Researchers of the American Cancer Society (ACS) have concluded that half of cancer cases are caused by an unhealthy lifestyle.
Specialists analyzed the data obtained by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute. The main catalysts of malignant tumors progression they determined an active and passive smoking, alcohol and meat, overweight and lack of physical activity.
It turned out that smoking is the most dangerous factor associated with 19 percent of cancer cases, including lung tumors and 28.8 percent of death cases. Obesity was associated with 7.8 percent of diseases and 6.5 percent of death cases. The vast majority of skin tumors were caused by tanning.
According to researchers at ACS, giving up bad habits, healthy eating and physical activity can significantly reduce your risk of getting cancer. Regular screening also contributes to prevention of malignant diseases.
Earlier experts at the WHO International Cancer Research Agency have concluded that eating processed meat significantly increased the risk of bowel cancer. Sausages and hot dogs which are as dangerous as tobacco, asbestos and diesel exhausts, pose the greatest threat in this regard.