which can be misleading for non-smokers.
Although smoking can undeniably attribute to lung cancer, research has previously shown that a significant number of non-smokers are also at risk.
"Each year, over 170,000 Americans develop lung cancer, and approximately ten per cent of lung cancers, or 17,000 cases, occur in non-smokers," according to doctors from medicinenet.com.
Asbestos and air pollution have been identified as other causes of lung cancer, and experts are urging more people to become more aware of their lifestyles and environment.
