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Factors Influencing Cancer Development

The number of cancer patients worldwide is increasing. Some pessimistic estimates suggest that nearly 40% of men and women in developed countries will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. (1) Although there are continual new discoveries in cancer research, treatments and potential cures, reality still shows the same trend — cancer is becoming more common and your risk is high […]

The only real way to beat cancer is prevention — no one else can do this for you! The real challenge is that a cancer-prevention plan cannot be made "generally" for everyone. Tasks must be tailored differently for each person. Take control and eliminate the risk factors from your life!

The first step is to get to know the risk factors for tumor development. From this you can understand which ones apply to you and make the decisions and changes that will reduce your risks.

I have compiled quite a few factors that are considered important in tumor development. According to professional data, these influence tumor formation both individually and together.

I highlighted in red those you should definitely avoid and in green those that are beneficial and help prevention.

Genetic predisposition and cancer

Cancer is a genetic mutation, therefore your genes and cancers occurring in your family reveal a lot about your risks. (2, 3, 4) For example, if your great-grandmother had breast cancer, she might have passed the "bad" gene to your grandmother, from whom your mother and finally you inherited it. However, just because someone in your family had cancer does not mean you will definitely get it. You have a risk, but many other factors influence whether it will actually become active.

There are more than a hundred known inheritable "cancer genes" and the presence of any of them helps determine the risk of developing various types of cancer. You can now have genetic testing to find out if you carry any known cancer genes. If you have a high risk (cases of cancer in your family), it is worth having the test.

Unfortunately, you cannot change your DNA to reduce those risks. However, you can take steps to eliminate the other risk factors.

Important to know: studies show that with an appropriate lifestyle cancer may not appear even if cancer genes are otherwise proven to be present!!!

That is, genetic predisposition to cancer can be overridden by a healthy lifestyle! I would add that lifestyle not only protects against cancers but also against the vast majority of modern diseases.

Beneficial bacteria and the gut flora

More and more research highlights the importance of a healthy gut: the balance of "good" bacteria versus (ideally very few) "bad" bacteria, linked to cancer and other diseases. A decrease in beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract is associated with increased inflammation, which is known to raise cancer risk. In the digestive system there are three main areas where, without an appropriate proportion of beneficial bacteria, the chances of inflammation and tumor development will increase.

1. Oral cavity

It is known that the natural bacterial flora in the mouth contributes to the production of certain anti-inflammatory substances that can help prevent cancer. There is a close connection between poor oral hygiene and several cancers (for example, oral or gastrointestinal cancers). Proper oral hygiene usually prevents bad infections and maintains the right balance of bacteria in your mouth. (5)

2. Upper digestive tract

A decrease in the number of important digestive bacteria is linked to an increased likelihood of esophageal and stomach cancers. Low bacterial counts are also associated with esophageal diseases and inflammations, which also increase cancer risk. (6)

3. Intestines

A reduction of beneficial bacteria in the gut can be accompanied by inflammation and an increased risk of colon cancer. Inflammation causes chronic diseases such as colitis, which raise the risk of colon cancer and other lower gastrointestinal cancers. (7, 8, 9)

Research shows that a diet rich in pre- and probiotic foods can help preserve the digestive organs and gut bacteria, and help prevent chronic diseases involving gastrointestinal inflammation, thereby reducing the risk of cancer. Some studies have also proven that beneficial bacteria can not only counteract diet-related causes of cancer, but also offset genetic predispositions. (10)

Beneficial bacteria can be found in foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi (Korean fermented cabbage), kefir, kombucha (a kind of fungus culture), certain yogurts and most other fermented foods, or can be supplemented as dietary supplements.

Processed and red meats

Most Hungarians will probably react to the following information. A few years ago the World Health Organization classified processed meats and red meats as carcinogenic. Processed meats include, for example:

hot dogs, ham, bacon, sausage, certain cold cuts

Red meats include:

beef, pork, lamb, goat, game meats.

Essentially any meat treated for flavoring or preservation (smoked, salted, cured or fermented) was included. (11) While small and infrequent consumption of such meats is not harmful, daily consumption increases the risk of cancer. (11) One problem with red and processed meats is that meat eaters often eat fewer fruits and vegetables, which play a fundamental role in preventing cancer.

