All types of cancer are caused by the genetic mutations and damage due to these mutations of our nucleic acids-DNA. But in order to address cancer cases in individuals, there are many other reasons which lead to cancer in a human being. For example, one of the major reasons for cancer is genetic inheritance; traits transferred from one generation to another. Other causes are of external nature which is linked to factors like environment and food we eat.

In the United States, cancer is ranked as the second most fatal disease which causes death of individuals. The nature of this disease includes mutations and overproduction of certain cells i.e. tumors that act like toxic intruders to the human body and leading it to destruction. It is true that there are many causes of cancer which are beyond human control like genetic mutations caused by inheritance or the changes which the human body undergoes in a lifetime. But there are still a large number of reasons which can be dealt with by our efforts and precautions to reduce the chances of cancer, just like avoiding carcinogens from entering into our body and eating stuff which is light and healthy.

Sugar

In 2017, a paper released by Johan Thevelian, a biological researcher of Belgium stated that high consumption of sugar leads to the stimulation of the cells that cause cancer which further extends to a dangerous cycle of reproduction of these cells. Any sweet-tasting, soluble carbs are referred to as sugar. It can be of two types- The first is Monosaccharides or simple sugar. This can include fructose, glucose, and galactose. The other type is compound sugar, also known as double sugars and Disaccharides. It comprises two molecules of sugar combined. For your information, compound sugars first need to be broken down into simple sugar, and then it is absorbed into our body’s bloodstream.

In our everyday life, we consume a variety of sugars. From sucrose, which is a combination of fructose and glucose, to lactose, in which galactose and glucose are combined, and maltose, a combination of glucose and glucose. So each of our body cells uses blood sugar or glucose for energy. However, cancer cells use around 200 times more glucose than normal cells. If there’ a tumor in the flat, thin squamous cells in the lungs, the cells will start gobbling up even more glucose. It happens because vast amounts of sugar are required for the growth of cancerous cells. Research suggests that sugary and sweetened drinks can increase the risk of cancer by 70%. In 2017, a paper released by Johan Thevelian, a biological researcher of Belgium, stated that high sugar consumption leads to the stimulation of the cells that cause cancer, further extending to a dangerous cycle of reproduction of these cells.

Processed foods

The second element in the list of foods, which cause cancer is processed food or canned food. Canned food refers to food items in a plastic or steel packing to preserve for more extended periods. Research reveals that several lifestyle factors, including what we eat, are among the modifiable and crucial cancer risk factors. For instance, a 2019 study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) identified a possible link between processed foods and cancer.

This study used the term ‘ultra-processed foods’ instead of processed foods, but both terms more or less refer to the same kind of food, which lacks essential vitamins and fiber and contained a high amount of fat, sugar, and salt. In many developed countries, processed foods comprise at least half of the nation’s daily energy intake, which is an alarming sign. That’s because not just cancer, processed foods can promote obesity, which in itself can cause a variety of health issues, including cardiovascular disease.

According to the BMJ study, a 10% rise in the ultra-processed food portion in our daily diet can increase the risk of several types of cancers by 12% and 11% risk for breast cancer. Some French Scientists report that people who consume such foods are likely to get cancer disease. Although the reasons are still vague, like whether the sterilization process which canned food undergoes is the cause of cancer or the plastic or steel packaging is causing this.

Smoking

Smoking has long been labeled as the root cause of cancer, especially lung cancer for individuals. It is because of the cancerous materials-carcinogens which a cigarette contains. However, recent studies show that people who are not smokers but are subjected to second-hand smoking can also develop the chance of cancer. A report from the disease and control center indicates that second-hand smokers have a 20-30 percent probability of developing cancer.

It is a proven fact that smoking is a leading cause of most types of lung cancers. However, the adverse effects of smoking aren’t only restricted to the person who smokes but pass on to the people exposed to second-hand smoke. It happens because the cancer-causing substances in tobacco, called carcinogens, damage the cells that line the lungs. So as soon as cigarette smoke is inhaled, it starts causing unfavorable changes in the lung tissue.

