Cancer, the deadly killer seems to be lurking in all corners waiting to pounce on the first victim it chances upon. There is nothing that can be done about the genetic causes of cancer; however, there are a lot of factors that can be changed to prevent cancer.
Devra Davis, an epidemiologist has come out with a new book titled ‘The Secret History of the War on Cancer’. The book focuses on attacking the root causes of cancer and explains in detail several environmental and lifestyle factors that cause this deadly disease. The author who lost both her parents to cancer says that the government should be focusing on the preventive steps rather than spend billions of dollars on research for cancer cure.
Cell phones: It’s hard to imagine life without cell phones, however frequent use of the cell phones could cause cancer. Cellular phones emit radiofrequency (RF) energy, a form of radiation. Because hand-held cellular telephones are used close to the head, there is concern that the RF energy produced by these devices may affect the brain and nervous system tissue in the head. Researchers have focused on whether RF energy can cause malignant (cancerous) brain tumors such as gliomas (cancers of the brain that begin in the glial cells, which are cells that surround and support nerve cells), as well as benign (non-cancerous) tumors, such as acoustic neuromas (tumors that arise in the cells of the nerve that supplies the ear) and meningiomas (tumors that occur in the meninges, which are the membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord)
Diagnostic X-rays: While X-rays are meant to save lives by detecting tumors, injuries or diseases, the risk of cancer increases with a person’s exposure to the diagnostic x-rays. The risk depends on the age of exposure, sex and the amount of radiation dose, which means that children are more at risk when they are exposed to x-rays. Women are more likely to bee affected than men with the same amount of exposure.
Pesticides: While the awareness of organic food is increasing, not every one is consuming them. Most of the foods sprayed with pesticides have contaminants that may pose a carcinogenic risk. These chemicals break down slowly so they can accumulate in the environment. They could eventually find their way up the food chain and of course, our tummies. Not only that, the farmers who spray these pesticides are at an equal risk of getting affected.
Smoking and Alcohol: There is surely no need to explain that these habits cause cancer not only to those addicted to smoking but also those who are around them through passive smoking. What begins as little indulgences ends up in addiction and eventually wrecks the families of the addicts.
Well, the lists of such environmental and lifestyle causes are endless. Now that you are armed with the information, take small preventive steps instead of waiting for the government to take measures and read Devra Davis’s new book on how you can fight your war against cancer.
After all, it’s your life and you just have one!
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