Unveiling the Truth Behind the Rise in Cancer Incidence Post-2020
Cancer rates skyrocketed post pandemic 2020. The post-2020 rise in cancer cases, following the pandemic, puzzles doctors, with many theories emerging. Been seeing information with misleading claims. Speculation pointed in every direction. COVID-19 and its vaccine are each offered as different explanations, but, that's not the entire story; delayed health screenings, lifestyle, and environmental factors also contribute.
Many believe a single factor is to blame for the rise in cancer among 15-44-year-olds. Just one explanation is an oversimplification and doesn't do justice to the complexity of the problem. Let's straighten out this confusing narrative.
The healthy body prevents cancer
Proto-oncogenes are built-in safeguards in our bodies that help to ward off cancer. Cancer develops when these genes malfunction. Our genetics play a minor role, while lifestyle and environmental factors pose a much greater risk. The cumulative effect of damage dysregulated cancer genes, leading to a massive cancer risk. The pandemic set the stage for a surge in cancer cases over the next few years.
The immune system prevents cancer by identifying and destroying abnormal cells before they develop into tumors
How do these cancer protection genes malfunction? The lifestyle domino effect. Our routines were turned upside down during the lockdown. The detrimental and devastating health effects followed.
Increased stress
Chronic stress not only speeds up cellular aging but handicaps the immune system. Prolonged uncertainty of the lockdowns added fuel to the fire. To make matters worse, in this already dysfunctional state, the immune system needs to defend us against covid-19. The battle between our vulnerable immune systems and the covid virus is like a boxing match where our immune systems are defenseless. Like Mike Tyson vs a baby. The consequence. Cancer thriving because of a compromised immune system.
Weight gain and crap food
Surveys from around 97,000 respondents showed a 31% increase in snacking during the lockdowns, which lead to an average of a 7lbs weight gain between Mach and June 2020. Some food addicted individuals reported a 12 lbs weight increase, which was attributed to munching down on ultra processed foods. The proinflammatory cascade created by fat gain further tears down the immune system and impairs cell function and cancer protection. Being obese raises your cancer risk by about 20-40%, depending on the cancer.
Alcohol intake
Alcohol sales increased 3% so no surprise consumption increase by 20%. After drinking more heavily, some people reported a 4.6 lb weight gain. Funny enough the about to be retired surgeon general recently came out with a new health advisory warning about the increased risk of cancer from increased alcohol consumption. The warning is 4 years too late if you ask me.
Poor sleep quality
It’s unsettling. Although people slept longer, their sleep quality plummeted. Continuous stress and irregular schedules probably reduce the quality of sleep. The body's natural restorative functions are hindered by sleep deprivation. Sleep allows our cells to heal, enabling us to thrive. Sleep disorders increase cancer risk by 20% compared to normal sleep patterns. Poor sleep quality, combined with the above risk factors creates a recipe for disaster but a thriving environment to grow a mega cancer.
Delayed medical care
When I worked in the hospital during the covid pandemic everyone avoided the hospital system like the plague. Only making it in when they became deathly ill. Because of the decline in medical visits the subsequent reduction in cancer screening played a role in delayed diagnosis and treating cancers.
Summary
Cancer is a chronic disease. Repeatedly, I hear about healthy people getting cancer seemingly without reason. But, health exists on a spectrum, from poor to excellent. To prevent cancer you need to be on the healthier end of the spectrum while avoiding a multitude of risk factors. The truth is a majority fall into poor health side of the spectrum unaware they are unhealthy.
Attributing the rise in cancer diagnoses solely to one factor ignores the disease's multifaceted nature. Cancer's presence is preceded by decades of increased susceptibility. The incidence of chronic disease like obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome lowers the body’s defenses inviting cancers presence. It’s like an army lacking weapons or elite special forces. You're left without protection. Making the right choices now will better protect you in the future. Choose one habit, one meal, or one step to better health to start. The process of developing a stronger, more resilient body starts right now. Plant the seeds of health today.