You’re active, you’re eating right, you’re following your doctor’s advices, and yet your oncologist says your positive of cancer. The fact is, your job could have more influence on developing cancer than doing all the healthy things.
Are you now suspicious whether your job is making you sick? Here’s what you need to know and how you can protect yourself against this life-threatening disease.
- Flight Attendants and Pilots
According to studies, it turns out that the sky is every flight attendant’s and pilot’s enemy when it comes to maintaining cancer-free life. One main reason is that these professionals are constantly exposed to higher ionizing radiation, since they are often at high altitudes. This heightens the likelihood of developing certain cancers, including those that affect the uterus, breast, cervix, esophagus and liver. What’s alarming is that breast-cancer rate in female cabin crews is 50 percent higher than those women not in the same field. Now, that’s something you should think about.
- Any Desk Job
Sitting too much can increase your chance of developing endometrial or colon cancer. Unfortunately, occasional gym sessions may not help. The best solution is to get up and move throughout the day, especially after a heavy meal. Little regular movements goes a long way in fighting cancer risks than doing an hour of cardio after every eight hours sitting at your desk.
- Farmer
The type of pesticides used to maintain non-organic foods is a much bigger problem for our agricultural workers. According to health professionals, farmers and people living nearby agricultural fields are at higher risk for leukemia, soft-tissue sarcoma, multiple myeloma and brain and skin cancers. And while pesticides are a major threat, solvents, engine exhaust, fertilizers, animal viruses and some certain microbes also contribute to the heightened risk for cancer.
- Any Graveyard-Shift Job
Toxic chemicals and radiation are not the only culprits of cancer. Whether you believe it or not, disrupted circadian rhythm by working under bright artificial lights can also increase chances of developing cancers. Our body cells utilize light cue, which serves as reset button for our body clock. Losing that cue may also lose the rhythm in the body cells, resulting to the growth of cancer-promoting protein, spurring development of tumors. Health experts are still working on medications that can target light-sensitive genes and help protect graveyard workers from increased risk for cancer.
- Miners
Mining is a dangerous job, with different types of mining works increasing certain types of cancers. One example is coal-mining, which can increase a worker’s risk for stomach and lung cancer, while other miners can get in constant contact with other cancer-causing elements, like uranium, radon and asbestos. Take advantage of your workplace’s health and safety committee get educated of the materials you’ll be working with and their hazards.
Health is wealth. While you’re working hard to live a comfortable life, don’t let your guards down and make sure that you’re not putting your health at grave danger.