A renowned oncologist has revealed five common habits that can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Dr. Mikkael Sekeres, chief of hematology at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Florida, recently warned that some everyday and unexpected activities can lead to the development of cancer in the body.
While an explosion of colon cancer cases in people under the age of 50 has made headlines in recent years, government scientists have found that 14 other types of cancer are also on the rise in young people.
In a large analysis of more than 2 million new patients diagnosed with cancer between 2010 and 2019, researchers found that cases of: stomach, colon, pancreatic, bone and joint cancer, melanoma, female breast, cervix, uterus, testicles, kidney and four types of lymphatic system cancer were increasing.
While it is known that smoking and alcohol consumption cause cancer, even seemingly healthy drinks, like hot tea, can cause damage and lead to throat cancer.
Also, although one in three Americans have tattoos, some studies suggest that getting a tattoo may increase the risk of lymphoma.
Even hair dyeing has been linked to hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancer.
Writing for the Washington Post, Dr. Sekeres warned: “None of these factors have the strong evidence as alcohol, but further investigation may be necessary to understand the real risks.”
Below, DailyMail.com presents five common activities that can increase the risk of cancer:
Very hot drinks
It is well known that alcohol increases the risk of some forms of cancer, as it is converted into acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical that damages DNA and causes inflammation.
But even very hot drinks, like tea, can increase the risk of esophageal (throat) cancer.
A study from China found that people who drank extremely hot tea – over 60°C – and consumed at least one alcoholic drink a day had a fivefold increased risk of throat cancer.
Even just drinking very hot tea every day doubled the risk.
A study in Britain found about a doubling of the risk of throat cancer in those who drank 4–6 cups of hot tea or coffee each day compared to those who did not drink at all.
Dr. Sekeres said: “It is reasonable to avoid regular consumption of any very hot drinks, however it is more important to stop smoking and alcohol.”
Grilling
With the arrival of summer, millions of Americans begin grilling season.
But Dr. Sekeres warns against consuming meats cooked at high temperatures like hot dogs or hamburgers.
He says that when meats like beef, chicken, fish or pork are cooked at high temperatures, chemical compounds called heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are created – which are mutagenic and potentially carcinogenic.
This process occurs when meat proteins react with heat and when fat or liquid falls onto the fire, creating smoke.
Research shows that these chemicals cause inflammation and oxidative stress – an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals – which attack cells and tissues, increasing the risk of colon cancer.
The US Department of Health has determined that some of these hydrocarbons are “very likely to be carcinogenic.”
In animal studies, exposure to them led to lung and stomach cancer. Meanwhile, heterocyclic amines have been linked to genetic mutations and uncontrolled cell growth – i.e. tumors.
In animals, these amines caused cancer in the mammary glands, intestines, and pancreas.
Dr. Sekeres limits the consumption of meats cooked at high temperatures to once a month, even during the summer.
He writes: "There is strong evidence that red and processed meats are linked to cancer. My advice is to limit grilling and their consumption."
Hair coloring and blow-drying (bending)
Dyeing or chemically straightening your hair can increase your risk of developing cancer.
Dr. Sekeres explains that these products contain formaldehyde, a chemical known to be carcinogenic, and phthalates – toxic chemicals that interfere with the hormonal system.
These substances can mimic hormones and interfere with the body's production or response to natural hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
This can increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancers.
A 2020 study found that women who used permanent hair dye were more likely to develop breast cancer.
Another study from 2022 found that the use of hair straightening products was associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer.
Dr. Sekeres writes: “Although the data is limited, I suggest checking the ingredients of products before use to avoid formaldehyde and chemicals that interfere with the hormone system.”
The tattoos
One in three Americans have at least one tattoo, and 22% have more than one.
Although usually considered harmless, a recent study suggests that tattoos may increase the risk of lymphoma – a type of cancer of the lymphatic system.
Researchers from Sweden found that people with tattoos had a 21% higher risk of this cancer compared to those without tattoos.
This may occur due to potentially carcinogenic chemicals in tattoo ink, which can activate an immune system reaction.
Paints contain synthetic molecules, stabilizers, and heavy metals like cadmium, which has been linked to kidney damage, bone and lung disease, as well as increased risk of some types of cancer.
A small Danish study of twins showed that those with tattoos were 62% more likely to develop skin cancer.
According to researchers, the dye can cause chronic inflammation, which leads to abnormal cell growth and an increased risk of cancer.
But Dr. Sekeres emphasizes that these studies are small and do not prove a direct link.
He says: “Even if this link is real, given that lymphoma is a rare cancer (21 cases per 100.000 people in the US each year), the chances of you developing lymphoma from a tattoo are very small.”
Smoking hookah (water pipe)
Hookah involves burning flavored charcoal tobacco and inhaling the smoke through a mouthpiece.
Recent research suggests that one in 100 Americans have tried hookah at least once.
Many believe it is safer than cigarettes, as they think the filtered water purifies the smoke – but this is a common misconception.
Hookah smoke contains high amounts of harmful substances including tar, carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and carcinogens.
Dr. Sekeres says that hookah smokers are exposed to more carbon monoxide than smokers, as sessions last 1–2 hours, compared to a few minutes for a cigarette.
The FDA estimates that during a one-hour hookah session, users inhale up to 200 times more smoke than from a cigarette.
Dr. Sekeres cites a 2024 study of 40.000 people in Vietnam that showed an increased risk of death from liver, lung, head/neck, and stomach cancer for hookah users.
He writes: "Scientists are certain that tobacco use is associated with an increased risk of cancer. My advice: Avoid all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes and hookah." /Express newspaper/
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