How to Prevent Cancer - Essay Example

Cancer Prevention s Introduction Cancer is among the worst diseases in the world with the number of casualties associated with it increasing each year. In 2007 alone more than 7 million people around the world died of cancer (WHO, 2014). The disease is characterized by out- of-control growth of damaged or harmful cells in the body. These growths turn to lumps or tumors that inhibit proper body functioning. The only exception is Leukemia (cancer of blood) which does not lead to tumors, but abnormal cell division and growth that affect blood and all its functions. The cancerous cells migrate to other body areas to destroy tissues and cells. There are tumors that stick on one spot, however these account for only 10% of all deaths (Medical News Today, 2013). However, I believe that cancer is a preventable disease that requires lifestyle changes. Cancer has no definite way of treatment. Patients are mostly given a combination of therapies and medical care that do not cure the disease, but rather relieve the patients of pain and prevent the cancerous cells from spreading. They include immunotherapy, gene therapy, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy and surgery to remove the tumors at primary stages of infection. It is due to inability to cure this disease that doctors advocate for prevention. Exercises and dietary changes are the only ways of cancer prevention. There are other ways of prevention, however lifestyle changes in diets and exercises are at the pinnacle of these methods. Exercises Physical inactivity is linked to many health problems including obesity. Regular exercises reduce obesity which is associated with different strains of cancer such as breast, kidney, endometrium, colorectum and esophagus (WHO, 2014). It is also worth noting that obese cancer survivors find it hard to fight cancer after surgery. The American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study showed that obese men suffering from prostate cancer and obese women diagnosed with breast cancer had an increase risked compared to their normal counterparts and were therefore more likely to succumb to these illnesses even after successful surgery. As of 2013, more than 1/3 of American adults are overweight and another 1/3 considered obese. 17% of young adults and children are also obese. This means that the number of obese people has increased by 300% since the ‘80s (Foxhall, 2013). According to Karen Basen-Engquist (Professor, Department of Behavioral Science at The University of Texas MD Anderson Carter Center), obesity leads to over-production of estrogen among women, which is a contributing factor in breast cancer. Breast tumors are known to thrive in estrogen conditions and hence higher estrogen levels facilitate rapid replication of ‘hormone positive cancerous cells’. Obesity also leads to excessive production of insulin which is linked to colon cancer (OncoLog, 2012). Excessive insulin results to overproduction of cells that may lead to cancer. Physical exercises go a long way in controlling cancer. The type of exercise that a cancer patient is to adopt depends on whether he or she used to exercise prior to the treatment. If the patient used to have extensive and rigorous exercises, then he/she will be forced to lighten and shorten the workout routine due to treatment. On the other hand, if he/she was sedentary before then he/she will need to engage in low intensity workout routines, for instance, short slow walks. As time goes, the intensity of the exercises can be increased. However, increasing exercise intensity for older patients is not advisable due to many reasons associated with old age like thinning bones (American Cancer Society, 2014). Physical exercises assist the body to fight against cancer development in many ways. For example, reducing inflammation which is associated with tumors, enhance cell death and control of cell build up, boosting of the immune system and facilitating faster movement of foods that may contain toxic compounds associated with cancer through the colon. The American Institute for Cancer recommends at least half an hour of moderate routines every day plus an hour of house chores (OncoLog, 2012). Dietary Changes A recent research done by Dana-Faber Cancer Institute indicated that survivors of colon cancer whose diets was mostly made up of carbohydrates and complex sugars were more likely to suffer from resurgence of the disease more than those who eat a balanced diet (Harvard Gazette, 2012). The study which involved at least 1000 patients suffering from advanced colon cancer (stage III) further reveals that it is far much worse for obese patients. Although no food has been proven to actually cure cancer, there are certain types that help reduce the prevalence of this disease. Foods and fruits rich nutrients and vitamins are the most efficient while red meat, sugary and energy drinks, salty and junk foods tend to increase chances of getting cancer. American Institute of Cancer and World Cancer Research Fund recommend ‘planty foods’ such as fresh fruits, berries, vegetables and garlic. These have proved effective in cancer resistance and prevention. This is due to the fact that they have low fat and calories levels and are packed with antioxidants and Phytochemicals. