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Original poster

to think people who think cancer is caused by lifestyle choices are ignorant?

158 replies

user19201881 · 10/05/2023 21:00

I have a work colleague who thinks that cancer is always caused by lifestyle choices - drinking, smoking, obesity etc. I have had cancer and find this sort of attitude quite upsetting.
I know of 6 people under the age of 40 who have/had cancer and none of them smoke, rarely drink and are not obese. It can't just be down to lifestyle otherwise children wouldn't get cancer.

OP posts:
rickaaaaayyyy · 12/05/2023 15:39

Tygertiger · 10/05/2023 21:19

Of course cancer isn’t always caused by lifestyle. But lifestyle can contribute. Lung cancer rates have decreased since smoking in public places was banned - that includes non-smokers too, due to reduction in passive smoking. Some cancers have hugely reduced due to changes in legislation, eg mesothelioma which is caused by asbestos exposure is now much rarer than in the 1970s. But it’s not always so straightforward and unfortunately some common cancers occur spontaneously in teetotal, non-smoking vegans just as they do in heavy drinkers who eat junk food. It’s very unlikely that anyone with breast or bowel cancer will have a cause identified, unless they have a syndrome or specific gene which hugely predisposes them to it. But at population level, a lot of cancers are found more commonly in drinkers/smokers/people who don’t exercise etc. It’s a smaller individual risk but it’s there. Personally I still drink alcohol even knowing it increases my cancer risk slightly. I’m not going to beat myself up about that.

I have Mesothelioma. I was diagnosed with mesothelioma at 23 caused by asbestos exposure.

I was one of the youngest on record at the time to have it. Sadly more and more my age are being diagnosed. It's shit.

NettleTea · 12/05/2023 15:42

some is genetic. Some is environmental. most need a combination of both, but plenty just one or the other. And quite a big number are entirely to do with aging

EasterBreak · 12/05/2023 15:44

Not all are but some are. It's insensitive though.

MayThe4th · 12/05/2023 15:45

The majority of cancer (I think it’s about 80% according to statistics) is caused by environmental and lifestyle factors.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that a healthy person who develops cancer has been living the wrong lifestyle, but we live in an environment now where there are additional factors which are bad for our health.

The amount of pollution because of the increasing number of cars, the amount of medications etc in our water systems, the amount of additives and preservatives in food. All of those contribute to illnesses.

So while someone might not be obese or smoke and drink to excess, they are almost certainly being exposed to factors which have led to them developing cancer and other illnesses.

We need as a society to acknowledge that, in order for individuals not to fall victim to these kinds of illnesses.

EasterBreak · 12/05/2023 15:46

My 20 odd year old younger cousin died of a cancer that runs in our family. They weren't to blame for that.

anonymous98 · 12/05/2023 15:49

Sometimes I look at the statistics for cancer (particularly '1 in 2') and think 'why bother?' Sometimes it just feels like there's nothing you can do and if you're going to get it, you'll get it. So no, I don't think most cases are lifestyle-related.

anonymous98 · 12/05/2023 15:52

beguilingeyes · 11/05/2023 08:07

I have a friend who thinks that everything is down to lifestyle/diet.
When I was diagnosed with an under-active thyroid she was convinced it was because I was eating the wrong things and if I ate the right things I wouldn't need any medication.

I can't stand people like that.

They're the same people who argue you can replace medication with going to the gym and cutting XYZ out of your diet. Ahrgh!

Tygertiger · 12/05/2023 15:57

rickaaaaayyyy · 12/05/2023 15:39

I have Mesothelioma. I was diagnosed with mesothelioma at 23 caused by asbestos exposure.

I was one of the youngest on record at the time to have it. Sadly more and more my age are being diagnosed. It's shit.

Show quote history

I’m so sorry to hear that. How were you exposed to asbestos? I know nurses and teachers are at greater risk due to it being so prevalent in hospitals and schools.

SisterSister23 · 12/05/2023 15:59

It's both..some genetics, some lifestyle. Sometimes you can have the gene but it has to be activated by something in your lifestyle. It's very complicated. But simply, lifestyle increases risk of cancer.

NettleTea · 12/05/2023 16:02

anonymous98 · 12/05/2023 15:49

Sometimes I look at the statistics for cancer (particularly '1 in 2') and think 'why bother?' Sometimes it just feels like there's nothing you can do and if you're going to get it, you'll get it. So no, I don't think most cases are lifestyle-related.

you do know that this is entirely to do with fundraising, and most of those cancers are the kinds you get when you are old - 50% of cancers are in the over 60s, and 30% in the over 75s. lots are benign too, its just as the body gets old its replication ability gets a bit rubbish.

