No one gets cancer on purpose. Yet, it's hard to find someone who the disease hasn't touched, whether they've personally received a cancer diagnosis or have a family member or friend who has.
The National Cancer Institute predicted that doctors would diagnose more than 2 million new cases of cancer in 2025, and more than 618,120 people would die from the disease. The most commonly diagnosed cancers are breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung and bronchus cancer, colon and rectum cancer and melanoma of the skin.
We haven't gotten the official National Cancer Institute report from 2025. Still, we do know that there are certain risk factors we can and cannot control. Your DNA? You can't change it, but genetics can increase your risk of some cancers, like breast cancer. Yet, you can take significant steps to lower your cancer odds, whether genetics are on your side or not. Think of core lifestyle habits, such as following a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
"It is vital to control your cancer risk because cancer is life-threatening and can shorten your lifespan," says Dr. Sandy Kotiah, MD, the director of The Neuroendocrine Tumor Center at Mercy in Baltimore. "Cancer is caused by damage to normal cells that cannot be repaired, so the cells lose control and continue to grow, causing failure of critical organs, such as the lungs and liver."
Instead, control what you can, including lowering your exposure to certain things that can raise your chances of developing cancer. Unsure where to start? Let's begin with this risk factor for cancers oncologists want people to take seriously.
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Take This One Common Cancer Risk Factor Seriously, Oncologists Beg
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Oncologists stress it's vital to monitor your exposure to smoke and tobacco products.
"Smoke from cigarettes, pipes and cigars has dangerous chemicals such as nicotine, benzene, arsenic, formaldehyde, among others, which damage the airways, blood vessels and heart," warns Dr. Amna Sher, MD, a medical oncologist at the Stony Brook Cancer Center. "These chemicals also damage the DNA, which can cause mutations and lead to cancer development".
Importantly, you don't need to smoke cigarettes or other tobacco products to have this cancer risk factor. The CDC estimates that 10% to 20% of the people diagnosed with lung cancer each year never smoked or smoked less than 100 cigarettes ever.
Secondhand smoke is one reason for this grim statistic. "Secondhand smoke leads to inhalation of dangerous chemicals, which are carcinogens and contribute to the development of lung cancer as well as breast cancer, nasal sinus cavity cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer in adults," Dr. Sher says.
Dr. Bradley Hiatt, DO, of Mission Cancer + Blood, a part of University of Iowa Health Care, says other ways you can get exposed to smoke sources are:
CampfiresGrillingFireplacesAutomobilesResearch also suggests that long-term wildfire exposure can increase cancer risk.
Related: The Popular Cooking Method Oncologists Are Begging People To Limit
While smoking exposure's effect on lung cancer is much discussed, Dr. Hiatt warns that it can also contribute to the following types of cancers:
Head and neckBladderEsophagealKidneyUreterStomachLiverCervical and ovarianBowelAcute myeloid leukemia"It’s commonly understood that smoking is a cause of lung cancer, but these additional types of cancer are why it is important for those who smoke and the providers who care for these individuals to be aware of them, so that appropriate screening can be performed," Dr. Hiatt says.
Oh, and smoking can also raise your risk for other chronic illnesses, like heart disease.
"The other important damage is to the blood vessels and causes accelerated cholesterol plaque buildup that leads to heart attacks and strokes," Dr. Kotiah explains.
Related: The 1 Type of Food Oncology Dietitians Are Begging Everyone To Eat More
How To Lower Your Risk
One of the best ways to lower your cancer odds is not to start smoking if you don't currently, the oncologists Parade spoke with say. Unfortunately, you can still develop different cancers, including lung cancer, from other forms of smoke exposure, such as secondhand inhalation. Dr. Kotiah suggests choosing smoke-free places to hang out and eat. You can also make your home a no-smoking zone.
"Avoid inhaling or being around someone actively smoking," Dr. Hiatt adds. "Be proactive in minimizing exposure to other forms of smoke."
As for avoiding other types of smoke, it can be helpful to limit your exposure to campfires and avoid building too many fires if you have a wood-burning fireplace. And grilling is a great summer activity, but try to make sure to take breaks from the grill when you can and avoid letting smoke blow directly in your face.
People who currently smoke can also take proactive steps to kick the habit for good.
"Your primary care or pulmonologist can prescribe nicotine or medications to help you quit smoking," Dr. Kotiah shares. "There is also 1-800-QUIT-NOW or Smokefree.gov. There are apps as well, such as quitSTART."
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Sources:
Dr. Sandy Kotiah, MD, the director of The Neuroendocrine Tumor Center at Mercy in BaltimoreDr. Bradley Hiatt, DO, of Mission Cancer + Blood, a part of the University of Iowa Health CareDr. Amna Sher, MD, a medical oncologist at the Stony Brook Cancer CenterCancer Statistics. National Cancer Institute.Lung Cancer Among People Who Never Smoked. CDC.Long-term health effects of wildfire exposure: A scoping review. Journal of Climate Change and Health.Hence then, the article about oncologists are begging people to take this one common cancer risk factor seriously was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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