Awareness about cancer and its symptoms can
promote prevention.
All human
bodies contain cells that grow, divide and then die. The life cycle of normal
cells is termed ‘apoptosis’. This is the typical process of a cell’s programmed
growth, development and demise. But when some cells begin growing
uncontrollably and don’t die, it is called cancer. In short, all people possess
cells, some of which may turn cancerous under certain conditions. To prevent cancer,
it’s essential to know what conditions could trigger cancerous growth.
Gene
mutations are the primary cause of cancer, which generally occur after birth
and are not inherited. Certain risks factors could trigger gene mutations. The
main causes are carcinogens or cancer-causing chemicals, radiation, smoking,
tobacco and alcohol consumption, viruses, chronic inflammation, obesity and
incorrect diets, hormones and sedentary lifestyles.
These causes
could be broadly categorised into the following risk factors:
·
Biological: Inherited genetic disorders,
age, gender and skin type.
·
Lifestyle-related: Lack of exercise,
wrong diet and obesity.
·
Environmental: Exposure to UV radiation,
fine particulate matter, etc.
·
Occupational: Workplace exposure or
contact with carcinogens such as radioactive elements, various chemicals,
asbestos, etc.
In preventing
cancer, it is essential to lead healthy lifestyles. A six-times-a-week exercise
regimen is crucial in ensuring good health and strong immunity. A varied diet
that includes fresh, green, leafy vegetables and plenty of seasonal fruits is
also important. Vegetables and fruits contain plenty of fibre, which is
beneficial for the digestive and immune systems. Conversely, consumption of red
meat and all foods containing saturated fats should be minimised. Alcohol
intake should be avoided or minimised as well as smoking and tobacco
consumption. Excess exposure to the hot sun should be avoided too.
Besides the
above, it is important to have regular medical check-ups and cancer screenings.
Cancer can be curable in the early stages or before the symptoms have become apparent.
Cancer may have many diverse symptoms: a new mole or change in existing mole; an
incurable sore; hoarseness or an incurable cough; a lump or thickening under
the skin; painful urination; changes in bowel habits; difficulty in swallowing;
unexplained weight gain or loss; unusual bleeding or discharge; blood in the
urine or stool; extreme weakness or tiredness, etc.
Do note,
however, that most often the above symptoms may be due to other ailments, not
cancer. But if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it is necessary to
visit a doctor in best cancer hospital. The problem can then be diagnosed early and treated well in
time. Remember that some early stages of cancer cause no pain. If some symptoms
are apparent, it is safer to visit the doctor even if there is no pain.
Prevention is truly the better, cheaper and safer option in overcoming cancer.
