Doctors say cancer risks often come from small, everyday exposures we hardly notice. Dr Rajeev Vijayakumar from Gleneagles BGS Hospital in Bengaluru explains that while we focus on big risks like smoking, lesser-known factors also matter. Pollution, skipped sunscreen, poor sleep, and processed foods can silently add up over time.
Air pollution, for example, involves tiny particles from vehicle exhaust and construction dust. These particles can reach deep into the lungs and, over years, increase lung cancer risk, even for non-smokers. Similarly, routine exposure to UV rays during everyday activities can lead to DNA damage in skin cells.
Diet also plays a role. Foods like processed meats, excess alcohol, and high sugar levels contribute to inflammation and hormonal changes, creating conditions where cancer cells can thrive. Lack of sleep and irregular work hours can impact melatonin and metabolism, affecting cancer risk, especially for breast and colorectal cancers.
Psychologically, we react to obvious dangers but overlook subtle risks. People tend to downplay the cumulative effect of everyday exposures, such as poor air quality or mild tanning.
Dr Rajeev Kumar suggests practical steps like using sunscreen, improving ventilation, moderating alcohol, and prioritising sleep. Though these actions do not guarantee immunity, they can lower cancer risk over time. The aim is to be aware and make steady choices that influence long-term health positively.