The largest international study, the so-called China Study, examined American and Chinese populations and clearly showed that tumors occur almost exclusively among those whose diets exceed 10% animal-derived foods. By contrast, tumor occurrence is negligible among those who follow predominantly plant-based diets! Similar correlations were found for all "modern" diseases, such as atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, dementia, diabetes, etc.

The study clearly demonstrated that those who follow predominantly plant-based diets have orders of magnitude lower disease risk!

This is a real shock for fans of traditional Hungarian cuisine. However, you should also know that Hungary has one of the highest rates of cancer (globally). You can bury your head in the sand, but I am fully convinced that the Hungarian lifestyle and dietary habits, including the foods, lead to the high rate of cancer!

According to the World Health Organization, everyone should consume meat products at most once or twice a week. Even then prepared healthily and served with a variety of fresh or steamed vegetables (and not with oil-dripping fries).

I recommend striving to avoid meats altogether, but in any case keep their share under 10% of your diet. (12)

Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables are one of the best sources of glucosinolates, indoles and isothiocyanates. These oddly named molecules alter the function or metabolism of sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone and progesterone) in ways that inhibit the development of hormone-sensitive cancers. (13) Cruciferous vegetables (for example broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts) are your good friends! If you eat them regularly, they will help against cancerous mutations.

Antioxidants

Cancer is driven by free radicals and reactive oxygen species, which occur naturally in the body during chemical reactions or when exposed to environmental toxins. Antioxidants and other free-radical-scavenging substances prevent DNA and cell membrane damage by neutralizing and removing these molecules, reducing the risk of cancer. (12, 14)

Your body can produce several of its own antioxidants, but there are some it cannot. Therefore it is crucial that your daily diet includes essential antioxidants and antioxidant-functioning nutrients. (12, 15)

E vitamin: almonds, spinach, sweet potato, avocado
Vitamin C: orange, red pepper, kale, Brussels sprouts
Carotenoids: carrot, sweet potato, dark leafy greens, tomato
Selenium: Brazil nuts, yellowfin tuna, flatfish, sardines
Folate: lentils, legumes, avocado, dark green vegetables

If you do not consume enough antioxidants, your body cannot compensate for oxidative damage caused by free radicals, increasing the risk of cancer and other diseases.

Sun exposure

Researchers are unanimous: whether you tan on the beach or in a tanning salon, it is harmful to you.

Even the slightest tanning indicates damage to the skin cells caused by the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation or tanning-bed lights. If you burn, that's especially bad. UV rays not only accelerate premature skin aging (for example wrinkles), but also increase the risk of melanoma or skin cancer. (16)

Although vitamin D from the sun is important for your health, you can achieve it without the cell damage caused by "overexposure" to sunlight. Vitamin D is synthesized only from UVB rays, whereas tanning salons mostly emit UVA. (17) People who use tanning beds before age 35 have a 75% higher chance of developing skin cancer, and UV radiation causes 90% of melanomas. (16, 17).

Protect yourself from skin cancer: do not sunbathe, especially avoid strong UV exposure.

Vitamin D

More and more studies point out that people living in southern climates with higher vitamin D levels have lower cancer incidence. (18)

The best way to achieve adequate vitamin D intake is by synthesizing it in our skin from the sun's UVB rays. Of course, this is not so simple knowing that excessive sunlight can cause cancer and this is further complicated by the fact that people living at northern latitudes do not see the sun for more than half the year. Fortunately, adequate vitamin D levels are achievable without hours of sunbathing. If you have fair skin, usually ten to fifteen minutes in the sun is enough, up to a maximum of one hour to reach the proper level. More time is only necessary for darker skin. If you spend longer outdoors, wear sun-protective clothing and a hat and use sunscreen. In cold climates daytime sunbathing is not an option. In these cases, vitamin D can be supplied with vitamin D–rich foods or supplements in autumn and winter months.

Office or indoor work followed by sitting at home in front of the TV does not favor collecting UVB rays and thus producing protective vitamin D against tumors.

Suggestion: spend an hour outdoors daily. Walk, do Nordic walking, jog, or cycle.

