Causes
There are several causes of cancer which may develop the disease
on its own or by interacting with one another. Cancer development depends
on the presence or absence of certain factors that promote or inhibit cancer.
Genetic influence
A family history of cancer puts you at a higher risk for developing the disease.
It does not necessarily mean you will get the cancer because other non genetic
environmental factors which may promote or hinder the cancer should also be
present for the cancer to develop. Having
regular checkups
helps to detect the
cancer early.
Carcinogenic chemicals and food
Chemical carcinogens such as asbestos, benzene, arsenic and diesel exhaust and
certain carcinogenic foods such as salted, pickled, smoked and charred foods
can cause cancer. Taking Vitamin C supplements and Vitamin C rich foods may
protect against the effects carcinogenic foods causing cancer.
Overexposure to estrogen
Too much estrogen in a woman's blood system puts her at increased risk for some
gynecological cancers such as Breast
Cancer & uterine cancer. Estrogen level enhances
during the first period, pregnancy and age at pregnancy, age at menopause, weight,
physical activity, and diet. The ways to reduce the estrogen level are doing
regular aerobic exercise, minimizing alcohol, eating a low-fat diet and having
a baby before 35 years of age.
Ultraviolet radiation
Ultraviolet rays of the sun damages DNA of cells. Over exposure to these rays
cause skin
cancers. Covering well and using a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF
can prevent the onset of cancer.
Ionizing radiation
Overexposure to radiation, such as X rays and nuclear radiation, can cause
DNA injury that may lead to cancer. Avoiding X-rays unless absolutely necessary
or not living near a nuclear power plant or nuclear waste disposal site
Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking can be a causative factor for different cancers such as cancer of
the lungs, the upper respiratory tract, esophagus, bladder, pancreas, stomach,
liver, kidney, colon, and rectum. Passive smoking can also cause Lung
Cancer among nonsmokers. Intake of alcohol also may lead to several cancers like mouth,
throat, esophagus, stomach, liver cancer etc. So quit smoking and
drinking alcohol
to avoid cancers.
Diet
Avoid animal fats especially red meat which is associated with several different
types of cancer, including the colon, rectum, stomach prostate etc. Eating more
soy-based foods, fiber, fruits, and vegetables, can offer some protection against
cancer. A diet high in dark yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, will block
the formation of chemical compounds known as 'free radicals' that can damage
DNA in cells leading to cancer.
Others
Most cancers can be kept at bay by following proper lifestyle
habits. Along with taking care of the above mentioned factors, maintaining
ideal weight with exercise or physical activity for a minimum of 30-45 minutes
per day is beneficial to prevent the onset of cancer. Regular checkups at the
recommended age should be done.
Women must maintain regular gynecological examinations
including Pap smear and
Mammograms and must perform monthly breast self-
examination. Men must perform monthly testicular self exam and routine check
ups like PSA and Digital rectal Exam is recommended.
