Cancer- The Risk Factors And Prevention

Cancer is a malignant growth of abnormal cells that form masses. They have the ability to invade other tissues and form other tumors. This is metastasis.

Throughout life most cells in the body grow, multiply and replace themselves. During this process errors or changes called mutations occur.

Whereas in normal cells growth and development are controlled, in cancerous cells they are not. When certain mutations occur, some cells become abnormal and continue to grow long after; this is cancer
There are almost 100 types of cancers from cancer of the brain to cancer of the colon.

All cancers have two main characteristics: In each case there is an uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells forming tumors. They have the ability to invade other cells by migrating from their original site.


Causes of Cancer
Researchers believe that the most common causes involve an interaction between the person's genes and the environment. The small changes that occur bring about changes in the proteins that maintain and regulate body function. Common environmental factors are tobacco, radiation and asbestos and secondhand smoke.

as diet, drugs and alcohol may also trigger changes in the cells DNA. Some cancers appear to run in the same family.

In about 1/3 of cases an unhealthy diet appears to be a factor. Physical inactivity with obesity and a high fat diet increases the risks.

Alcohol with tobacco use increases the risk of certain cancers such as cancer of the mouth, larynx and oesophagus.

Risk factors associated with cancer are:
-Poor Diet
-Excessive use of alcohol, as in liver cancer
-Tobacco use
-Exposure to radiation and ultra violet rays as in skin cancer
-Second hand smoke
-Sexual behavior as in cervical cancer
-Hormone replacement therapy

Prevention
Since the exact cause of cancer is not known, prevention lies in reducing or eliminating risk factors. In many cases this would involve lifestyle changes and self care.

There is a lot of evidence to support healthy eating, physical activity and weight control as important. Other preventive measures are:
-A diet with lots of vegetables and fruit
-A diet low in saturated fats
-Regular physical activity, about 30 minutes a day
-Regular screening for cancer such as breast, prostate, cervical and colon
-Weight control to maintain weight within limits
-Avoid tobacco use and second hand smoke
-Protect you skin from ozone depletion
-Control alcohol consumption

Treatment-Treatment will depend on the type of cancer, location, patient's health, the stage and whether there is metastases.

Surgery-This is the removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue. In many cases the organ or gland is removed. If the tumor has spread, surgery will include removal of the new cancerous tissue and lymph nodes. Surgery is the treatment of choice in stage 1 and 2 cancers.

Radiation therapy-This is the use of high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and to shrink tumors. Radiation may be used before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to remove remaining cancer cells. It may also be used in the advanced stage of certain cancers to relieve symptoms. There are unpleasant side effects such as tiredness, loss of appetite and skin reactions.

Chemotherapy-This is the use of anti cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. The drugs are either given orally or into the veins. They may be administered instead of other treatments or along with other treatments.

They may be given before surgery and radiation, or following surgery to kill remaining cancer cells.

There are side effects such as hair loss, nausea, vomiting and menstrual changes.

Other forms of treatments include:
-Hormone therapy
-Alternative medicine
-Immune therapy