Cancer Isn’t Just a Smoker’s Disease Anymore, Expert Shares the Hidden Risks You Should Know

For decades, smoking was considered the leading cause of cancer. The advertisements, posters, and lessons at school centred around cigarettes as the big danger. And yet, though such campaigns did successfully help people to quit smoking, experts have found that people who have never smoked are falling prey to cancers that was once linked only to tobacco.

Cancer incidents are rising across cities, even among the young and healthy, due to modern lifestyle and environmental factors. In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, Dr Vijay Karan Reddy Palkonda, HOD & Sr. Consultant - Radiation Oncologist, Director of Oncology, Arete Hospitals, Hyderabad, highlighted that it is not one single cause anymore, but a mix of things like unhealthy food, alcohol, pollution, stress, and infections like HPV. These risks are harder to notice but just as serious. Read ahead to know everything he shared with us.

Obesity and Cancer Risk

Slow weight gain often goes unnoticed. But extra body fat, especially around the stomach, is active. It releases hormones like oestrogen and insulin that can disturb the body from the inside. “Over time, this increases the risk of cancers such as breast, colon, uterine, and pancreatic cancer because these changes happen silently, people often realise the problem very late,” Dr Reddy said.

Also Read: Tatiana Schlossberg, JFK’s Granddaughter, Diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: How Its Different From Other Blood Cancers

Alcohol and Cancer Risk

Drinking at the end of the workday or during parties seems innocent enough. However, its that regular alcohol intake that destroys tissues within the mouth, throat, and digestive system. It also increases oestrogen levels in women, thereby heightening the risk for liver and breast cancer. Even moderate drinking contributes to cancer risk over the long haul, but many people underestimate their risk because alcohol is socially acceptable.

Air Pollution and Cancer Risk

Traffic and dust are all around us as a part of city life, but the real danger is from the tiny particles in polluted air. PM2.5 particles can penetrate deep inside the lungs and even blood vessels. As a result, inflammation occurs, which leads to long-term cell damage, and finally to lung cancer even among nonsmokers. “Though we can't avoid outdoor pollution totally, wearing masks, using air purifiers indoors, and advocating a clean-air policy do help,” Dr Reddy suggested.

HPV and Cancer Risk

HPV is a very common virus that is transmitted primarily through intimate contact. Most people who contract it never notice, and it usually clears up on its own. However, high-risk types can lead to cervical cancer and cancers of the mouth, throat, or genitals. Additionally, Dr Reddy explained that HPV can be prevented through vaccination. With regular screening and safe practices, this is one of the most preventable cancer risks.

Also Read: Targeted Therapy vs Immunotherapy: What’s the Difference in Cancer Treatment?

Chronic Stress and Cancer Risk

Life in modern times is fast, busy, and stressful, and the stress takes its toll on the body. Ongoing stress depresses the immune system and upsets hormone balances, which can allow harmful cancer cells to grow. Stress by itself does not cause cancer, but it leaves the body open to the other risks.

Why These Cancer Risks Go Unnoticed

Tobacco use has obvious signs, whereas today's risks happen in a quiet manner. Weight gain is gradual, pollution does not smell, HPV shows no symptoms, and stress just becomes normal. Dr Reddy emphasised that since there are no visible warnings associated with such factors, these dangers generally get ignored.

What You Can Do To Prevent Non-smoker’s Cancer

“Preventing cancer today means looking beyond smoking. It includes watching your weight, limiting alcohol, being aware of pollution, managing stress, and openly talking about HPV vaccination and sexual health. Small, consistent lifestyle changes can have a big impact,” Dr Reddy recommended.

Bottomline

Cancer doesn’t affect just smokers; modern lifestyle, pollution, and stress, along with infections like HPV, are major hidden risks, while early awareness may save lives.