Understanding Cancer: Causes, Prevention, Impact, and Social Responsibility

Understanding Cancer: Causes, Prevention, Impact, and Social Responsibility

Cancer is one of the most important health issues of our time - a disease that affects millions of people around the globe, directly or indirectly; cancer is a leading cause of death in many countries. While modern medicine has made great strides in the treatment of cancer, it is still an often unknown and misunderstood disease. In this paper, we will explore what cancer is, what causes it, how people can prevent it, and to what extent we should be responsible in reducing the suffering caused by cancer in affected families and society. 

What Is Cancer?

Cancer is a general term identifying a group of diseases that can affect any part of the body, characterized by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells. The abnormal cells are invasive, meaning they can affect the surrounding cells, and can move throughout the body via the blood and lymph systems. 

There are over 100 different types of cancer, including many well-known and common forms such as: breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and skin cancer.

A cancer begins when the normal functioning of cells are changed through genetic changes. These changes can lead to abnormal and uncontrollable growth of the cells, ignoring the normal mechanisms of cell death, leading to the development of the tumor. Some tumors, however, are not cancerous. Benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body, while malignant tumors do.

Causes of Cancer

Cancer is caused by a variety of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Below are the most well-established causes: 

1. Genetic Factors: 

Some individuals carry inherited mutations that increase the risk of certain cancers. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, for example, cause an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

2. Lifestyle Factors:

Tobacco Use: Smoking is the number one cause of cancer and the number one cause of cancer death. It constitutes an increased risk of cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, pancreas, bladder, and more. 

Alcohol Consumption: Drinking too much alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the liver, breast, colon, and esophagus. 

Diet and Obesity: An unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity can lead to obesity, it is known to increase a person's risk for many cancers, including breast, colon, and kidney cancers. 

3. Environmental Factors:

Certain chemicals and pollutants can increase risk. Some include asbestos, benzene, and formaldehyde. 

4. Radiation:

➡️Ultraviolet Radiation: UV rays from the sun are the number one cause of skin cancer.  

➡️Exposure to ionizing radiation; large doses through x-ray or nuclear accidents can raise the likelihood of developing cancer. 

5. Infections:

There are certain infections which can result in cancer; for instance: 

 ➡️Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Causes cervical and some other cancers.

➡️Hepatitis B & C: Heightens risk for liver cancer.

➡️Helicobacter pylori: Correlated with stomach cancer.

How to Prevent Cancer

While not all cancers can be prevented, you can make healthy lifestyle choices and limit risk factor exposure to prevent many cancers.

1. Don't use tobacco and limit alcohol.

If you stop smoking and are not exposed to second-hand smoke, you greatly reduce your chances of getting cancer. Limit your alcohol skills to lower cancer risks.

2. Have a healthy diet.

Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Limit processed and red meats, sugar sweetened beverages, and very fatty foods in your diet.

3. Exercise.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, plus 2 days of strength training each week.

4. Protect your skin.

Wear sunscreen; at least SPF 30, long pants, and long sleeves. Don't use tanning beds.

5. Vaccination.

Vaccinating for certain diseases, such as the HPV vaccine and the hepatitis B vaccine can reduce the chances of virus-related cancer.

6. Get screened and see your doctor regularly.

When detected early, there are better chances of a successful treatment process. Remember to have regular breast, colon, cervical, and prostate cancer screenings; especially considering a family history of any.

Shielding Your Family from Cancer

It's critical to educate families about cancer and encourage the best possible health habits.

1. Create a healthy household:

➡️Do not smoke indoors.

➡️Do not use toxic cleaners.

➡️Ventilate homes to minimize indoor air pollutants.

2. Support Healthy Eating:

Cook well-balanced meals and encourage children to help you prepare these meals, helping children learn about nutrition from an early age.

3. Support routine check-ups with doctors:

Encourage families to ensure that family members are fully vaccinated and undergo regular health screening programs.

4. Be a Role Model:

Implement and model your healthy living. Children are more likely to engage in healthy habits if they see their parents working hard to engage in a healthy lifestyle.

The Responsibility of Society to Reduce Cancer Risk.

Cancer is not only a personal issue but a social issue where everyone has a responsibility to reduce the burden of cancer.

1. Create awareness:

Local community programs, media campaigns, and educational institutions need to disseminate accurate information regarding the prevention and early detection of cancer.

2. Support research and innovation:

Government and industry resources and support for cancer research and development will lead to more effective treatments and even possible cures. Society needs more support for scientific research.

3. Strategies to improve access to healthcare:

Fair access to cancer screening, treatment, and palliative care is not only ideal but essential. It's well established that healthcare disparities can contribute to higher mortality rates in underserved groups and communities. 

4. Workplace Strategies: 

Employers should offer health insurance, well-being initiatives, and ensure their workplace is healthy and safe. These actions can help reduce occupational cancer risk.

5. Advocacy and Legislation:

Advocate for legislation and policies that protect our health such as limits to tobacco advertising, limits on pollution, and better regulations on food.

The Emotional and Economic Distress of Cancer.

Cancer not only negatively impacts an individual's health, it is a significant emotional and economic burden for families and individuals.

1. Mind Stress:

A cancer diagnosis can lead to anxiety, depression and fear, therefore it is critical to provide mental well-being support from counselors, support groups and loved ones.

2. Wallet Stress: 

Cancer treatment is often lengthy and expensive to pursue. Individuals can lose their jobs, end up in significant medical debt, and experience a much lower quality of life. Insurance and access to social support programs can help mitigate this harm. 

3. Caregiver Stress: 

Family members caring for individuals with cancer can often face burnout and emotional toxicity such as anxiety and depression. They can benefit from support services, and some respite care services as they help shoulder the burden.

Final thoughts

Cancer is one of the toughest foes we can encounter. Yet it can be beaten in the event we choose to keep it in perspective when we make choices, when we detect it early, and when we recognize we have a collective responsibility to minimize the toll it takes on our lives, families, and communities. We each have a responsibility to ourselves to live well and seek medical care regularly; as a society.

it is our responsibility to ensure that education, research, and health care work in concert to combat cancer. Together, with awareness and compassion, we can move toward a time when cancer does not lead to so much suffering and loss of life.