Veteran singer Feng Fei Fei in better times.
"Why did I contract cancer?" is something that many cancer patients often wonder about themselves too. To many of them, cancer comes as a shock as they had led healthy lifestyles, ate a balanced diet and exercised regularly. What other factors might have caused cancer in a seemingly healthy person?
We all know
how harmful the substances of a cigarette are and what a major risk factor it
is for causing cancer. Inhaling them second hand doesn’t make them harmless.
Steer clear of smoking areas in public. If you live with a smoker, request that
the smoker not smoke indoors, or even better, have him/her quit.
Air Pollution
Studies
have shown that people exposed to large amount of diesel exhaust fumes at work
for many years can have a higher risk of contracting lung cancer by up to 47%.
In cities with high amounts of outdoor air pollution, the threat of illness is
very real. While you may not have much control over outdoor air pollution, you
can reduce the probability of illness by ensuring that your indoor environment
is clean, and do not engage in outdoor activity for prolonged durations.
Smoke from cooking
Regular
inhalation of smoke from cooking can increase risk of lung cancer, even more so
if you use charcoal. Cook in an airy kitchen, and open the windows so that the
smoke can disseminate.
Genetics / Family history in lung cancer
As
mentioned in my previous post, cancer is hereditary. If you have a family
member who’s had lung cancer, especially a first-degree relative (parents,
siblings, offspring), do go for regular check-ups. Early detection can save
your life.
Previous lung affliction
Having a
disease that has caused the formation of scar tissue in the lungs, such as
Tuberculosis, may be a risk factor for a type of lung cancer called adenocarcinoma
of the lung.
To date, it has been
determined that certain factors cause an increase the risk of cancer, but there
has been no confirmed causes for cancer, which makes the treatment and
prevention of cancer so difficult. Cancer is unpredictable, and it is
wisest to go for regular health check-ups, while maintaining a healthy and
balanced lifestyle to minimise the risks.
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