On World Cancer Day, health experts issue a warning that everyday household items, including plastic bottles, tea bags, beauty products, e-cigarettes, and hookahs, are contributing to the increasing prevalence of cancer. The theme for this year's World Cancer Day is 'Close the Care Gap.'
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a cancer agency of the World Health Organization, projects a staggering 77% rise in new cancer diagnoses by 2050, surpassing 35 million cases annually. Lifestyle and environmental factors, such as tobacco, alcohol, obesity, and air pollution, are identified as major contributors to this alarming trend.
Dr. J.B. Sharma, Senior Consultant in Medical Oncology, highlights potential risks associated with commonly used household items, such as plastic bottles containing microplastics and the use of plastic bags for hot tea or white-colored mayonnaise, which may introduce harmful chemicals, increasing cancer risk.
Modern technologies, including the use of plastic utensils in ovens or non-stick cookware, expose individuals to harmful chemicals, emphasizing the importance of awareness to mitigate risks and promote a healthier lifestyle.
Beauty products, such as nail polish and nail polish removers, are found to harbor carcinogenic chemicals like toluene, formaldehyde, and acetone. Additionally, certain hair products containing formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents pose cancer risks.
Health experts also raise concerns about the surge in cancers among the youth due to the popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored hookahs. Chemicals used in e-cigarettes, including nicotine, formaldehyde, and metals like tin, nickel, and lead, significantly increase the risk of lung cancer. Similarly, flavored hookahs introduce dangerous chemicals, elevating the overall cancer risk.
Addressing and avoiding these potential carcinogenic agents in daily routines are crucial steps in preventing cancer-related complications, as oncologists observe a rise in cancer cases among different age groups.