When my daughter was diagnosed with a progressive life limiting disease, I was told to ignore all the promotional fundraising stuff, because of course they want to present any condition in the worst possible light, as its a campaign to secure charity funding from the public, who only have so much to give. If they show a relatively healthy looking 30 year old, doing OK they are less likely to get donations as if they show a poor sickly looking young kid. preferably a girl. preferably white. Its harsh, but thats what prople in this country mainly respond to.

the word cancer scares the bejeezers out of everyone. Its the big C. Its frightening and its out there waiting to get you. Thats the story the fundraisers need to say, so that you will give them cash to find a cure, or do a fundraiser. But you cant let it stop you living your life, or feel doomed by it. Of course you can do things that reduce the environmental / lifestyle risks, and those things reduce your risks of much more likely illnesses - such as heart disease, which is still the biggest killer.

anonymous98 · 12/05/2023 17:04

NettleTea · 12/05/2023 16:02

you do know that this is entirely to do with fundraising, and most of those cancers are the kinds you get when you are old - 50% of cancers are in the over 60s, and 30% in the over 75s. lots are benign too, its just as the body gets old its replication ability gets a bit rubbish.

When my daughter was diagnosed with a progressive life limiting disease, I was told to ignore all the promotional fundraising stuff, because of course they want to present any condition in the worst possible light, as its a campaign to secure charity funding from the public, who only have so much to give. If they show a relatively healthy looking 30 year old, doing OK they are less likely to get donations as if they show a poor sickly looking young kid. preferably a girl. preferably white. Its harsh, but thats what prople in this country mainly respond to.

the word cancer scares the bejeezers out of everyone. Its the big C. Its frightening and its out there waiting to get you. Thats the story the fundraisers need to say, so that you will give them cash to find a cure, or do a fundraiser. But you cant let it stop you living your life, or feel doomed by it. Of course you can do things that reduce the environmental / lifestyle risks, and those things reduce your risks of much more likely illnesses - such as heart disease, which is still the biggest killer.

Show quote history

I hope your daughter is doing well.

Absolutely, cancer research charities do seem to go looking for 'worst case scenario' stories to scare people into donating. It's really not helpful for people with cancer or their families to see those constant reminders IMO. My father has prostate cancer (one of the 'good' cancers) and I constantly have to pass a prostate awareness billboard. Could do without it.

Missingmyusername · 12/05/2023 17:09

Treesoutsidemywindow · 10/05/2023 21:08

Your colleague is talking out of their backside! Yes, things like smoking, being overweight, etc., can contribute to cancer, but they are definitely NOT the sole cause, and next time she starts pontificating, I'd tell her to shut her mouth before she causes serious offence, but that's just me.

This^

Worryingly 32% of mn users have voted and agree with your friend. 🤦🏼‍♀️
Probably why it’s advisable to take anything you see on here with a pinch of salt!

Thepeopleversuswork · 12/05/2023 17:17

Cancer isn't just one disease, it's a broad umbrella group of diseases, which have many and varied and very complex triggers.

Not all cancers are caused by lifestyle diseases for sure and the chain of cause and effect is more complicated than some people would have you believe. Some of it is directly caused by genetic mutations, some by lifestyle, in many cases it's hard to pinpoint the exact cause.

But it is demonstrably true that certain lifestyles, notably heavy smoking and drinking and being overweight, do significantly increase your risk of cancer.

Your friend has vastly oversimplified something.

NettleTea · 12/05/2023 18:00

anonymous98 · 12/05/2023 17:04

I hope your daughter is doing well.

Absolutely, cancer research charities do seem to go looking for 'worst case scenario' stories to scare people into donating. It's really not helpful for people with cancer or their families to see those constant reminders IMO. My father has prostate cancer (one of the 'good' cancers) and I constantly have to pass a prostate awareness billboard. Could do without it.

Show quote history

Thank you, yes. There was a new miracle drug that is working its wonders. She is now expected, assuming no long term issues with the drug, to live a relatively normal length life. Of course this brings the strange challenges of planning for the future, when you had always assumed you didnt have one. It should be a relief, but its a very different kind of MH issue to deal with

HamBone · 12/05/2023 19:11

shammalammadingdong · 12/05/2023 15:15

I really don't understand why people are giving so many anecdotes....it's not really a conundrum or anything.

Some cancers are caused by or influenced by lifestyle choices and/or environmental factors.
Some are not.

