Every day it seems that someone is talking about how something that was once thought good for you is actually in fact, very bad for you. Every corner you turn, you find there is a new health concern waiting there. In the next 20 years, cancer is expected to rise 57%. The death count is expected to rise from 8.2 million a year to a staggering 12 million.

The scary thing about this statistic is that health care can’t keep up with the growing demand. It’s a complicated problem, and even those thought to be the healthiest of people don’t seem to be safe from contracting any one of the terrible diseases on the rise in the world.

While some like to tell you that it’s cut and dry, it’s not. Healthy eating and exercise do contribute to a healthy life, but it doesn’t mean you won’t end up suffering from a terrible illness in the end. Here are some things you didn’t know about your health.

Sometimes It’s Just About Luck

Nobody wants to hear it, but some scientists suggest that illnesses like cancer can sometimes just be attributed to bad luck. Your chances of getting cancer are obviously much larger if you’re an avid smoker or enjoy other things that are known to cause cancer, but even if you steer clear of bad habits and bad diet, rotten luck might bring cancer to your door anyway.

Cancer is a mutation of cells. Environmental factors can cause it, as well as heredity, but random genetic mutation is two-thirds the risk. The most important thing is to get into your doctor routinely to check for signs.

You Could Be at Risk in Random Ways

The risk to your health doesn’t just lie in your hands. Like credit cards and identity theft, your personal health can be at risk in the same way. There is a rising risk at hospitals as far as patient confidentiality goes.

It may not be the fault of the institution, but privacy and security, as well as patient information are all things that could be unprotected from the evil, prying hands of the world.

You can protect yourself by making sure you go to hospitals and institutions that practice efficient ways of safeguarding against this. If you don’t have that option, write letters and talk to those in charge to encourage them to take initiative. Patient security must be of top priority.

All in all, our knowledge and understanding of health is always changing. Take everything with a grain of salt, and be sure to make wise decisions in your personal life to combat your risk of disease.

As far as other risks go, be educated, do research, and be a voice in your community to ensure that everyone is getting the service and protection they need and deserve.