The list of human carcinogens drawn up by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) includes 129 substances, including foods and compounds to which we are exposed on a daily basis. During a national conference promoted by AIL, Professor Franco Berrino recalled some valuable advice for protecting our health.
The incidence of cancer is constantly growing ei data they are dramatic especially for the young. Suffice it to say that in this age group in the space of half a century (between 1973 and 2017) malignant tumors have increased by well 30 percent. In Italiaas explained by the oncologist and endocrinologist Professor Ruggero Ridolfi, who spoke at national conference “Treating is taking care. Environmental impact and health risk” promoted byAIL (Italian Association against Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma), the risk of incidence of tumors in young people is doubled in just 15 years. Furthermore, in the age group between 15 and 39 years, cases of cancer have disappeared and 10,000 and 20,000 between 1995 and 2019.
Globally, according to a recent study conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, in 2022 there were 20 million Of new diagnoses of cancer, with 9.7 million deaths. The most disturbing data, however, concerns the estimates for the next few years. For the 2050in fact, it is expected that the new cases recorded will be more than 35,000resulting in an increase of approximately80 percent compared to what was recorded two years ago. There are many reasons for this significant increase, among which the constant stands out aging of the population and exposure to carcinogenic substanceswhich continues to grow alongside socioeconomic development. Among the key elements is theair pollutionwhich was defined as “an environmental risk factor of primary importance” at the AIL conference held in Rome on 18 October 2024.
To date, according to thelist drawn up by IARCconstantly updated based on the results of scientific research, are exactly there 129 substances considerate definitely carcinogenic for thehuman beingincluded in Group 1. Among them are smokeasbestos, alcohol, processed meatsradon and other radioactive elements, benzene, formaldehyde, fine dust related to smog, emissions from diesel enginesheavy metals and many others. In the Group 2A 96 retained substances are found probably carcinogenic for man and in Group 2B another 321 classified as possibly carcinogenic. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), glysophate, red meatwelding fumes, lead, ultraviolet radiation, caffeinealoe vera extract, styrene, exhaust fumes from petrol engines and many others are part of these two groups. Recently, IARC officially classified talc powder as “probably carcinogenic”, a finished product that has been at the center of bitter debates and lawsuits for many years. Another 500 Group 3 agents are deemed “unclassifiable” for carcinogenicity in humans.
Food contact materials contain chemicals linked to breast cancer: what are they?
In light of these data it is clear that we are constantly exposed to substances that can cause cancer or could make us ill. Among them there are some that we could mistakenly consider harmless or in any case not so dangerous for our health. During his speech at the AIL conference, the doctor and epidemiologist Franco Berrino he stressed that “we are surrounded by a large amount of poisons”, therefore it is necessary to defend ourselves through conscious choiceseven at the table. The scientist’s suggestion reported by ANSA is to focus on organic food, fresh foods e not processed. Moreover, according to a recent study published in the authoritative scientific journal The British Medical Journal (BMJ), well 32 parameters of our health are negatively affected by the consumption of ultra-processed foodsassociated with the risk of premature death, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and much more. Dr. Berrino also underlines the importance of defending ourselves from endocrine disruptors like the infamous bisphenol A they phthalatesprohibited in some products but present in many others in common use. They are “substances that interfere with hormones and alter our reproductive system, they are a cause of impotence and sterility” commented Professor Berrino.
Among the other tips cited by the expert to reduce risks are: never put il hot food in plastic containers; change them Teflon non-stick pans when they scratch themselves; choose the oven chart without bisphenol A; and prefer legumes and other products in glass containers, because cans “are lined with a waterproofing film which contains pfas”. In the various sessions of the National Conference promoted by the AIL, several other experts from various disciplines spoke who examined in depth the relationship between exposure to environmental factors and health risk, in particular oncologicalin order to promote initiatives to support public health.
“The AIL conference was set up as a space for discussion to present studies and research that validate the correlations between pollution and health in order to try to identify prevention factors that can significantly reduce the onset of cancer for an improvement in individual and social health , encouraging policies and strategies for the protection of health as a fundamental individual right in compliance with the provisions of the art. 32 of the Italian Constitution”, we read in the conference press release. Even the personal choices on lifestyle – especially nutrition and physical activity – are considered very valuable for reducing the risk of many cancers.
Carcinogens: A Cheeky Look at the 129 Ways You Might Be Killing Yourself
Welcome to the spectacular world of carcinogens! Yes, you heard that right! The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has drawn up a fabulous list of 129 substances—including your favorite comfort snacks and the air you breathe—that might be plotting your demise. Just think of it as Mother Nature’s version of a reality show: “Survivor – Cancer Island.” Spoiler alert: it doesn’t have a happy ending!
The Growing Fear
Let’s dive into the grim statistics, shall we? Data reveals that cancer rates are climbing faster than your uncle at a buffet line. For the younger folks out there—yes, you millennials!—the incidence of malignant tumors has shot up by 30 percent between 1973 and 2017. In Italy, the risk of cancer in those between 15 and 39 years has doubled in just 15 years! One can only ask: are we watching too much “Breaking Bad”? Or is it just the air we breathe?
Global Doomsday
According to a recent study published in “CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians,” there were 20 million new cancer diagnoses worldwide in 2022. That’s not a typo! And brace yourself for this: by 2050, we’re expecting more than 35 million new cases—a lovely little increase of about 80 percent. What’s to blame? Well, aging populations and exposures to carcinogens (thank you, climate changes and lifestyle choices) are at the top of the list.
Meet the Carcinogens
The IARC’s infamous list includes items you might consume daily and don’t even think twice about. We’re talking about smoke (hello, barbeque!), processed meats (you delicious little devils), and even alcohol (cheers to our health!). And let’s not even get started on the doom lurking in the form of benzene, formaldehyde, and fine dust particles. It’s almost as if entire industries are trying to win the “Worst Impact on Human Health” award.
The Nutritionist’s Nightmare
Now, if you thought food was a safe haven, think again. During a rather enlightening talk by Professor Franco Berrino at the AIL Conference, he declared, “we are surrounded by a large amount of poisons.” Quite a statement, right? So it appears it’s time to re-evaluate our love life with ultra-processed foods. Recent studies uncover that these nutritional nightmares are associating with a plethora of health issues, leading to premature death, metabolic diseases, and, you guessed it… cancer!
The Experts Speak
Berrino offers a glimmer of hope: make conscious choices. Focus on organic, fresh, and unprocessed foods. And for the love of God, stop putting hot food into plastic containers. The recipe for health isn’t as convoluted as it sounds; it just requires a bit of mindfulness and a dash of creativity (and maybe a splash of organic olive oil).
In Conclusion
The AIL Conference aims to highlight the link between pollution and health—not simply for a community bake sale but to encourage healthier individual and public health practices. It turns out that your lifestyle choices are your greatest allies (or enemies) in this battle. So, binge-watching Netflix while devouring popcorn is no longer acceptable. Let’s trade those frightfully carcinogenic foods for some veggies, and maybe, just maybe, we can live to tell the tale!
So, put down that processed meat, step away from the plastic, and maybe give broccoli a try. Your body—and the world—will thank you!
