What Lifestyle Habits Increase Cancer Risk in Women? Expert Advice

Cancer is one of the most deadly diseases around the world, and it is increasing rapidly in India as well as globally. In 2022, over 14 lakh new cancer cases were reported in India, leading to over 9 lakh deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Worryingly, more women are getting cancer than men in India. Women face a high risk of cancers like breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, mouth cancer, and colorectal cancer.

The WHO states that around 30-40% of cancer cases can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle changes. By increasing awareness, making informed choices, and adopting healthier habits, women can actively reduce their risk of developing different types of cancer, leading to longer and healthier lives.

Common Unhealthy Habits That Raise Cancer Risk in Women

Mrs Jyostna Govil, who heads the Indian Cancer Society’s Delhi branch, points out some harmful activities that can increase the risk of breast or cervical cancer in women:

1. Smoking: Smoking releases around 7,000 chemicals that can damage cells when inhaled, increasing cancer risk. Smoking combined with drinking too much alcohol raises the risk of cancers in the aerodigestive tract lips, mouth, throat, food pipe (oesophagus), and colon.

2. Obesity: Apart from raising diabetes and heart disease risk, obesity also increases the risk of various cancers. While more research is needed, obesity rates are rising due to inactive lifestyles. Fat tissue produces high estrogen levels, linked to breast, ovarian, endometrial (uterine) and other cancers in women.

3. Skipping screenings and check-ups: Lack of regular cancer screening is a major reason for high cancer rates in India. Many ignore regular screenings and early symptoms, sometimes due to stigma in parts of the country. This seriously affects cervical cancer rates among Indian women.

4. Lack of exercise: Lack of physical activity, especially among youth, is leading to more cancer cases. Less exercise increases breast cancer risk in women, notably after menopause. The trend of sedentary lifestyles long work hours, unhealthy snacking, excessive TV/video watching and spending too much time on social media discourages exercise and physical activity. This inactivity contributes to issues like PCOS in younger women and raises lung, endometrial and colon cancer risks.

Also Read | Alarming Rise in Colon Cancer Among Youth: Symptoms and Risk Factors

Healthy Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Cancer Risk in Women

Dr Surender Kumar Dabas, Vice Chairman & Head of Oncology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, recommends these healthy choices to cut cancer risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a nutritious diet
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol
• Prevent sexually transmitted infections
• Manage stress and be aware of environmental hazards
• Get vaccinated for cancer-causing viruses
  
  

Understanding the multiple factors behind cancer is crucial. In India’s fast-paced life, poor food choices, unbalanced lifestyles, work stress, and smoking are major contributors to cancer risk.

By recognizing cancer’s complex causes and actively making lifestyle improvements, women can significantly reduce their chances of developing various cancers. Adopting healthy habits like a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco/alcohol, and routine screenings can enable women to take charge of their well-being for a healthier future.