What is Cancer? – What causes Cancer? – What are Chemotherapy and treatments like?
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Cancer is a word that conjures up dread and fear. It’s not something most people can just brush off, or ignore. Even if you don’t know anyone who has been touched by cancer, you’ve almost certainly heard of it. Cancer affects some 1 in 3 American adults at some point in their lives. That means roughly one person every two friends or family members you know. This can be scary to think about, and it’s why the subject often evokes such strong emotions and reactions from so many people. This is also because cancer touches everyone on different levels. Some people will have cancer, but it won’t affect them much other than inconveniencing them for a short time until they move past it again. Others will lose loved ones to the disease and feel its effects every day of their lives, which is why we all feel such a sense of helplessness when someone we know is battling with the disease. Here’s everything you need to know about what cancer is, its causes, and how to keep yourself safe from it
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a disease where cells in the body grow and multiply out of control. Cancer starts when cells in the body multiply at an abnormal rate and without the person’s permission. When a single cell undergoes this uncontrolled growth, it forms a tumor. If the tumor is found in a part of the body that is essential to good health, then the person is said to have a “vital” tumor. Cancer can affect any part of the body, but the most common and deadly types of cancer are of the breast, colon, lung, and prostate. Some other types of cancer are just as deadly, but are less common.
What are the causes of Cancer?
When we talk about the causes of cancer, it’s important to remember the broad term we’re using here. Cancer isn’t caused by a single factor, but by a combination of things that, if you have a certain genetic makeup, could put you at greater risk of developing it in the future. Cancer is a disease that’s often linked to things like genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Genes are the DNA sequences that make up all living things, including you. Our DNA is a set of instructions that tell our bodies how to grow, function, and stay healthy. When something goes wrong with the DNA, it can cause certain diseases. The human body normally repairs DNA mutations, but with cancer, some mutations can occur that are resistant to repair, and are passed on to future generations.
How to Keep You or Someone You Know from Getting Cancer
There are many ways to keep yourself or a loved one from getting cancer. It’s important to note that there is no “cure” for cancer, but there are many ways to reduce your risk of developing it, and to live as healthy a life as possible while you’re still alive. – Get screened regularly – Cancer is often linked to a person’s genetic makeup, but there are many lifestyle factors that can also play a role in developing it. Screening is a way to find out if they have any of these risk factors, and if so, take steps to reduce or eliminate them. Screening can include things like blood tests, pap smears, colonoscopies, breast exams, and more. – Avoid things that increase your risk – There are many things that may increase your risk of cancer, but are still worth avoiding for the sake of your health. Excess body fat, excessive alcohol use, smoking, and a lack of physical activity are all things that can raise your cancer risk. – Eat a healthy diet – This is something that most people already do, but it’s still important to remind yourself of the benefits of a healthy diet. Healthy eating can lower your risk of developing many chronic diseases. – Be physically active – Regular exercise has been linked to lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. – Talk to your doctor – If there’s something you’re worried about, or something you’ve noticed that has you curious, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can check for things like thyroid problems, blood pressure, and other things that could be linked to your cancer risk.
Tips for Living with Cancer
– Embrace your diagnosis – It’s important to remember that cancer is just a part of life, and that no matter how scary it can be, you’re not alone. There are many resources available online that are dedicated to providing people with a variety of support options. – Be proactive – Don’t wait until something goes wrong to address it. Regularly check on your health, and make sure you’re doing everything you need to do to stay as healthy as possible. This includes eating a healthy diet, being physically active, keeping your body as healthy as possible, and lowering your risk factors in other ways. – Stay connected to your loved ones – Don’t let your cancer diagnosis get in the way of the relationships you have with the people you care about. There are many resources that provide support for people who have a loved one with cancer, as well as support groups that you can join online. – Stay positive – Cancer isn’t a walk in the park, but it’s important not to let it take away your sense of humour. A positive attitude can help you to stay strong and motivated.
Conclusion
Cancer is a scary word, but it’s important to remember that it affects so many people in one way or another, and it can be managed with a healthy lifestyle and regular screenings. There are many things you can do to reduce your risk, and they don’t have to be difficult. It’s important to be proactive and make sure you’re staying as healthy as possible.