Cancer is a disease that is caused when cells in the body grow in an uncontrolled and abnormal way, killing normal cells and often causing death.
According to a research by Kenya Network of Cancer Organisations, 40,000 people were infected with cancer in 2017.
The number is double the cases recorded five years earlier, 20,000 individuals.
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The alarming rise of people infected with malignant growth can be partly attributed to the lifestyle changes experienced in the country.
Poor diet is one of the major causes of cancer.
We have compiled a list of foodstuffs and drinks that you should look out for as they contribute to the disease.
1. Canned tomatoes
Canada Cancer Society has classified canned tomatoes as carcinogenic (cancer-causing) food.
This is because the lining of food cans contain Bisphenol A (BPA) which is considered a harmful substance.
They are also sprayed with pesticides which are often absorbed by the thin skin of the fruit.
2. Sodas
Sodas have high amounts of phosphates, white sugar and chemicals.
The artificial flavours and sweeteners are quite acidic and when packaged in aluminum cans, they leak quite high amounts of aluminum.
Aluminum has been associated with the weakened gastrointestinal tract and Alzheimer's disease.
3. Farm-raised fish
Farmed fish are usually raised on an unnatural diet.
The fish have been shown to have higher levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) chemical.
4. Processed meat
Processed meat includes bacon, sausages, hot dogs, beef jerk and ham.
Recently the World Health Organization (WHO)’s announced that consumption of processed meat is carcinogenic to humans.
Excessive consumption of these products can, therefore, contribute to the illness.
5.Potato chips
Potato chips are prepared at high temperatures which creates Acrylamide.
According to the American Cancer Society and European Food Safety Authority, acrylamide is a carcinogen.
6. Alcohol
Consumption of alcohol increases the risk of developing several types of cancers including cancer of the breast, colon and rectum, esophagus, larynx, liver, mouth and pharynx, as per Canadian Cancer Society. These risks are increased when alcohol use is combined with cigarette smoking.
In our bodies, alcohol (ethanol) is converted into a toxic chemical called acetaldehyde which damages DNA and stops cells from repairing the damage.
7. Refined white flour and sugar
Chemical treatments to the flour to whiten it results in the formation of alloxan in the flour.
Alloxan is a toxic contaminant causing diabetes.
White processed flour has a high glycemic index which quickly raises the blood sugar level, cancer cells feed mostly on the sugars in the bloodstream.
8. Genetically Modified foods
GMOs are produced by interchanging DNA from different species and is done to enhance the desired traits of a product.
Studies link modified products to cancer, liver and kidney damage and severe hormonal disruption.
9. Contaminated fruits and vegetables
These are fruits and vegetables farmed with high quantities of pesticides.
Canadian Cancer Association research suggests a possible connection of pesticides with cancers such as non-hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and prostate, testicular, pancreatic, lung and non-melanoma skin cancers.
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