Cancer, Its Neglects, Its Dangers, Its Prevention.

Cancer is a very common topic for discussion. So many people have heard of it and some have even suffered from it the world over. 
 

Despite its common occurrence, it had been discovered that there are still certain facts that are yet to be understood by so many. Majority are still in the dark about its real meaning, its causes and what can be done to control or prevent it. 

In this piece, the points highlighted above shall be discussed considerably with a view to enlightening the reader on the dangers, the control and the possible preventive measures that individuals can follow to prevent cancer.

Cancer is a kind of disease in which certain groups of cells display uncontrollable cell division. This cell division is usually beyond the normal cell division which living organisms are known to undergo.

In the process of this cell division, these cancerous cells invade any body tissue in their way and bring about the destruction of those tissues so as to make way for their own growth and expansion.

As blood flows through these areas occupied by the cancerous cells, the cells are carried by the blood stream to other parts of the body where the cancerous cells establish themselves and continue their growth process. This is exactly how cancer spreads through the body.

Types of Cancer

Cancers are classified according to the organ that they affect. Types of the cancer that we have are breast cancer, prostate cancer, cancer of the lungs, cancer of the colon, cervical cancer, cancers associated with the testicles and even the ovary. There is also cancer of the blood. 

How does cancer differ from tumour?

The difference between cancer and tumor is that, tumour does not spread around the body, neither does it invade other cells to destroy them the way cancer does.

Who is at risk?

Practically everyone is at risk of suffering from any type of cancer, but there are more predispositions to cancer as one age. All sexes too are in danger of suffering form cancer. No sex is more susceptible to cancer than another.

What are the possible causes of cancer?

Various conditions can lead to cancer in an individual. Cancer is as a result of certain genetic abnormalities in the individual. The body tries hard to fight against these abnormalities that cause cancer; but in the presence of certain substances called carcinogens, the body may loose the will to fight on and these abnormalities can then be triggered to cause cancer. One of these triggers is smoking. Any one who smokes is therefore susceptible to cancer. Simply staying too close to someone smoking can lead to one falling victim to cancer. Tobacco smoking is said to be responsible for up to 90% of lung cancer. It is also associated with many other forms of cancer. One out of every three deaths resulting form cancer is caused by tobacco. 

Infectious disease is another trigger that can set up a cell into becoming cancerous. Examples of such diseases are those caused by bacteria or viruses. Viruses are even responsible for up to 20% of cancer deaths worldwide.

Another trigger that can lead to the development of cancerous cells is prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers

Alcohol too can trigger the development of cancerous cells by hasting the rate of growth of these cancer cells.

Yes, cancer can be inherited. Parent that has the afore mentioned abnormalities in their DNA replication may transfer such abnormalities to their offspring. This will lead to the offspring having the cells that can cause cancer. At a later date in the lifetime of the child, he or she may suffer from cancer; if the child becomes exposed to any of the carcinogens. 

Apart from the above mentioned condition, cancer is not a transmissible disease in human, but certain transmissibility of cancer had been observed in some animals.

What are the symptoms of cancer?

The symptoms proffered by cancer depend on its location in the body.

The symptoms can be local, resulting in the formation of lumps or swelling. It can also result into bleeding. 

The symptom can also spread through the body, resulting in coughing or bone pain. In the case of cancer of the bones, the affected bones may be fractured.

Certain systemic symptoms can also occur, which results in weight loss, poor appetite, fatigue and even night sweating. Anemia can also ensue. 

How can cancer be prevented?

Up to 30% of cancer can be prevented by the simple avoidance of risk factors like tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and obesity. Cancer can also be greatly prevented by taking lots of fruits and vegetables. A physically inactive person can also face the risk of suffering from cancer. It is therefore important for individuals to take time out for physical exercises. STIs too have been implicated in causing cancer, it is also important for one to live a sexually clean life style.

To prevent breast cancer, conditions like obesity, physical inactivity and drinking of alcohol should be avoided.