Importance of Cancer Prevention - Essay Example

Cancer Prevention al Affiliation Cancer Prevention Cancer is one of the most widespread diseases all over the world and the second major cause of death in the USA. The disease is distinguished by the uncontrollable growth of anomalous cells in the human body which can easily spread throughout the organism and penetrate healthy tissues leading to their further destruction (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). According to the statistics presented by the World Health Organization, nearly 33 million people were diagnosed with cancer in 2012, and more than 8 million people died from it (“Cancers,” 2010, p. 1). It is estimated that there are more than 100 types of cancer. The prevailing one is skin cancer. Almost 5 million people suffer from it annually (“Cancer prevention,” 2014, p. 2). Breast cancer is the second most prevalent cause of deaths relating to cancer. Each year it claims lives of more than 500,000 women. This number has grown by 21 % since 2008 (Dozor, n.d., p. 1). Various types of cancer can be inhibited in their own specific ways, since their causes and symptoms can considerably differ. However, there are certain common measures which can be effectively taken for any cancer prevention. Based on the scholarly research and collected data, the paper will highlight the major cancer preventive measures which largely depend on the person’s lifestyle choices and present the methods of minor cancer prevention. Major Preventive Measures Proper Nutrition In accordance with the latest studies, proper nutrition and a healthy balanced diet is one of the essential steps towards lowering the risk of cancer development. The research of Harri Vainio and Elisabete Weiderpass has shown that daily consumption of vegetables and fruit in large quantity is of great importance since it helps reduce the risk of developing cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx, stomach, esophagus and lung. Some scientists are inclined to believe that it can also prevent cancer of the pancreas, colon and prostate (Vainio & Weiderpass, 2006, p. 1.) Moreover, fruit and vegetables are rich in different minerals, vitamins, antioxidants which can ruin carcinogens, substances capable of causing cancer. Such antioxidants as vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium are extremely effective in minimizing the negative impact of oxidative stress caused by smoking, metabolism and inflammation. The food which contains such vitamins and minerals as vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iron, zinc and folate should be also included in the diet. That is why it is necessary to eat two portions of fruit and five portions of vegetables every day (Ames & Gold, 2003, p. 133-135). Furthermore, many doctors claim that it is quite necessary to limit or completely avoid intake of read lean meat and processed meat since it is correlated with a partial rise in risk of getting bowel cancer. Nevertheless, red meat contains such essential vitamins as vitamin B12, zinc an iron. For this reason, it is highly recommended to consume temperate quantity of red meat, for example, not more than 3 times per week, and restrain eating processed food, like bacon, sausages, salami, ham, etc. (“How to reduce,” n.d., p. 2) Also, it is advisable to add wholegrain food which is rich in fibers in one’s daily ration. Cereals, rice, bread, seeds, different fruit in vegetables, lentil, nuts, beans and peas contain a large amount of fiber, and for this reason they should be included in a person’s dietary plan. Scientists have estimated that about 35g of fibers should be consumed daily. For instance, 2 portions of wholegrain meals per day are enough to maintain the necessary level of fibers in human organism (“Food, nutrition,” 2007, p. 69). In addition, the numerous experiments and researches conducted by Stephen D Hursting,, Sarah M Dunlap , Nikki A Ford and others show that calorie restriction (CR) is one of the most efficient measures which can be taken to reduce excess weight and in this way to prevent cancer. People who decrease their energy consumption by 25 – 40 per cent are less exposed to risk of getting cancer. Calorie restriction helps lower the quantity of anabolic hormones, inflammatory cytokines and various growth factors. It is also rather important for decreasing cell proliferation and oxidative stress, and intensifying the process of autophagy. Consequently, it is essential to understand these metabolic processes since CR can become a leading element of extensive cancer prevention and medication (Hursting et al., 2013, p. 1). Another important aspect of cancer prevention is a complete exclusion of alcohol. Limitless consumption of alcohol significantly increases the danger of developing certain types of cancer, specifically cancers of breast, liver, oesophagus, bowel, throat and mouth. The research of the World Health Organization indicates that those who often drink alcohol are 6 times more exposed to getting oral cancer than teetotalers. Even small amounts of alcohol present significant threat to a person’s health increasing greatly the danger of cancer development (“Cancers,” 2010, p. 2). Healthy lifestyle It is a truth universally acknowledged that cancer prevention significantly depends on person’s lifestyle choices. Different studies show that those who try to lead a healthy lifestyle and acquire habits which are beneficial for their health are less predisposed to the development of cancer. One of the key constituents of healthy way of life is regular physical activity. Scientists believe that active physical exercise, at least half an hour