Initially, our body can repair this damage. Over time, and with repeated exposure to carcinogens, the cells lining the lungs are damaged entirely, and they start acting abnormally, which may lead to cancer. For your information, cigarette smoke releases more than 5000 chemicals. Most of them are incredibly harmful to human health and even the environment. Cigarette smoke can cause 70 different types of cancer, and the toxic chemical can damage DNA beyond repair.

Vaping can also be termed under this category

Vaping or e-cigarette is a new phenomenon compared to smoking, and because of that, there are few pieces of research conducted on the after-effects of vaping. Some research conducted on mice shows that vaping can prove even more dangerous than smoking in promoting cell growth in both lungs and mouth. These cigarettes run on batteries. It creates a smoking-like experience by heating nicotine, flavorings, or other chemicals and converts them into a vapor, which the user/smoker can breathe. There’s little doubt that vaping is as harmful as cigarette smoking. Most cancer-causing chemicals are a part of the vapor you breathe in. These include heavy metals, formaldehyde, and other similar toxins that get stuck in your lungs’ deepest parts.

Moreover, vape puts nicotine in your bloodstream through the lungs, which happens without the involvement of tar or smoke of a regular cigarette. If you use flavored e-cigarettes, many other harmful chemicals will enter your body.  One such chemical found in vape flavoring is Diacetyl. It is a buttery-flavored chemical associated with a chronic lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans, also called popcorn lung. A professor from the University of North Carolina Lung institute has shown in his studies that vaping can disrupt lungs’ immunity and make them upset.

Tanning and unprotected sun exposure

The fifth element in the list is not a food item but a habit. We usually expose ourselves to sunlight for long hours, thinking it can increase our vitamin D, but instead of increasing Vitamin D, it can cause cancer. A report from the Foundation of Skin Cancer shows that people who expose their bodies to the sun before 35 have 75% chances of developing melanoma. Usually, we associate a glowing complexion with good health. However, changing your skin color through prolonged sun exposure or using tanning products can be detrimental to your health because it accelerates aging effects and increases skin cancer risk.

Wondering why? That’s because extended sun exposure can cause many undesired and health-harmful skin changes. Over time, the U.V. (ultraviolet) rays from the sun damage the skin fiber called elastin. A breakdown of these fibers causes the skin to sag, stretch, and lose its elasticity. It also increases skin pigment known as melanin. It causes the skin to tan and damages it. Moreover, you will notice that after years of tanning, your skin will become prone to tears and bruises more than usual. And it will take much longer to heal. The damages may not be apparent while you are young, but they will occur at some point in life.

Arsenic

Arsenic is a harmful material that can also result in cancer. It is found abundantly in Earth’s crust just like silicon and carbon. This material is highly toxic for human health and a cancer-causing agent too. It is noted that mainly Arsenic enters the human body from drinking contaminated water.  World Health Organization reported that nearly 140 million people on Earth are drinking water full of Arsenic. The main reason behind this is insufficient water resources and mismanagement of these resources. Arsenic is a natural element found in soil, rock, water, plants, animals, and air. We may get exposed to arsenic as it is always present in the environment in varying proportions. It is particularly associated with areas where agricultural activities are commonplace, or industries are located.

It is generally found in pure form as a grey-colored steel metal, but usually, arsenic is part of chemical compounds. Inorganic compounds are primarily found in building products, pressure-treated woods, and even arsenic-contaminated water. It is the consumption of arsenic-contaminated water that is highly associated with the risk of cancer. Inorganic arsenic compounds damage our body’s DNA repair mechanism and increase the frequency of chromosomal aberrations among exposed patients and workers, leading to lung and skin cancer.

Exposure to inorganic arsenic compounds is common in smelter workers or those engaged in manufacturing and usage of arsenic-containing pesticides. Tobacco and wine also have high concentrations of arsenic.

