Cancer Fighting Foods
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We know with considerable certainty that tobacco is a major contributor to cancer. There are considerable risks of cancer through exposure to ionising radiation like cosmic rays, radon and X-rays and occupational exposure to toxic substances like arsenic, asbestos and benzidine. There are more than 80,000 chemicals used in the production of consumer goods but no one knows for certain the threshold for humans. Phthalates (industrial chemicals) are found in shower curtains, garden hoses, table cloths, vinyl flooring, swimming pools, plastic clothing, children’s toys, automobile upholstery, carpets, capsules, soap, shampoo, hair spray, nail polish, deodorants and fragrances. They are associated with lower sperm counts, the feminization of male genitalia in male foetuses, childhood asthma, reduced lung capacity. Similarly, BPA (Bisphenol A) chemicals are found in some water bottles, baby bottles, food storage and heating containers, the lining of metal food cans, dental sealants and toys. BPA has been known to simulate oestrogen and is associated with cancer and diabetes. Polybrominated diphenyl ether is another class of chemicals found in furniture foam, textiles, kitchen appliances, electronics like TVs and computer monitors and in the fat of some food animals. These are associated with birth defects, cancer; neonatal exposure affects learning and memory.
Physical Inactivity (Sedentary Lifestyle)
Physical inactivity is pretty clearly related to cancers of the colon, breast, prostate, colorectal, lung, ovarian and endometrial.
Sunburn
Exposure to excessive amounts of ultraviolet A and B radiation (UVA and UVB) from sunlight significantly increases the risk of skin cancers including the most dangerous type malignant melanoma. Sunburn and tanned skin indicate overexposure to UVA and UVB radiation.
Infections
Certain viral infections may increase the risk of cancer. Human pappiloma virus (HPV) is linked to cancer of the cervix. Hepatitis B increases the risk of liver cancer. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) increases the risk of tumours, especially Kaposi’s sarcoma and lymphoma, possibly due to a secondary viral infection. Tropical disease schistosomiasis can cause bladder cancer. The bacterium H. Pylori is an important risk factor in stomach cancer. A study carried out by the university of California has found that a minor cut on the skin may rouse dormant cancer cells into forming a tumour.
Graveyard (Night) Shifts
Recent research has found higher risks of breast and prostate cancer among women and men whose workday starts after dark. World Health Organisation has accepted overnight shift work as a probable carcinogen. Scientists suspect that overnight work is dangerous because it disrupts the circadian rhythm, the body’s biological clock. The hormone melatonin (sleep inducer), which can suppress tumour development is normally produced at night in the darkness. Light shuts down melatonin production, so people working in artificial light at night may have lower melatonin levels. Sleep deprivation may be another factor in cancer risk. Not getting enough sleep makes your immune system vulnerable to attack, and less able to fight off potentially cancerous cells. Confusing your body’s natural rhythm can also lead to a breakdown of other essential body tasks. Certain processes like cell division and DNA repair happen at regular times. Even worse than working an overnight permanent shift is flipping between daytime and overnight work. The problem is resetting your body’s clock. The balance between light and dark is very important for your body — just get a dark night’s quality sleep.
