What is Cancer?
Cancer is a disease that is the second leading cause of death worldwide, affecting millions of people worldwide. Is it preventable though? The answer is not that simple.
While some cancers are caused by genetic factors and cannot be prevented, many others are linked to lifestyle choices and environmental exposures that can be modified. From quitting smoking to eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer. Recent advances in cancer research are also offering new hope for cancer prevention, such as personalized cancer prevention plans that take into account an individual’s genetic makeup. In this blog, we’ll explore the latest scientific evidence on cancer prevention and discover what steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.
2. How does cancer start?
Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body start to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. Normally, the body has a system to control cell growth and division, but cancer cells don’t follow these normal rules. They can grow into tumors and spread to other parts of the body, damaging healthy tissue and organs.
Our bodies are made up of millions of tiny building blocks called cells. Normally, cells grow and divide in a controlled way to make more cells when our body needs them. But sometimes, something goes wrong and the cells start to grow and divide too much. When this happens, a lump of extra cells called a tumor can form.
Not all tumors are cancerous, or malignant. benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body and are not usually life-threatening. However, malignant tumors are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems, which can be very dangerous.
3. Why does Cancer occur?
Cancer is caused by a combination of things, including genetics, certain lifestyle choices, and exposure to certain substances in the environment. For example, smoking, drinking alcohol, and exposure to certain chemicals or UV radiation can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer. Research is still ongoing to understand more about the causes of cancer and how to prevent it.
It is essential to understand that not all cancers are preventable.
- Cancers which can occur in children of any age are considered to be largely un-preventable, as their causes are not still fully understood. Examples include certain types of leukemia and brain tumors, which do not seem to be related to environmental or lifestyle factors.
- Hereditary cancers caused by inherited genetic mutations that are passed down from parents to children, like hereditary breast, ovarian cancer and colon cancer, cannot be entirely prevented. However, risk reduction strategies are available for such cancers.
4. What are my risk factors for developing Cancer?
- TOBACCO
Smoking is responsible for about one in three cancer deaths, and is the leading cause for preventable cancers. The evidence linking smoking to cancer is consistent and extensive, and is widely accepted as the most important risk factor in developing cancer. One of the main ways that smoking causes cancer is by damaging the DNA in cells. Chemicals in tobacco smoke, such as tar and nicotine can lead to mutations and the development of cancerous tumors. Of those who get lung cancer, up to 90% are active or recent smokers.
In addition to lung cancer, consuming tobacco in any form (smoking or chewing) is also strongly linked to a number of other types of cancer, including bladder cancer, cervical cancer, kidney cancer, laryngeal cancer, oral cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer
The risk of developing these cancers increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and the length of time a person has been smoking. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing these cancers in our lifetime!
- OBESITY
Obesity is defined as having an excessive amount of body fat. Metabolic syndrome refers to a group of risk factors that occur together and increase the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. It includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels. After smoking, obesity is the second leading cause of preventable cancers. Combined, smoking and obesity account for 50% of all preventable cancers.
Metabolic syndrome has also been linked to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, including colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer and liver cancer. Though the exact mechanisms are still not understood, It is thought that the underlying metabolic abnormalities associated with metabolic syndrome may contribute to the development of cancer by promoting inflammation and altering the levels of certain hormones and growth factors in the body.
There is substantial overlap in risk factors for cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke) and preventable cancer. Working towards better cardiovascular health will also help you prevent cancer.
- HARMFUL ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Moderate to heavy alcohol intake is associated with increased rates of head and neck, esophageal, liver, breast and colorectal cancer.This can occur by several mechanisms. The most plausible mechanism is through the metabolism of alcohol in the body, which creates a substance called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and it can damage DNA and other cellular components, leading to the development of cancer. Additionally, alcohol can increase levels of estrogen and other hormones that are linked to certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer. Heavy alcohol intake can also lead to chronic inflammation and liver damage, which can increase the risk of liver cancer.
- INFECTIONS
An estimated 15 percent of all human cancers worldwide may be attributed to viruses, a significant contribution to global cancer burden. Viruses can cause cervical cancer, Liver cancer, Gastric cancer and blood cancers.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women. A large majority of cervical cancer (more than 95%) is due to the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract. Most sexually active women and men will be infected at some point in their lives, and some may be repeatedly infected.
More than 90% of the infected populations eventually clear the infection. Although most HPV infections clear up on their own and most pre-cancerous lesions resolve spontaneously, there is a risk for all women that HPV infection may become chronic and pre-cancerous lesions progress to invasive cervical cancer.
Chronic Hepatitis B and C virus infections are known to cause Liver cancer by injecting their own viral DNA into Liver cells, changing their function and allowing cancer to occur.
With all these risk factors to develop Cancer, one might feel overwhelmed. Do not fret, because there are scientific and proven ways to help prevent this dreaded disease. Read our next blog,
Understanding Cancer Part 2 to help understand how you can prevent Cancer.