Writer: Akshita Verma
Nowadays, it isn’t uncommon to regularly encounter people who have or have had cancer; be it breast cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, etc. Most people ask what makes it so common, but the real question is…what factors are influencing it, and more importantly, what steps can we take to prevent it?
Busting Some Common Cancer Myths
Well, first-off, let’s clear some super common confusions and/or myths people have about cancer. Is cancer contagious? No, absolutely not. We all know that cancer is getting increasingly common nowadays, and some might even say that it’s “in the air”, but this is not to be taken literally. Unless you received organ or tissue transplantation that had cancer, or cancer is simply in your family’s genetics, cancer cannot be transmitted through physical contact or close proximity. However, there are certain contagious viruses that can lead to the development of cancer. For example, human papillomavirus (HPV, as you may know it) can cause cervical cancer. Additionally, Hepatitis B or C can also lead to liver cancer. [2] Okay, so, if my family’s genetics are clean from cancer, then I’ll never get cancer, right? Well, that’s a pretty optimistic approach, but there is always a lingering possibility of getting cancer, even if it’s not in your genetics. It really just depends on the environment you live in, the habits you maintain, and chance. [1] We’ll dive into this in detail later in the article.
The Causes of Mr. Tumor
Did you know that cancer patients name their tumors to cope with their grief? [3] But what is the root cause of the formation of these tumors? Cancers form when a genetic mutation occurs in your DNA. Basically, the cell gets coded wrong, so it starts multiplying uncontrollably and metastasizing all over your body. This mutation can either get inherited upon birth, or cancers can form due to environmental factors. [4] Smoking, radiation, carcinogens, and obesity are some of the environmental factors that lead to the formation of cancerous tumors. [4]
Why Is It so Common?
A question all people have asked themselves. If you really think about it, just how many types of cancers are out there? Experts have said that there are more than 200 types of cancers that are currently identified [5], which means there are still unidentified types of cancers emerging in people. In fact, cancer stats in the U.S. say that 440 out of every 100,000 people were diagnosed with cancer in the past 5 years. [6] Cancer has become a leading cause of death in people, no matter how young; the data never lies. So, how come people were barely diagnosed with cancer in the 1800s, especially the younger folk? Because, back then, people’s lifestyles and habits were different. Now, food has become much more processed (and can contain carcinogens in the form of preservatives), people don’t get their daily exercise (obesity and cancer go hand in hand), and alcohol/drug use is prevalent amongst young people. [7]. All of these are risk factors for cancer. Additionally, medicine in the 1800s was much less advanced, prevalent, and accessible as it is today. Our medical and diagnostic abilities are very advanced today, so more people get a cancer diagnosis. In the 1800s, many people with cancer would have died without knowing what their ailment was. So, since we have diagnostic abilities now, we can diagnose more cancer, and as a result provide proper treatment.
Oh no! What can we do to prevent it?
You want to make sure you can recognize the symptoms of cancer. If you get diagnosed for cancer in its early stages, before it can spread, it’s much easier to treat it. The symptoms really depend on the type of cancer, so they are usually specific. However, general symptoms of cancer include, but are not limited to: visible lumps/thickening under the skin, weight changes, skin discoloration, internal bleeding, and persistent difficulty in breathing and/or swallowing [4]. If you see persistent symptoms like these, it’s best you visit your doctor as soon as possible.
You can also reduce the risk of getting cancer by consistently following these tips and making healthy choices: avoid smoking and drinking. It’ll be hard to get rid of the addiction, but if you can change your habits for the better, you can save yourself. Eat healthy foods; that means fruits and veggies, but in moderation. Keep your diet balanced, so include an equal portion of protein, carbohydrates, fats, etc. I’m not saying to count calories in everything you eat; that would be crazy! Just make sure you aren’t eating excess of anything. If you keep your diet healthy and exercise regularly, you can get rid of obesity as a risk factor. A quick reminder that following these tips doesn’t eliminate the risk of cancer, but reduces it.
Though cancer is a common and deadly disease, by being aware of its risk factors, we can reduce our chances of developing it. Moreover, by knowing what to look out for, we can identify it early in its more treatable stages, should it develop.
Sources and Works Cited
[1] “Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions.” National Cancer Institute, National Cancer Institute, 24 July 2024, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/myths.
[2] “Get the Facts about What Causes Cancer.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 8 Mar. 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-causes/art-20044714.
[3] McSpadden, Elizabeth. “Naming My Tumors Helped Me Process My Grief.” Curetoday, Curetoday, 31 Jan. 2024, www.curetoday.com/view/naming-my-tumors-helped-me-process-my-grief.
[4] “Cancer.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 Nov. 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20370588.
[5] “Types of Cancer.” Cancer Research UK, 5 Dec. 2024, www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/what-is-cancer/how-cancer-starts/types-of-cancer#:~:text=There%20are%20more%20than%20200,of%20cell%20they%20start%20in.
[6] “Cancer Statistics.” NCI, 9 May 2024, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics.
[7] Ducharme, Jamie. “Is Cancer on the Rise among Younger Adults?” Time, Time, 26 Mar. 2024, time.com/6960506/cancer-rates-young-people/.
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