every day, can considerably lower the risk of different types of cancer, in particular bowel, colon, breast and endometrium cancers. It can be also quite useful for the prevention of prostate cancer. So, it is advisable to do physical exercises of temperate intensity for 1 hour, or half an hour of vigorous and active exercise of high intensity at least several times per week (“Health advice,” 2014, p.7). Furthermore, physical activity can be extremely helpful for individuals in losing excess weight and preventing obesity. Keeping body in a good shape and maintaining a healthy and proper weight is an essential measure to lessen the chance oа getting various types of cancer. For instance, excess weight poses a serious risk of the kidney, bowel, oesophagus and pancreas cancers (“How to reduce,” n.d., p. 2). Also, recent researches have proved that regular moderate physical activity increases the survival among women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. The studies have indicated a 25-68% decline in the risk of the overall number of deaths and 52% of decline in breast cancer-related deaths among women who do regular physical exercises after being diagnose with this disease in comparison with those who remain physically inactive. Such tendency was noticed in women with menopause, excess weight, and women who have stage I-III cancer (Irwin et al., 2010, p. 5-6). Besides, smoking should be quitted since it is one of the major causes of lung, nasal cavities and nasal sinuses, larynx, pharynx, pancreas, oesophagus, bladder, kidney, liver, stomach cancers and myeloid leukaemia. Tobacco contains a large amount of carcinogens that lead to the development of the above mentioned types of cancer. Moreover, second-hand smoking is even more dangerous for human health and should be avoided. The current studies demonstrate that 10 years after an individual gives up smoking, his risk of developing lung cancer is reduced by nearly 1/3 compare to a person who goes on smoking (“Health advice”, 2014, p. 5-7). Last but not least, it is highly recommended not to stay under the direct sun rays when the level of the ultraviolet radiation is especially high, particularly from 11 a.m. to 15.00, since it largely increases the risk of getting skin cancer. Doctors advise to wear clothes with long sleeves, hats and sun glasses, and use sunscreen lotions (“Cancer prevention”, 2014, p. 1-2). However, it is necessary to bear in mind that vitamin D is considered to be rather important in prevention and decrease of such types of cancer as breast, ovarian, colon cancers and others (Garland et al., 2009, p. 5). Minor Preventive Measures Early Detection One of the essential ways to prevent cancer is detection of its symptoms at initial stages. In that case, there is an opportunity for timely diagnosis and early medication of probably lethal types of cancer. Several studies show that the number of cancer-related deaths could considerably decrease if the disease was identified and cured early. That is why, it is highly advisable to look out for any changes in the body which can indicate the symptoms of cancer (“Cancers”, 2010, p. 1-2). For example, regular examinations in hospitals, screening tests, like mammogram, and self-checkup of breast can detect cancer at initial stage when the treatment is the most effective, and help to avoid fatal cases (“Breast cancer”, 2007, p. 2). Screening Screening is another important measure to prevent cancer. It is primarily used for detecting the disease of a seemingly healthy person, who does not have visible symptoms of cancer, at an early stage in order to provide the most beneficial and efficient treatment for him. Such method aims to identify the disorder when cancer is centered in the organ of origin without spreading to the tissues of other organs. It should be also mentioned that sometimes screening cannot make any significant difference for a person’s health or life if the disease is found at final stage and it has affected other organs. However, it is always preferable to do everything in human’s power to identify the disease and start the treatment as soon as possible (“Health advice”, 2014, p. 2). Conclusion To sum up, cancer presents one of the most serious and dangerous threats for human health. It takes lives of million people all over the world every year. That is why it is extremely important for everybody to be completely aware of possible causes of the disease and certain risks factors which can lead to its originating. It is also essential to understand that the development of cancer largely depends on people’s lifestyle, habits and behavior. It is quite possible to prevent or control the disease with the help of proper and sensible choices concerning lifestyle, well-balanced and healthy nutrition, and regular physical activity. It is often claimed that cancer is mainly caused by some genetic factors which have nothing to do with the person’s way of living. However, nobody can deny the fact that people themselves can make a great contribution to the development of cancer. For this reason, it is worth remembering that a person should do everything he can to reduce the risks of getting this often fatal disease. References Ames, B. & Gold, L. S. (2003). Cancer prevention and the environmental chemical distraction. Politicizing Science: the Alchemy of Policymaking, 5, 117-142, PDF Document. Retrieved from http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cpdb/pdfs/Politicizing_Science.pdf Breast cancer screening and prevention. (2007). New York State Department of Health: Cancer Services Program, 1-2, PDF Document. 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