Causes of Cancer and Its Prevention as an Individual Responsibility - Essay Example

If preventive measures are not implemented by the individual and awareness is not increased by the health governing bodies and state authorities, the number of cancers inflicted deaths worldwide is expected to grow to 20 million by the year 2030.

Cancer is caused by a variety of factors. Genetics places a significant role in the likelihood of individuals contracting cancer. Heredity factors such as having parents, grandparents and siblings who have presently or previously contracted cancer tremendously increase the probability of an individual being predisposed to developing cancer. However, it is not always an exact possibility. Carcinogens are external factors that increase the rate and likelihood of cancer development. They include biological carcinogens such as certain forms of bacteria, chemical carcinogens such as asbestos and chemicals in cigarette smoke as well as physical carcinogens such as Ultraviolet rays and certain forms of radiations (Graham, 2000, p. 203). Tobacco chewing and tobacco smoking are other major causes of cancer; especially oral and lung cancer. Tobacco contains over four thousand different chemicals, most of which are known carcinogens. These carcinogens are responsible for accelerating the rate of cell proliferation which leads to cancerous growths and malignant tumors that if not diagnosed earlier on, become terminal and lead to the death of the individual.

Diet and physical activity play a crucial role in offsetting the chance of contracting cancer. A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and fiber prevents esophageal, stomach, colorectal and prostate cancer. Consuming adequate amounts of clear fluids and water on a daily basis prevents bladder infections that lead to bladder cancer. Physical activity that increases the heart rate and pumps fresh blood all over the body leads to efficient flushing of toxins and waste products (Jaggi, 2005, p. 115). This in turn leads to the prevention of brain and skin cancer. UV exposure and Radiation Exposure should be avoided at all costs. While there is a growing trend towards sunbathing and tanning in the US, the percentage of people contracting various forms of skin malignancies is also increasing.

Effects of cancer include severe fatigue and asthenia along with precocious menopause in female patients. In male patients, impotence and infertility can take place along with significant changes to lung capacity and cardiovascular efficiency. Cancer treatment is very effective at the early stages, but at the same time, it has a severe side effect profile. Some of the side effects include structural alterations to the heart, neuropathic tingling sensations in the extremities of the body, muscle wastage as well as loss of skin texture and hair. Some of the severe cognitive effects of chemotherapy, a popular form of cancer treatment include cognitive deficiencies in memory and concentration (Kirsten, 2002, p. 39). Osteoporosis of bones, kidney failure, urinary problems as well as secondary infectious cancers can also surface as a result of the extreme nature of cancer treatments. After the worst effect of cancer is the loss of body tissue that can cause scarring and bodily distortion as in the case of breast cancer.

Is cancer prevention an individual responsibility? Cancer causes a great degree of stigma, frustration and separation from society and feelings of self-inadequacy. It makes the individual feel as though he or she has failed himself or herself and family. A great deal is focused on the state of the cancer-inflicted individual rather than the future possibilities of the individual leading a normal or extended life. Cancer is an individual disease and so it is a personal struggle (Schmiegel, 2003, p. 71). Many preventative measures have been proven effective at alleviating the chances of contracting cancerous growth. Individuals must focus on a healthy diet that is in line with the USDA regulation. They should avoid smoking, alcohol consumption and drug use. They should avoid abusing prescription-based medication and limit their exposure to ultraviolet radiation and known carcinogens. Cancer prevention is an individual effort that must be made on a daily basis to avoid the plight of contracting this deadly ailment.