Statistics show that one in two people is likely to develop some form of cancer in their lifetime. Notably, a recent study found that 14 types of cancer are on the rise in young people, including breast, cervical, uterine, testicular, kidney, stomach, colorectal, pancreatic, bone and joint cancers, melanoma, and four types of lymphatic system cancers.
Billions of dollars have been invested in cancer research, and according to Dr. Mikkael Sekeres, Chief of the Division of Hematology at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (Florida, USA), there are five common but little-known habits that can increase the risk of cancer.
1. Grilling meat at high temperatures
Grilling beef, chicken, fish, or pork at high temperatures can create dangerous chemical compounds such as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These substances are mutagenic and classified as potential carcinogens.
According to Dr. Sekeres, these compounds form when the protein in meat reacts to high temperatures, while the fat and juices dripping onto the fire create smoke—a combination that results in toxic smoke.
Animal studies have shown that inhaling or ingesting these substances can lead to lung, stomach, breast, intestinal, and pancreatic cancer. Dr. Sekeres mentions that he only consumes grilled meats about once a month and recommends limiting the intake of red and processed meats.
2. Drinking tea or other beverages at very high temperatures
A study in China found that individuals who drank tea at temperatures above 60°C along with daily alcohol consumption had a five times higher risk of esophageal cancer. Drinking very hot tea daily alone doubled the risk.
The high temperature can damage the esophageal mucosa if this habit is maintained for many years. However, Dr. Sekeres emphasizes that while it is essential to refrain from very hot beverages, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption are far more crucial in lowering cancer risk.
3. Using hair straightening and dyeing chemicals
Many hair straightening and dyeing products contain formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, and phthalates, harmful chemicals commonly found in plastics. These are endocrine disruptors and can affect sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.
A 2022 study suggested that using hair straightening products within a year could increase the risk of cervical cancer. Dr. Sekeres advises checking the ingredients of hair products before use to avoid these harmful chemicals.
4. Smoking shisha (hookah)
Many people mistakenly believe that smoking shisha is less harmful than cigarettes because the smoke passes through water. However, Dr. Sekeres points out that shisha smokers are exposed to even higher levels of carbon monoxide than regular cigarette smokers.
A 2024 study in Vietnam involving 40,000 individuals found that shisha smokers had a significantly higher risk of death from liver, lung, head and neck, and stomach cancers. “We firmly believe that all forms of tobacco use, including shisha, increase the risk of cancer. My advice: avoid it altogether,” concludes Dr. Sekeres.
5. Getting tattoos
A Swedish study revealed that people with tattoos have a 21% higher risk of developing cancer than those without. Chemicals in tattoo ink can accumulate in lymph nodes, disrupting the immune system and increasing the risk of lymphoma, a rare type of cancer.
A small study in Denmark involving twins showed that those with tattoos had a 62% higher risk of skin cancer. The chemicals in tattoo ink can cause chronic inflammation, leading to cell proliferation disorders.
However, Dr. Sekeres notes, “Even if this link is real, the likelihood of getting cancer from a tattoo is quite low because lymphatic cancer is rare, affecting only about 21 out of 100,000 people annually in the US.”
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