Charred Grilling Meat

Barbecue and grilled meat cooked over an open flame is also a reason people develop cancer. This is because meat and fat contain different carbon compounds like heterocyclic amines, aromatic compounds, and PAHs. These compounds, when burned, form toxic chemicals which are not suitable for health. A report published by the NCI pointed out that meat or fat can be a source of cancer when cooked in open flames. Lab tests have shown that this type of meat, when eaten, can mutate DNA. Consuming charred, well-done, and smoked meat can increase the risk of pancreatic, prostate, and colorectal cancers. According to the findings of a review study from 2010 by Vanderbilt University researchers, “high intake of well-done meat and high exposure to meat carcinogens, particularly HCAs, may increase the risk of human cancer.”

Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are also called heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs). Both terms refer to a class of chemicals formed in cooked red meat to a great extent and a lesser extent in fish and poultry. When fat drips into the grill, it creates flames, which, when touching the food, cover it with another cancer-causing chemical called polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Coal

Coal, a carbon compound, can also lead to cancer for a person who regularly deals with it. A large amount of data and patients have shown that coal can develop cancer in the lungs, bladder, and stomach. The more a nation relies on coal-based power plants for energy creation, the higher the risk of lung cancer in the population, revealed a study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health published in 2019 in the Environmental Health journal.

Researchers evaluated data collected between 2000 and 2016 and examined around 13,581 coal-fired plants located in 83 countries. They used a metric called coal capacity per person to analyze the impact of coal on human health. This metric referred to the annual amount of coal-fired plant’s energy generating capacity in 83 countries. The number was then divided by the country’s total population.

Results revealed that for every one-kilowatt increase in coal capacity per person by the coal-fired plant, the relative lung cancer risk increased by 85% among females and 59% among males. Usually, studies on health risks associated with coal-fired energy plants focus on fine particulate matter levels that the plants generate. It is typically connected with air pollution, leading to lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and shorter life expectancy. However, for the first time, in the study from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the focus was not the particulate matter but how the plant affected citizens’ health in the long term.

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption is the root cause of many diseases. It can destroy your liver, your intestines, your bladder and can develop tumors too. According to a National Institute of Cancer report, the number of glasses/shots of alcohol consumed by a person is directly proportional to cancer chances. The more a person drinks, the more chances he/she has of developing cancer.

A survey of 60,000 drinkers conducted in 2018 has shown that people who drink often have developed all kinds of cancer. Another similar study also indicates that one out of four deaths of drinkers over age 50 is caused by cancer. Alcohol can cause cancer by some of the harmful toxins it contains, as pure alcohol or ethanol has a toxic by-product called acetaldehyde, which damages cells by sticking to the DNA and forcing the cells to replicate incorrectly.

Furthermore, alcohol can cause direct tissue damage, which leads to the absorption of other carcinogens. It can influence hormonal balance and change the way cells grow and divide. So, alcohol can cause cancer by damaging body cells and affecting their ability to auto repair. It increases the levels of hormones like insulin and oestrogen. Their high levels allow the cells to divide more frequently, raising the chances of cancer cells developing.

Another way alcohol can cause cancer is by allowing the cells in our mouth and throat to absorb harmful chemicals, making it easier for cancer-causing substances to invade the cells and cause damage.

Diesel exhaust

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, diesel oil has over 30 of those components that are found to be responsible for cancer. For your information, diesel is a type of fuel. It is derived from crude oil and used in large engines, such as buses, trucks, trains, farm or construction equipment, ships, generators, and some heavy-duty cars. Diesel exhaust is made up of two parts- soot/particulate and gases. These two parts are made up of different substances.

The gas part of diesel exhaust comprises carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, hydrocarbons such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and sulfur oxides. On the other hand, the soot part of diesel exhaust contains particles like organic materials, including PAHs, carbon, and metallic compound traces. So, both parts of the diesel exhaust contain PAHs.