Sedentary lifestyle

Daily sitting is as harmful to you as smoking. A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of many chronic diseases (including cancer). (20, 21) Time spent in passive activities (sitting at work, driving, reading, watching TV, etc.) particularly increases the risk of ovarian, prostate, endometrial and breast cancers. (20, 21)

Regular exercise is very important in reducing cancer risk, but if you spend the other 15 hours of your day sitting, it won't do as much good as you think. In addition to regular workouts, it is important to incorporate other movement into your daily routine: walk at lunch, get off the bus a few stops earlier, park farther away, and walk or bike where possible. The less time you spend sitting, the better! (12)

Overweight and obesity

In developed countries overweight and obesity account for about 20% of all diagnosed cancer cases and high body mass is responsible for one in five cancer deaths. Excess body fat increases cancer risk.

Among other effects it influences: (12, 22)

immune system function and increased inflammation
hormone levels (especially insulin and estrogen)
factors that regulate cell growth
proteins that affect how the body produces and uses sex hormones

Losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of developing cancer.

Refined sugars

Sugar has a very bad reputation in the media lately, having replaced fats in the "most devilish" food competition. In reality not all sugars are bad. (For example natural fruit sugars are not.) Your body needs sugar to function properly, but it should not come from refined crystal sugar or white flour.

Some research suggests that sugar in the body causes rapid tumor growth. There is some evidence that large amounts of sugar may contribute to certain cancers, but most such claims have not been sufficiently studied or proven. Nevertheless, there is a correlation between people who consume a lot of refined sugar and those who are overweight/obese. As already mentioned, overweight increases cancer risk. (23, 24)

Foods high in refined, highly processed sugar generally contain very few useful nutrients, are calorie-dense and often include other hidden harmful additives. Diets rich in refined sugars and processed foods also increase the likelihood of inflammation in the body, which we know contributes to chronic diseases and cancer. (25)

Cut refined, processed sugary foods from your diet, lose excess weight and thereby reduce your cancer risk!

Inflammation

Inflammation underlies almost every chronic disease: diabetes, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and so on. The same is true for cancer. Infections and other long-term inflammations are directly linked to tissue damage and cancer development. (25) If you reduce the risk of infections and illnesses, inflammation and cancer risk will also decrease.

Most chronic inflammations are due to poor lifestyle choices. As mentioned earlier, highly processed foods, refined sugars and carbohydrates, and foods with processed and unhealthy fats all cause inflammation in the body.

Fortunately there are anti-inflammatory foods that help reduce cancer risk. These foods include:

vegetables and fruits
spices such as ginger, cinnamon and turmeric
herbs such as oregano
teas
omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts and seeds

Carcinogens

There are hundreds of known and probable carcinogens in your everyday environment.

Workplace toxins

Some people are exposed to more known and dangerous carcinogens because of their occupation than others.

People working in industrial sectors such as construction, metalworking, manufacturing, landscaping, agriculture, transportation (driving or flying), and even those working with cosmetics (hairdressers, beauticians) come into contact with numerous toxic chemicals. Asbestos, diesel exhaust, hydrocarbons, formaldehyde, arsenic and different types of radiation are just a few environmental toxins known to cause cancer.

Household toxins

Even if you don't work in the dangerous workplaces above, you are still exposed to many chemicals before you even leave your home. Chemicals and toxins are found in household items such as detergents, cleaners, air fresheners, cosmetics and shampoos, not to mention radiation from phones and other devices.

By following the next advice you can limit contact with harmful chemicals (27, 28)

use only natural and organic cleaners and detergents
use natural, organic cosmetics
consume organic foods and organically raised meat
use natural air fresheners
use organic shampoo and conditioner
limit mobile phone use and do not keep your phone in your pocket or directly on your body
if you have an air purifier, change its filter regularly
drink filtered water
limit the use of plastic and aluminum

These are just some steps you can take to reduce your and your family's exposure to harmful chemicals and pollution. (27, 28)

X-rays and CT scans

X-rays and gamma rays are known carcinogens and high doses cause cancer. This is observed in people who experienced nuclear accidents or wars, those who underwent radiation therapy, and in some occupations such as uranium mining. (29)

The effects of the lower doses received in X-ray procedures and CT scans require more research. Although in most cases the benefits outweigh the risks, there are limits on how many X-rays and CT scans certain body parts can receive. Once these thresholds are reached, some procedures can no longer be performed. (29)

In our country it is common practice to "prescribe" X-ray exams almost without limits. I know people who somehow persuade doctors to give them some X-ray exam every month — and they get it. Because there is no unified patient database and image archive, doctors can be played off against each other. If one doctor won’t order a requested test, you go to the next who will. Especially if a small envelope is involved...

