The growing incidence of cancer among youngsters is a matter of concern among health agencies and governments worldwide. Such an alarming trend affects the quality of life and also has a ripple effect on society. While cancer identification, at an early stage where there is a scope for reversal is still a dream, stress is being laid upon cancer prevention. Various lifestyle factors play a role in the early incidence of cancer.
Recently, Dr. Taz, a holistic health and wellness expert shared on Instagram the different reasons why younger people are getting cancer these days. The expert also shared different ways to control the trigger and reduce the onset of cancer.
In a long post on social media Dr. Taz wrote, "Cancer rates are rising in younger people, and it’s important to understand why. Toxins, stress, poor diets, and a lack of movement can contribute to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances—all of which increase the risk of developing cancer."
She has then listed a few changes one needs to follow in order to make a change in this shocking trend.
"But here’s the good news: you have the power to make a difference in your health. 🌱
By making a few simple lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your cancer risk:
• Manage stress with practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing.
• Fuel your body with clean, anti-inflammatory foods—think fresh veggies, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
• Stay active to boost immune function and reduce inflammation.
• Prioritize sleep—7-9 hours of quality rest helps repair cells. • Limit toxins by choosing natural products and minimizing alcohol and processed foods.
• Detox regularly to support your body’s natural healing processes.
Making these small, mindful changes today can help protect your future health. Start with one habit, and gradually build the foundation for a cancer-free life. You’ve got this!," she has captioned the post with detailed graphics.
https://www.instagram.com/drtazmd/p/DHGvhmMsZ9B/https://www.instagram.com/drtazmd/p/DHGvhmMsZ9B/
Unhealthy lifestyle habits are the silent threats to cancer
Some lifestyle habits raise the risk of cancer to a great extent by inducing inflammation, causing DNA damage, and impairing the immune system. A diet that is high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats leads to obesity and chronic inflammation, which are associated with cancers such as colorectal, breast, and pancreatic cancer.
Smoking is a leading cause of lung, throat, and bladder cancer due to carcinogens that mutate DNA. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver, breast, and esophageal cancer by damaging cells and impairing detoxification. Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, weakening immune defense and promoting cancer-friendly environments.
Environmental conditions such as extended sun exposure without sun protection may result in skin cancer, while pollutants and chemicals contained in processed food, plastics, and pesticides increase body toxicity levels. Irregular sleeping patterns disrupt melatonin levels, which has anti-cancer properties, and increase inflammation.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle—nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise, stress management, and proper sleep—can significantly reduce cancer risk. Small, consistent changes in daily habits can have a profound impact on long-term health and cancer prevention.
1/6:Biopsy is a common medical procedure in cancer treatment
One of the very common medical procedures followed in cancer treatment is a biopsy, however, people know less about it. A piece of false information about biopsy prevents many from going to a doctor and getting this done. We spoke to several experts who explained what a biopsy is and whether it worsens a cancerous growth or not. <br /><a target="_blank" href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/a-new-covid-variant-eris-is-spreading-in-the-uk-heres-all-we-know/photostory/102420387.cms" class="on"><strong>COVID: A new variant 'Eris' is spreading in the UK; here's all we know</strong></a>TIMESOFINDIA.COM
2/6:"It is a crucial diagnostic tool"
<p><br />"Biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of tissue or cells is taken from a suspicious area in the body for examination under a microscope. It is a crucial diagnostic tool used to determine whether a growth or lump is cancerous or benign. However, a common concern among patients and families is whether a biopsy can worsen a cancerous growth," says Dr. R K Choudhary, Director & Head - Medical Oncology, Haemato Oncology & BMT, Metro Cancer Institute in Noida.<br /><br /><br /></p>Getty Images
3/6:What happens in a biopsy?
<p><br />MayoClinic defines biopsy as a procedure to remove a piece of tissue or a sample of cells from your body so that it can be tested in a laboratory. "By obtaining a tissue sample, doctors can accurately identify the type of cancer and its molecular characteristics, allowing them to tailor the treatment plan to the patient's specific condition. Early and accurate diagnosis through biopsy enables timely and accurate interventions and increases the chances of successful treatment outcomes," says Dr. Choudhary. <br /></p>Getty Images
4/6:The risks are seen in less than 5% of cases undergoing percutaneous biopsy
<p><br />"Radiologists often perform a biopsy of the tumors located deep inside the body. The biopsies are performed under the guidance of ultrasound or CT Scan, with a special biopsy cutting needle which is introduced within the tumor mass. The Tumor pieces are cut and sent for histo-pathological testing. During this procedure, there is a chance or a risk of depositing the tumor cells along the needle track. This is called track seeding. This can alter the stage of the tumor and spread it outside the existing tumor mass," says Dr. Vimal Someshwar, Head of Interventional Radiology at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai. "The other problem that can happen is bleeding, especially if the tumor is vascular and this may warrant emergency care. Pain is another symptom following the biopsy and is often controlled with pain management medications. Occasionally, there is a chance of the tumor getting infected following the biopsy. The above-mentioned risks are seen in less than 5% of cases undergoing percutaneous biopsy," Dr. Someshwar adds.<br /></p>Getty Images
5/6:Does biopsy worsen cancer growth? Please explain.
<p><br />"The short answer is no. Biopsies do not cause cancer to spread or worsen. In fact, biopsies are essential for accurate cancer diagnosis and molecular studies, which are critical for planning and choosing appropriate treatment strategies. During a biopsy, only a small amount of tissue is removed, and this does not impact the tumor or its growth," Dr Chaudhary says. To this question, Dr Khandelwal replies, "This is a very common misconception that patients come to us with. We are asked that if you do a biopsy or if you take a sample out of a cancer it will start growing quickly." "If I talk about breast cancer specifically until and unless you do a needle test how would we know whether a lump is cancerous or non – cancerous," says Dr. Rohan Khandelwal, Lead Consultant & HOD- The Breast Cancer, CK Birla Hospital Gurgaon.<br /><br /><br /></p>Getty Images