Diesel exhaust brings a complicated mixture of gases and soot to cities, particularly roadways, farms, and other places. Hence, it is associated with various health risks, which aren’t only limited to cancer. It can also cause lung and heart diseases. People may get exposed to diesel engine exhaust at work, while at home, and traveling as they can breathe in the soot and gases. Diesel exhaust exposure is widespread in the developed world.

Salt-cured meat or fish and pickled foods

Salt-cured meat, especially fish, a regular diet of Chinese people, can also develop cancer. Virtually every culture on Earth has a pickling tradition. Although pickling methods can vary, people generally use a combination of salt, oil, or vinegar to encourage fermentation and preserve the food beyond its growing season. For instance, in the USA, cabbage and cucumber are pickled and served 4 lbs per person. In fact, in the USA, they are considered a condiment.

However, in most other countries, such as Japan, China, Turkey, and Korea, pickled foods are part of everyday meals. These countries primarily rely on fermented veggies, soy products, fruits, and even meat as their main meals. These are instead a dietary mainstay as people eat them daily for a minimum of 9 months to up to 12 months a year.

U.K. research institute on cancer has shown that Chinese living in the U.K. have developed cancer in their head and neck, and it is because of their regular intake of salt-cured fish as it contains carcinogens and nitrates. Prickled and spicy food can also cause stomach cancer. These foods require compounds like benzene/ formaldehyde, which is highly dangerous for human health. pickled food can increase gastric cancer risk because of its high nitrite and nitrate content that form gastric carcinogens.

Processed meats like ham, bacon, and sausage

Processed meat refers to meat that’s not fresh but has been salted, cured, smoked, or preserved in any other way. Such as bacon, hot dogs, sausages, salami, ham, and pepperoni are all processed meats. This, however, doesn’t include mincemeat or fresh burgers. A recent report by the WHO suggests that any processed meat can easily cause cancer. Processed meat has to go through different packaging and preservation processes, and these processes can alter the composition of meat. A Recent survey report shows that people who eat more meat are 9% more likely to develop breast cancer. Eating two slices of bacon or a piece of hotdog can result in chances of colorectal cancer by more than 18%.

In 2019, scientists at Cancer Research U.K. examined how much-processed meat is enough to increase bowel cancer risk. The study was published in the International Journal of Epidemiology. Researchers assessed whether people who consumed 76gms of processed red meat daily, which could be approx. 3 ham slices, were exposed to bowel cancer risk. Their research concluded that even moderate consumption of processed meat could increase bowel cancer risk. It is worth noting that this amount of processed meat is the average permitted amount of processed meat allowed by the U.K. government, and 90gms a day is considered unhealthy and excessive.

Asbestos

Asbestos is also another material responsible for causing cancer. It is a collection of six naturally occurring minerals that comprise flexible, soft, heat-resistant fibers. Asbestos is used in a wide range of consumer products worldwide despite that it is considered harmful for human health. generally, its use in everyday use products is allowed if the amount doesn’t exceed 1% of asbestos. Since it is an effective insulator, it is primarily used in paper, cloth, cement, and plastic. The primary reason behind the inclusion of asbestos is that it makes the material more robust and durable.

Asbestos exposure causes many other diseases apart from cancer, such as asbestosis. It is associated with a rare but aggressive type of cancer called mesothelioma. Most of its adverse effects appear when it is ingested or inhaled because the mineral fibers can get permanently trapped in the body and stay there for decades. While they are inside the body, these fibers cause scarring, inflammation and eventually lead to genetic damage.

Mesothelioma is exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Other types of cancers that it can cause lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and laryngeal cancer. Asbestos is used to create insulation, but its after-effects have resulted in its ban in America. Asbestos is not banned in the United States but is regulated by the Environmental Agency of America.

Wood dust

Wood dust is produced during all wood processing stages, including sawing, sanding, routing, and other procedures. Workers are usually exposed to wood dust when it becomes airborne. For instance, when removing dust from furniture, performing maintenance activities, cleaning equipment such as emptying the vacuum bag or a dust extraction device. Wood dust can develop cancer in the nasal cavity and sinus. A worker exposed to wood dust in their work and does not wear masks is likely to develop these cancers. Wood dust exposure is linked with health issues like cancer because it naturally has certain chemicals or substances like fungi, bacteria, and molds, which are part of the wood.