It's not that hard.

Because we feel like it, @shammalammadingdong , anyone can post whatever they want, you don’t have to read it. 😂

FannythePinkFlamingo · 12/05/2023 19:40

HitthefloorforTaintedLove · 10/05/2023 22:20

I've known quite a few people get cancer under 40, and sadly also quite a few who died, including one while we were still at school.

@FannythePinkFlamingo DH also has had cancer due to Lynch syndrome. Hope you're doing okay.

I have a friend who has had cancer in her 30s, with some lifestyle factors mentioned, but doesn't mean she doesn't deserve sympathy.

I hated how when DH's cancer was mentioned people often asked if he smoked and someone told me he should have followed a vegan diet to avoid it.

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I’m fine now @HitthefloorforTaintedLove (great username btw, one of my fave tunes!). My cancer was caught early and I had a full hysterectomy within two weeks of diagnosis. I’m about to be discharged next week - woohoo! Have to have colonoscopies and endoscopies every two years now though. Hope your DH stays well too.

anonymous98 · 12/05/2023 20:30

NettleTea · 12/05/2023 18:00

Thank you, yes. There was a new miracle drug that is working its wonders. She is now expected, assuming no long term issues with the drug, to live a relatively normal length life. Of course this brings the strange challenges of planning for the future, when you had always assumed you didnt have one. It should be a relief, but its a very different kind of MH issue to deal with

Show quote history

It definitely must feel quite strange for you. I'm so glad her treatment is working ❤

underneaththeash · 12/05/2023 20:33

Bearpawk · 10/05/2023 21:24

I'm under 40 and I have cancer.
I've known a handful of others in my life who have too, all before 40.
A variety of skin, bowel (that one was a fit healthy vegan) lymphoma, breast and brain tumour. All of us fairly healthy with low risk factors so it was quite surprising.

Show quote history

I'm sorry you have cancer, but obviously you know that being vegan doesn't reduce your cancer risk.

Lcb123 · 12/05/2023 20:35

of course not all cancer is caused by lifestyle. But lifestyle choices can increase likelihood of having cancer. Along with other diseases.

YetiTeri · 12/05/2023 20:37

anonymous98 · 12/05/2023 15:49

Sometimes I look at the statistics for cancer (particularly '1 in 2') and think 'why bother?' Sometimes it just feels like there's nothing you can do and if you're going to get it, you'll get it. So no, I don't think most cases are lifestyle-related.

It's a very misleading stat. The incidence is not 1 in 2 for a 5 year old, or a 22 year old or even a 60 year old.

Very elderly people often have cancer that's being managed but isn't the cause of death.

But not ever smoking will significantly decrease your risk of cancer so it really really is worth bothering to not smoke.

CheeseDreamsTonight · 12/05/2023 20:40

It's not always caused by lifestyle but if you have drawn a bad luck card genetically, lifestyle can tip it over in some cases.

Bearpawk · 13/05/2023 09:01

@underneaththeash many studies show a link between plant based (varied) diets (I.e not just chips) and REDUCED risk of colorectal cancers.

WHO now classes processed red meats as a carcinogen because of the increase in bowel cancer risk.

Bearpawk · 13/05/2023 09:02

@underneaththeash I'm not vegan or even veggie btw

Brrrrrrrrrrrr · 13/05/2023 09:08

A family member has lung cancer, she’s in her 70s and never smoked a day in her life. She did however have to work in a small enclosed office with several smokers back in the 70s and 80s when it was permitted to smoke at your desk.

Greycloudlooming · 13/05/2023 09:14

My mum passed away from lung cancer and hadn’t even touched a cigarette in her life, let alone smoked one. But I’ve had some people comment to me in the past that “she wouldn’t have died young if she didn’t smoke”. Just very ignorant and extremely insensitive too.

Like you OP, I know several young people who’ve been diagnosed with cancer; usually breast cancer or brain. All of them had lived/still live healthy lifestyles. It’s very sad.

One tremendous victory however was a friend who was given a six month prognosis (if she was lucky) after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Again, not a smoker. She spent a year at a cancer clinic in Mexico getting enemas and ice baths and oxygen therapy while eating raw, organic and non inflammatory foods. She shunned western medicine completely. I thought she was nuts but just over 2 years ago she was cleared of all detectable cancer markers. She’s having six monthly scans and tests and is still completely cancer free. She has an Instagram account of her journey, it’s just incredible really. So I digressed a bit there, but since following her journey, I strongly believe there’s a far bigger link than we know to cancer and nutrition.