Practices That May Lead To Cancer

Practices That May Lead To Cancer

Practices That May Lead to Developing Cancer – What You Should Know

The global and Nigerian Study

Recently, Cancer has been rising around the world at an alarming pace. According to the estimate carried out by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2022, there were nearly 20 million new cancer cases and almost 10 million deaths. Nigeria, like many other countries, is facing a growing cancer burden. Breast and cervical cancers are the most common among women, while prostate and liver cancers dominate among men. The Nigerian government has recognized this unfortunate vice and developed various national cancer control plans to combact it but the total prevention of cancer remains the strongest defense.

The Focus on “Practices” That Leads to Cancer.

Most of these cancer cases are not random and are linked to modifiable lifestyle and environmental factors. That means the choices we make daily, and the environments we live in, can increase or decrease our risk of developing cancer. Knowing these risk factors is the first step toward prevention.

 

Major Practices That May Lead to Cancer

1. Tobacco use

Cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco products are the leading preventable causes of cancer. They damage nearly every organ, raising the risk of lung, throat, bladder, pancreas, kidney, and cervical cancers.

2. Excessive Intake of Alcohol

Drinking heavily over time increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, breast, and colon. The more alcohol consumed, the higher the risk.

3. Consumming Unhealthy Diet and Processed Foods

Diets rich in red and processed meats, salty snacks, and sugary drinks, but low in fruits and vegetables, are linked to cancers — especially colorectal cancer. These foods also contribute to obesity, which itself is a major risk factor.

4. Overweight, Obesity, and Physical Inactivity.

Carrying excess weight increases the risk of breast, colorectal, endometrial, kidney, pancreatic, and other cancers. A sedentary lifestyle worsens the problem.

5. Infections

Certain infections are cancer-causing. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) causes cervical cancer, while Hepatitis B and C viruses can lead to liver cancer. Helicobacter Pylori infection also raises the risk of stomach cancer.

6. Environmental and occupational exposures

Regular exposure to air pollution, asbestos, industrial chemicals, and heavy metals increases cancer risk. Indoor smoke from firewood or kerosene stoves also contributes.

7. Aflatoxin in food

This toxin, mostly found in mouldy grains and groundnuts, is a powerful liver carcinogen. It is particularly relevant in Nigeria, where poor food storage makes aflatoxin contamination common.

8. Excessive Sun and UV Exposure

Too much sun without protection and the use of tanning beds are major causes of skin cancers, including melanoma. 

 

Possible Ways You Can Prevent the Risk of Cancer

As individuals:

• Quit tobacco and avoid secondhand smoke.

• Limit alcohol.

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while cutting down on processed and red meat.

• Maintain a healthy weight and stay active — aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking most days.

• Get vaccinated against HPV and Hepatitis B.

• Practice safe food storage to avoid aflatoxin.

• Protect your skin from the sun.

• Attend recommended cancer screening programs (e.g., cervical, breast, and colorectal screening).

As a Society:

• Enforce tobacco control laws.

• Scale up vaccination programs and create public awareness.

• Improve food safety standards.

• Reduce air pollution and enforce workplace safety.

• Expand access to cancer screening and early treatment.

Summary

Though it is said that cancer is not always preventable, but by making small, consistent changes in our daily lives, and by supporting national policies that reduce exposure to known carcinogens, we can protect ourselves and our communities. For a country like Nigeria and even for the world at large, prevention should be prioritized as it helps to save lives and to save funds.