For your information, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has declared wood dust as carcinogenic to humans, and it is classified in Group 1. According to the IARC, it can cause cancer of or around the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and the upper throat area called the nasopharynx. Wood dust also has toxic effects. It can irritate the nose, eyes, throat, dermatitis, and impact the respiratory system drastically, such as decreasing lungs’ capacity and increasing allergic reactions.

Birth-Control Medicines and Estrogens

Women who undergo an early menstruation cycle or enter into menopause have greater chances of developing breast cancer. The case is also valid for those women who undergo estrogen therapy. Birth control pills can reduce the risk of cancer. However, some evidence has shown that birth control pills result in cancer of the ovaries, uterus, and colorectal. Naturally occurring progesterone and estrogen stimulate the growth and development of some types of cancers, such as cancers resulting as receptors for these hormones like breast cancer. Since birth control pills contain a synthetic version of these female hormones, there is every possibility that these will increase cancer risk.

Additionally, oral contraceptives can increase the risk of cervical cancer. They can modify cervical cells’ susceptibility to persistent infection, particularly with high-risk human papillomavirus HPV types, such as cervical cancer. HPV is the leading cause of all types of cervical cancers. However, it is essential to note that the pill is not the only thing that can put you at risk of cancer because viruses like HPV invade the body mainly through unprotected intercourse can be far more detrimental and damaging than the pill. Therefore, you should get tested for HPV, and if you are eligible, please get vaccinated against HPV.

Getting intimate before you have your HPV shots

Believe it or not, sexual contact is a source of cancer too. Human papillomavirus is one of the viruses which are transmitted through sexual contacts and can cause cancer too. This virus leads to anal, vaginal cancers, etc. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), nearly 40 types of viruses can pass through sexual contact, most of which can be harmful to human health. Hence, vaccine shots are mandatory before sexual contact, particularly among teenagers.

People infected with HPV don’t generally know that they have contracted the virus because the symptoms are subtle and hard to notice. Such as, genital warts happen to be one of the main symptoms of HPV, but most people never get any despite having the virus in their body. Hence, people can unknowingly pass on the infection to their partner as they are unaware of their condition.

HPV is the leading cause of several types of cancers. Therefore, males and females aged between 11 to 26 should get vaccinated for HPV. It is crucial to prevent the spread of infection and protect people from getting exposed to cancer risk. The most effective way of preventing HPV infection is getting vaccinated before having sexual contact for the first time. If you choose to indulge in sexual activity anyways, please get vaccinated against virus strains whenever you can.

In Rare Cases even a kiss can cause cancer

For decades, we have been told that the high-risk human papillomavirus HPV can cause several types of cancers, including cancer of the cervix, anus, penis, vulva, vagina, and skin cancer. It also leads to cancer of the throat’s back, known as HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. It is more prevalent in First World Countries like Australia. However, new research reveals that deep kisses can spread the virus and cause a deadly AIDS-linked cancer called Kaposi’s Sarcoma. Epstein Barr is a generally harmless virus, but in rare cases, it can develop in the stomach and nose.

As per the new research findings reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, safe sex practices cannot protect people against Epstein Barr. It is transmitted through any contact, such as sharing food between partners or even kissing.

“I wouldn’t want this to detract from safer-sex practices, which emphasize prevention of HIV. However, we do need to be aware that there are viruses that can be spread through kissing”

“I wouldn’t want this to detract from safer-sex practices, which emphasize prevention of HIV. However, we do need to be aware that there are viruses that can be spread through kissing”, study co-author Anna Wald, MD, MPH, medical director of the virology research clinic at the University of Washington in Seattle, wrote. The research concluded that males were 5.4 times more vulnerable to have HHV-8 infection through deep kissing with an HIV-positive partner and 4.8 times more likely if they share a deep kiss with a partner having Kaposi’s Sarcoma.

