Health & Lifestyle: Emerging Cancer Risk Due to Social Media, Stress, Doom Scrolling, and More

Health & Lifestyle: Significant changes in our lifestyles have occurred over the last decade, owing mostly to the rise of social media and the ubiquitous availability of digital content. Unlike in the past, people increasingly spend extended periods of time on their screens, particularly at night—a practice known as “doom scrolling.” Despite intending to sleep, people spend hours browsing through their phones, resulting in low-quality sleep. This constant mental stimulation prevents the brain from truly resting, contributing to increased stress levels, which can have broader implications for overall health.

Rising Cancer Risk Due to Lifestyle Habits

Cancer can develop in any organ of the body, including the breast, lungs, liver, and kidneys, as a result of the natural process of cell division. Genetic errors during this division are widespread, but under normal conditions, the immune system recognises and kills these abnormal cells. However, persistent stress, such as psychological stress and interrupted sleep patterns, impairs the immune system’s capacity to perform this vital role. As a result, altered cells can accumulate and eventually lead to cancer. As a result, chronic stress and poor sleep hygiene are increasingly being recognised as potential risk factors for cancer development. Individuals must listen to their bodies and prioritise rest to maintain a healthy immune response.