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants like Lycopene, vitamin C and beta-carotene which help in expulsion of toxic cells from the body. Phytochemicals protect cells from mutations and damage and also from toxic compounds that may be present in food, water and the environment (Lee, 2009). Drug Use and Abuse Drug and alcohol abusers develop problems when drugs that control cancer symptoms are administered to them and may easily become addicted to them (The University of Chicago Medicine, 2014). However, patients who do not have history of drug abuse do not develop addiction problems from cancer drugs like opioids. Use of drugs interferes with the effectiveness of cancer therapy and therefore drug abusers find it hard to resist cancer and tend to die prematurely. Tobacco and alcohol are the most abused drugs and are very much linked to cancer. Tobacco Smoking is the leading cause of cancer in the world and is responsible for cancer related deaths in the developed world. It has also been proven that one out of five cancer patients is a heavy smoker. In 2002, 33,600 people died from tobacco related lung cancer, which is around one person in every 15 minutes. A study carried out by British doctors showed that the more cigarettes taken each day, the higher chances of getting lung cancer. Those who consumed more than 15 cigarettes each day were 26 times more likely to get cancer than those who did not while those who took at most 15 were at risk 8 times more than non smokers. It is also worth noting that smoking for 45 years was 100 riskier than not smoking at all. Smoking less or irregularly is not good either. 2 cigarettes each day leads to cancer of the esophagus and mouth. Other cancers related to tobacco smoking include liver, stomach, leukemia, nose, pharynx, larynx, bladder, cervix and kidney. Smoking should therefore be discouraged as a cancer preventive measure (Cancer Research UK, 2009). Alcohol Though not as severe as smoking, alcohol has also been linked to several types of cancer. They include colon/rectum, mouth, larynx, throat, liver, esophagus, pancreas and breast. Ethanol which is present in all forms of alcohol, beers and wines is the culprit. Alcohol acts as a solvent that carries harmful compounds into the body especially for smokers. The drug also destroys cells and inhibits cell repair. Among women, it affects estrogen levels increasing risks of breast cancer. Women with vitamin B deficiency are at an even higher risk. Alcohol present in the colon and rectum can be converted to acetaldehyde, a cancer inducing chemical. Excessive alcohol consumption leads to obesity, which is also associated with cancer (American Cancer Society, 2014). Keeping away from alcohol related products is the only way to prevent cancer. There is no much difference between wines, beers and liquors as they all contain traces of ethanol. Even though wines and beers contain less ethanol levels, the more they are taken the higher the risks. It is evident that cancer development is attributed to unhealthy behaviors such as drinking alcohol, tobacco use and overconsumption of unhealthy foods that result to obesity. Not only does proper diet and exercises help in the prevention of cancer, they also shield us against other diseases. Cancer prevention diets are not different from other health diets as both advocate for more fresh fruits and vegetables intake while reduction in sugary drinks and junk foods. A good example is Janette Murray-Wakelin who beat cancer through a diet of raw and fresh foods. She was diagnosed with carcinomas breast cancer and had only six months to live. However, fourteen years have passed and she is still alive and vibrant thanks to a daily three hour workout routine accompanied by a lot of raw foods (The freshnetwork, 2008). Janette’s story is among millions of others. Many survivors attribute a change of lifestyle and adoption of holistic ways of living as their turning points. This therefore implies that cancer is very preventable when a lifestyle is adopted. References 1. American Cancer Society (2014). Physical Activity and the Cancer Patient. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorshipduringandaftertreatment/stayingactive/physical-activity-and-the-cancer-patient. 2. Cancer Research UK (Sep. 25 2009). Tobacco, smoking and cancer: the evidence. Retrieved from http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-info/healthyliving/smokingandtobacco/howdoweknow/tobacco-smoking-and-cancer-the-evidence. 3. Foxhall, L. (Feb. 28 2013). The obesity-cancer connection, and what we can do about it. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/news/expertvoices/post/2013/02/28/the-obesity-cancer-connection-and-what-we-can-do-about-it.aspx. 4. Harvard Gazette (Nov. 7 2012). Insulin and Colon Cancer linked. Retrieved from http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2012/11/insulin-and-colon-cancer-linked/. 5. Lee, E. (Sep. 30 2009). Seven (Easy to Find) Foods that may Help Prevent Cancer. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/cancer/features/seven-easy-to-find-foods-that-may-help-fight-cancer. 6. Mayo Clinic (Dec. 12 2012). Cancer prevention: 7 tips to reduce your risk. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/cancer-prevention/art-20044816. 7. Medical News Today (Jul. 19 2013). What is Cancer? What Causes Cancer? Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/cancer-oncology/. 8. OncoLog (Jul. 2012). Exercise and Cancer Prevention. Retrieved from http://www2.mdanderson.org/depts/oncolog/articles/12/7-jul/7-12-hc.html. 9. The freshnetwork (2008). “I beat cancer with a raw diet and holistic lifestyle”. Retrieved from http://www.fresh-network.com/acatalog/I-beat-cancer-with-a-raw-diet.html. 10. The University of Chicago Medicine (2014). Substance Abuse Issues in Cancer. Retrieved from http://www.uchospitals.edu/online-library/content=CDR62839. 11. World Health Organization (2014). Cancer prevention. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/cancer/prevention/en/. Read More