~ co-author Anna Wald, MD, MPH, medical director of the virology research clinic at the University of Washington in Seattle

Scalding hot beverages which can burn your tongue

People who drink hot beverages that can burn their tongue are most likely to develop throat cancer. Although it is not major cancer, it can be avoided too by drinking room-temperature beverages. The  International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified drinking scalding beverages as a possible carcinogen. Carcinogen refers to anything that can cause cancer. It is worth noting that the IARC is the World Health Organization’s cancer research agency.

According to IARC, piping hot beverages are hotter than 65 degrees Celsius, or 149 degrees Fahrenheit. Let’s not forget in the U.S. and most of the western world, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and other hot beverages are drunk at a temperature slightly lower than 149 degrees. Most of the studies the IARC examined to conclude hot beverage being carcinogenic revolved around mate. It is a type of tea traditionally drunk at scorching temperatures. It is widely used in South America, Africa, and Asia.

“Many people enjoy drinking tea, coffee, or other hot beverages. However, according to our report, drinking very hot tea can increase the risk of esophageal cancer, and it is, therefore, advisable to wait until hot beverages cool down before drinking,”

~ the study’s lead author Dr. Farhad Islami of the American Cancer Society

Studies conducted on mate revealed that there was a link between esophageal cancer and this tea. However, this risk occurred only when it was served or drank at very high temperatures. In one study published in the International Journal of Cancer, it was revealed that drinking very hot tea could increase esophageal cancer risk.

Viruses

Viruses are also contributors to cancer. It is believed that some viruses enter the body and cause mutations in cells. These viruses stimulate some cells and cause their growth. The CDC research institute suggests that some viruses are linked with cancer and considered HPV and can cause hepatitis B/C. When viruses cause infection, they actually spread and distribute their DNA. This affects the genetic makeup of healthy cells and causes them to turn into cancerous cells. For instance, HPV infection causes the virus’s DNA to get merged with the host’s DNA. It then disrupted normal cell functioning.

Similarly, other viruses like the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increase an individual’s risk of developing cancer by impacting the body’s immune system. In a majority of cases, specific viruses affect specific cells in the body. For example, common cold viruses affect the nose and throat lining. So, certain viruses are linked with certain cancers.

Though all those infected with HPV won’t develop cancer, a few potent strains of the virus may cause most types of cervical cancers. According to Natalie Godbee, D.O., Gynecologic Oncologist, “HPV causes about 98 percent of cervical cancer cases, so it is of high concern. Patients with HPV should have appropriate testing performed at the time of diagnosis, such as with a colposcopy, and should be followed routinely with screening exams.”

Your family

As discussed above, your family plays a more significant role in the chances of your getting cancer. Genetic inheritance can result in increased chances of cancer by 5-10%. National Cancer Institute reports indicate that mutations that result in irregular cell growth may also be caused by the germ cells inherited from parents to offspring. For Example, Brca1 and Brca2 can result in breast cancer.

Genes are part of every human cell. These contain DNA pieces that inform the cell when to grow and when to divide. Moreover, genes also tell the cell when and how to make precise protein products for different body processes. To make this product, genes come in pairs and work in collaboration with each other. One copy of this pair comes from the mother, while the other comes from the father. Sperms and eggs are called germ cells.

Whenever there’s some mutation or change in a gene present in the germ cells, it will be called a germline mutation. If germline mutation is inherited, it will be present in all body cells right from birth. When cell growth gets out of control, tumors are formed. In the human genome, different types of genes control cell growth in a precise manner. But, if there’s an error in the DNA code, they won’t work properly. This is known as cell mutation, which may repeatedly happen in different genes.

Obesity

Obesity is considered to be the mother of all diseases. It leads to the malfunctioning of many parts of our body, and cancer is also included in the list. Obesity can provoke cancer in the breast, rectum, and kidney. Being obese or overweight doesn’t mean that you are going to develop cancer. However, if you are overweight, you are more vulnerable to cancer than those with a healthy weight. The risk also depends on various factors such as age and genetics.