With this flood of X-ray exams, you harm not only the healthcare budget but also yourself.

Ultrasound and MRI are safe alternatives to X-rays and CT scans, although they cannot be applied in every case, so there remain situations when X-ray and CT are the chosen solutions. (30)

Unprotected sex and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Sexually transmitted infections, primarily HPV (human papillomavirus) acquired through unprotected sex, can lead to cervical cancer in women and penile cancer in men. (31)

Condoms and safe sex can protect against HPV, but women are advised to go for regular screenings. There is a vaccine available for HPV: if you haven't received it, discuss the risks and options with your doctor so you can make an informed decision about whether vaccination is appropriate. (32)

Smoking and alcohol

Currently smoking is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths. Besides nicotine, there are many toxic chemicals in cigarettes. Even occasional or social smoking increases cancer risk.

There are no shortcuts: if you want to drastically reduce your cancer risk, do not smoke, not even passively. (33)

Alcohol consumption — especially excessive — also increases the chances of mouth, throat, esophageal, laryngeal, liver and breast cancers. (34)

Although some information exists that certain alcoholic beverages, like red wine, contain beneficial substances, there is currently no widely accepted evidence that red wine helps prevent cancer.

Reduce cancer risk by limiting alcohol intake and when you drink, avoid sugary, calorie-dense drinks.

Summary

The best way to prevent cancer is to try to avoid harmful exposures and apply the beneficial ones.

It is important to always live a complete and enjoyable life! A healthy lifestyle is not self-denial, but rather awareness.

It is never too late to reduce your own and your family's cancer risk.

As a parent you have a serious responsibility for your children's potential future cancer, because children learn their dietary and lifestyle patterns from you!

If you follow a "self-endangering" lifestyle in terms of tumors and teach it to your child, you "inherit" the risk of cancer to them through family habits.

Spread this information and set an example so that the number of tumors can decrease.

Scientific publications on the topic

(1) https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics
(2) http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v505/n7483/abs/nature12981.html
(3) http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1357303915002686
(4) https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/mutationsanddisorders/predisposition
(5) http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3402/jom.v2i0.5195?scroll=top&needAccess=true
(6) http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/23/5/735.short
(7) http://www.nature.com/nrmicro/journal/v12/n10/full/nrmicro3344.html
(8) http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673603124890
(9) http://science.sciencemag.org/content/338/6103/120
(10) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.28702/full
(11) https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/world-health-organization-says-processed-meat-causes-cancer.html
(12) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/canjclin.52.2.92/full
(13) http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043661807000321
(14) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4671175/
(15) http://dairy.ifas.ufl.edu/rns/2007/McDowell.pdf
(16) http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/tanning
(17) https://www.melanoma.org/understand-melanoma/preventing-melanoma/why-is-tanning-dangerous
(18) https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/vitamin-d-fact-sheet
(19) https://www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vitamin-d/how-do-i-get-the-vitamin-d-my-body-needs/
(20) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21421743
(21) http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/cebp/19/11/2691.full.pdf
(22) https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/obesity-fact-sheet
(23) http://www.cancer.ca/en/prevention-and-screening/be-aware/cancer-myths-and-controversies/sugar-and-cancer/?region=on
(24) http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-causes/ART-20044714?pg=2
(25) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1994795/
(26) http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/carcinogen_occupation.html
(27) http://www.cancer.ca/en/prevention-and-screening/be-aware/harmful-substances-and-environmental-risks/?region=on
(28) https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/general-info/known-and-probable-human-carcinogens.html
(29) https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/radiation-exposure/x-rays-gamma-rays/do-xrays-and-gamma-rays-cause-cancer.html
(30) https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/radiation-exposure/x-rays-gamma-rays/avoiding-exposure.html
(31) https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/stds/conditioninfo/pages/cancer.aspx
(32) http://www.hpv.com.au/can-hpv-be-prevented.aspx
(33) https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/tobacco/cessation-fact-sheet
(34) https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/alcohol
(35) http://theheartysoul.com/

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