Raipur oncologist warns five everyday habits that fuel cancer growth

Dr Jayesh Sharma, a senior cancer surgeon in Raipur, warned that five seemingly ordinary habits can actually feed cancer cells and slow recovery. He shared the list on Instagram on September 21, explaining that visceral fat – the deep belly fat around organs – acts as an endocrine organ, raising estrogen levels and causing insulin resistance, both of which can promote tumor growth. A sedentary lifestyle keeps muscle activity low; active muscles normally cut inflammation, so prolonged sitting adds extra fuel to the fire. Mindless snacking on chips, junk food, sugary drinks and other low‑fiber, highly processed foods provides direct nourishment for cancer cells. Stress, while a smaller factor on its own, pushes people toward these poor lifestyle choices and thus indirectly fuels disease. Finally, insufficient sleep – whether from stress‑induced insomnia or late‑night phone scrolling – deprives the body of recovery time and further encourages cancer growth. Dr Sharma, who has over 25 years of experience in surgical oncology and specializes in oral, breast and abdominal cancers, practices at ITSA Hospital in Raipur. The article notes that the information is for general awareness only and not a substitute for medical advice.

Context

Visceral fat is known to secrete hormones that can alter the body’s metabolism, while regular muscle activity helps regulate inflammation. Poor sleep and chronic stress are linked to weakened immune responses, making it harder for the body to fight disease.