But you need to understand that extra fat in the body is an issue of concern. It won’t just sit there in the body but will remain active. It will send out signals to other parts of the body, which tell cells to divide more often. This can lead to cancer because the signals released by fat cells can cause hormones to grow uncontrollably and divide quickly. Moreover, when there’s excessive accumulation of fat cells, immune cells have to work more to remove dead cells, which leads to inflammation. Prolonged inflammation dramatically increases cancer risk.

Another way obesity leads to cancer is that after menopause, the fat cells produce a hormone called oestrogen, which intensifies the division of cells in the womb and the breast. It can increase the risk of developing cancer. But chances of cancer can be reduced by eating a healthy diet and by doing regular exercise. These exercises will not only reduce the chance of cancer but also relieves your tension and reduces stress.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde has been found responsible for mutating in rats, and scientists believe that it also causes cancer. This disinfected agent has the composition to react and cause changes in the human body. It is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical produced industrially. Formaldehyde is mainly used in building materials, such as plywood, particleboard, and other pressed-wood products. It is also commonly used as a fungicide, disinfectant, and germicide. Moreover, it is used as a preservative in medical labs and mortuaries.

But formaldehyde may also occur naturally when plant material decay in the soil or due to natural chemical processes that living organisms undergo. Moreover, it is a combustion product present in tobacco smoke. People can get exposed to formaldehyde by inhaling the air that contains it in the form of gas or vapor. Or else their skin can absorb the liquids containing formaldehyde. Workers who have to manufacture products that contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde itself and lab technicians/health care professionals can all get exposed to this harmful chemical.

The general public can be exposed to formaldehyde by breathing the contaminated air from tobacco smoke, pressed-wood products, and tailpipe emissions from automobiles. Unvented fuel-burning appliances like kerosene heaters, gas stoves, and wood-burning stoves are potential sources of formaldehyde exposure.

Implants

Implantation is also responsible for cancer in the human body. Implantation is a process through which external products like silica or ceramics are planted inside the human body. Research shows that these plantations are not only allergic but can cause cancer too. According to the Food and Drug Administration, there’s a possible connection between breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) development. ALCL is a cancer of the immune system, but it is relatively uncommon.

The condition is called breast-implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma or BIA-ALCL.  The FDA claims that women who get breast implants with textured surfaces are at an increased risk of developing this cancer. But, this doesn’t mean that the implants will mandatorily cause it. The risk, however, is there.

ALCL can develop in any part of the body, but it is more common in the skin and lymph nodes. Research reveals that BIA-ALCL is located next to the implant within the surrounding scar tissue instead of its breast. The FDA reported 33 deaths caused by these plantations annually. Reports show that plantations create large lymphoma cells (ALCL) in the human body. To treat the cancer, the implant and the cancerous tumor are removed through a surgical procedure.

Air pollution

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified air pollution as a potent human carcinogen like arsenic, tobacco, and asbestos. In fact, the organization regards it as a leading cause of death by cancer worldwide. For decades, air pollution’s link with various ailments has been a hot topic of research. It is well-documented that some compounds present in the air we breathe, such as diesel exhaust, are labeled as carcinogens. But, it is the first time that the WHO has classified air as a cause of cancer.

Smog, dust, smoke are causes of many lung diseases, but they are cancer-causing factors. During the Industrial Revolution, the 1770’s, London was full of chimneys, and smoke was filled in everyone’s lungs. As a result, many people get scrotal cancer, and later the reason for that was proved to be air pollution caused by chimneys.

In 2013, the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) confirmed that air pollution could cause cancer, and tiny dust particles called particulate matter are the main culprits. These particles are just a millionth of a meter wide but account for the largest outdoor air pollution chunk. The smallest of these particles are called PM10 and PM2, both of which can cause lung cancer. How particulate matter damage cell DNA and causes cancer is not fully understood yet. But it is confirmed that indoor and outdoor air can increase the risk of cancer, heart diseases, and respiratory diseases.

