Many working-age habits may increase cancer risk without you realizing it.
Here are 5 common cancers, their causes, risk factors, and basic screening methods.
1. Cervical Cancer
Caused by infection with HPV virus types 16 and 18.
Risk factors: Early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, smoking, or weakened immunity.
2. Breast Cancer
Caused by abnormal cell division in breast tissue, growing rapidly and potentially spreading to lymph nodes or distant organs such as bones, lungs, liver, and brain.
3. Liver Cancer
Caused by mutation and abnormal growth of liver cells.
Major risks: Cirrhosis from alcohol use, hepatitis B/C, or aflatoxin exposure from contaminated dried foods, nuts, and grains.
4. Lung Cancer
Results from uncontrolled abnormal growth of lung cells.
Types: Small Cell Lung Cancer and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.
5. Colorectal Cancer
More common in people over 50 but can occur at any age.
Caused by malignant growth in the colon, leading to changes in bowel habits such as narrow stools, abnormal diarrhea, or mucus with blood.
Source: PPTV by BDMS
