Should We Treat Cancer or Prevent Cancer?
Cancer is one of the biggest killers around the world. In
America alone, 25% of all deaths are related to cancer.
Many people think of cancer as a single problem but in fact, it
is a number of problems spread throughout the body. Generally
speaking, if cancer is caught in the early stages of
development, it can be treated and cured.
Although there are several different types of cancer, the most
common ones are Lung, Prostate, Breast, Testicular, Skin and
Colon cancers.
Genes control the multiplication and growth of cells. If these
genes are defective in the first place, then the cells will not
be able to grow or divide properly. As a result of this
abnormality, cancerous cells are born.
There are a number of factors which cause cancer. Factors which
are controllable by humans are smoking, toxic elements and
radiation. These can be controlled to some degree and therefore
it would be wise to avoid them by changing lifestyle habits.
However, there are certain elements which are outside our
control. These include mutation and inherited DNA.
As a result of studies conducted by the American Cancer Society,
more than 180,000 people have died as a direct result of
smoking. Another 200,000 people have died due to lack of
changing lifestyle habits. Obesity, laziness and malnutrition
can have an effect on the growth of cancer. Needless to say,
cancer has risen by more than 50% since 1995.
Let's take a look at some of these cancer causes in more detail.
Smoking: The most prevalent and easily avoidable type of cancer
is the one caused by the use of tobacco. This includes the use
of cigarettes, cigars and pipes. Even though smokers are
addicted to nicotine, the fact that 200,000 people die every
year due to smoking caused cancer should be enough motivation to
quit. Some experts say that cessation of smoking can increase
lifespan by up to 20 years.
Although nothing has been proven, studies indicate that stress
may also be a contributing factor to cancer. Many cancer
patients are also employed in stressful jobs. Some theologians
believe that stress lowers the bodies immunity to cancer.
Exercise and Healthy Eating: Healthy eating and exercise is
universally known to be beneficial in many aspects. But, many
people don't know that food full of nutrition can reduce the
risk of cancer. Specific foods such as fruit and veg can help
prevent cancer whilst fatty foods such as meat can increase the
likelihood of cancer.
Skin cancer can easily be avoided by simply listening to good
advice. Wear sunglasses, hats, sun cream and other sensible
items of clothing to avoid the onset of this type of cancer.
Although this may seem like common sense, more than one million
people have been diagnosed with skin cancer in a single year.
In summary, some cancers can be avoided. New research and
studies are being conducted all the time. So, rather than
concentrating on how to treat cancer patients, maybe we should
all be looking for more ways to prevent the cancer in the first
place.