Disaster sites

Just like air pollution, breathing air close to construction sites can also cause cancer. It is because the air is filled with toxic fumes of chemicals that are highly toxic. Reports from the 9/11 attacks and the Chernobyl incident show that people working on these sites or living close to these sites developed cancer in their bodies. The World Trade Center Health Program indicated that more than 14750 workers, cops, and firefighters had developed cancers because of working on the sites.

Nuclear plants use the energy released by some radioactive isotopes when the process of decay commences producing electricity. More of these isotopes are produced during the process of decay. Nuclear power plants with specially designed fuel rods or containment structures can enclose the radioactive materials and ionizing radiation they produce to prevent the environment from getting contaminated. But, if the containment structures and the fuel get damaged, radioactive materials and the consequently produced ionizing radiation are released into the air. This poses a severe health risk for the general public.

Human exposure to the harmful radiation released from disaster sites comes mainly from consuming contaminated foods, water, and milk. The environment contains the toxins and chemicals released when building structures burn, decay, and radiations are released. They may also breathe dust particles from the contaminated air. This mainly impacts the thyroid gland.

Silica

Just like asbestos, silica can also cause cancer in the human body. Inhaling silica increases the chance of lung cancers. That’s why the workers are advised to wear gas masks while working on these sites.

Radiation

Radiations are considered to be the major source of cancer. X-rays, gamma rays are highly penetrating and can change the composition of cells in the human body. Research shows that people who are exposed to radiation just like people living in Ukraine After the Chernobyl incident have developed cancer. UV rays can also cause cancer.

Persistent / Chronic Inflammations that damage DNA

Long Term diseases and infections can also result in changing of DNA and developing cancer.

Plastics

Plastics are a source of cancer too. BPA is the form of plastic that is used in almost any product which we are having right now. From packaging to resins, to utensils, etc. this BPA is responsible for causing cancer in the human body. It enters the body when we consume products that are packed by BPA, as it leaves a slight amount of residue into the product.

Toxic chemicals and substances at the workplace

Toxic chemicals like oxides of sulfur and carbon etc. if allowed to enter the body can also cause cancer. Although most people do not have access to these chemicals, people who are working at nail salons, paint shop, aluminum factory, rubber manufacturing paint and places similar to this must take precautionary measures. These chemicals are highly contagious for human health and can develop cancer of many types in the human body.

Scientists also believe that poor working conditions, especially night shifts can also cause cancer because some reports from the International Institute of Research of Cancer have shown that night shifts disrupt the body cycle and cause disruptions in normal body processes.

Glyphosate, a common weed killer

Glyphosate is a chemical-a pesticide used by American farmers for killing weeds growing in their crops. Some studies have shown that farmers using this pesticide have developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma in them. U.S farmers have taken a case against one of the manufacturers of this killing weed pesticide Monsanto and alleged the company’s product as the cause of cancer. The case has resulted in a heavy fine of 80milion dollars for a couple of farmers who were diagnosed with cancer. However, the case was further challenged by some juries on its merits and the fine was reduced to 25 million dollars.

A total of 13000 cases were reported in the case that sprays do not cause cancer but 2017 studies show that people who use these sprays are at risk of developing cancer like myeloid leukemia than others. Scientists are although not sure that these sprays are surely the cause of cancer but they have factual evidence that these sprays do have serious effects on the body.

Acrylamide

Acrylamide is a product that is produced when foods like bread, fries are cooked over high temperatures. Acrylamide is not dangerous but the high consumption of it can lead to cancer because it contains one of the materials which cigarettes are made up of. Although it is not that harmful as other materials, the California State Department has made a list of 1000 cancer-causing materials and included acrylamide as well.

Although it is evident from the above cases that a huge amount of everyday products results in developing cancers in the human body. it is important to understand that these diseases are not yet fully classified nor their cure has been made. Scientists are still struggling to dig deep into these diseases and find their cure.