Age, Lifestyle and Cancer Prevention

Cancer is a multifactorial disease that develops as a result of the interaction between genetic, environmental, infectious and lifestyle-related factors. Although it is not always possible to prevent cancer, it is estimated that between 30% and 50% of cancer cases could be avoided by reducing exposure to modifiable risk factors.

Some of the most effective measures for reducing the risk of cancer include:

  • Not smoking and avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke.
  • Avoiding or minimising alcohol consumption.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Taking part in regular physical activity.
  • Following a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, pulses and wholegrains.
  • Protecting yourself from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
  • Participating in recommended vaccination and screening programmes.

Age as a Risk Factor

Age is one of the most important risk factors for most cancers. The risk increases as people grow older because genetic and cellular alterations accumulate over time. However, cancer can occur at any age.

It is important to remember that adopting healthy lifestyle habits does not guarantee that a person will never develop cancer. However, it can significantly reduce the risk and improve overall health.

Occupation and Environmental Factors

Can My Job or the Environment Increase My Risk of Cancer?

Yes. Long-term exposure to certain chemical, physical or biological agents can increase the risk of developing cancer. These substances are known as carcinogens.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a well-established carcinogen that can cause:

  • Mesothelioma.
  • Lung cancer.
  • Other serious respiratory diseases.

The risk is greater in people who have worked with or been exposed to asbestos-containing materials, particularly in industries such as construction, shipbuilding and certain manufacturing sectors.

Other Occupational Carcinogens

Workplace exposures associated with an increased risk of cancer include:

  • Benzene.
  • Crystalline silica.
  • Diesel engine exhaust emissions.
  • Arsenic.
  • Certain industrial chemicals.
  • Ionising radiation.

Modern occupational safety regulations have significantly reduced many of these exposures, although risks remain in some work environments.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors associated with cancer include:

  • Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight.
  • Air pollution.
  • Exposure to radon in homes and buildings.
  • Exposure to certain chemical pollutants and heavy metals.

Reduced Immunity and Cancer

People with disorders affecting the immune system have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Situations associated with immunosuppression include:

  • Recipients of organ transplants receiving immunosuppressive medication.
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
  • Rare congenital immunodeficiency disorders.
  • Certain cancer treatments or haematological diseases.

These individuals are at increased risk of developing:

  • Lymphomas.
  • Kaposi sarcoma.
  • Cervical cancer.
  • Certain anal and genital cancers.
  • Specific types of skin cancer.
  • Cancers associated with viral or bacterial infections.

Viruses, Bacteria and Cancer

Cancer is not a contagious disease. However, certain infections can increase the risk of developing particular types of cancer. It is currently estimated that a significant proportion of cancers are associated with preventable infectious agents.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Persistent infection with high-risk HPV is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer and is also associated with several other cancers.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

Chronic HBV and HCV infections significantly increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

EBV is associated with certain types of lymphoma and with nasopharyngeal cancer.

Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1)

HTLV-1 is associated with adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma.

Helicobacter pylori

This bacterium colonises the stomach and is an important risk factor for:

  • Gastric adenocarcinoma.
  • Gastric MALT lymphoma.

It is important to note that most people infected with these viruses or bacteria will never develop cancer. Cancer development depends on many additional factors.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. More than 200 different HPV types have been identified, although only some are considered high-risk cancer-causing types.

How Is HPV Transmitted?

HPV is primarily spread through sexual contact, including:

  • Vaginal sex.
  • Anal sex.
  • Oral sex.
  • Intimate skin-to-skin genital contact.

Condoms reduce the risk of transmission but do not provide complete protection because they do not cover all genital skin.

Does HPV Cause Symptoms?

Most HPV infections:

  • Do not cause symptoms.
  • Are cleared naturally by the immune system within one to two years.

However, persistent infection with high-risk HPV types can lead to precancerous lesions and cancer.

Cancers Associated with HPV

Persistent HPV infection can contribute to the development of:

  • Cervical cancer.
  • Anal cancer.
  • Vulval cancer.
  • Vaginal cancer.
  • Penile cancer.
  • Oropharyngeal cancers (affecting the throat and base of the tongue).

HPV Prevention

Current prevention strategies include:

  • HPV vaccination in accordance with national immunisation schedules.
  • Participation in cervical screening programmes.
  • Using barrier protection methods during sexual activity.
  • Stopping smoking, as tobacco use promotes the persistence of HPV infection.