Cancer is a severe illness, which afflicts millions of individuals globally annually. It occurs when certain cells within the body start to grow and divide abnormally. These cells do not stop growing as they should but instead they develop a mass known as a tumor.
Cancer is one of the diseases that have been studied by scientists and doctors over the years, and these researchers have found out that there are very many items in our day to day life and the environment that can predispose a person to cancer.
There are a few key items, which lead to cancer in our body and I will discuss these in this essay and how we can attempt to protect ourselves.
Tobacco use is one of the major causes of cancer. Cigarette smoking, smoking pipes or any other tobacco products are among the largest causes of people getting cancer. Tobacco smoke has over 70 dangerous chemicals which may harm our cells.
These chemicals have the potential of attacking the lungs and the mouth to the throat and further to the other parts of the body such as the bladder and stomach. A study conducted by the World Health Organization has indicated that approximately one-third of cancer deaths all over the globe are due to smoking.
I have been taught that even non-smokers who inhale smoke caused by other people are also in danger of being victims.
Poor diet and unhealthy food is another great cause of cancer. Ingestion of excess processed food, fried foods, and red meat may predispose to the occurrence of cancer. Such food stuffs are usually loaded with toxic chemicals like preservatives and artificial colors. In addition to that, consuming minimal fruits and vegetables also implies that the body lacks sufficient vitamins and antioxidants.
These are nutrients that aid in the protection of our cells. It has been discovered that individuals who consume more natural foods including fruits, vegetables and whole grains are less susceptible to cancer. This indicates that what we consume on a day to day basis matters.
Cancer is also caused by exposure to harmful radiation. The sun, medical machines, and some electronic devices may be a source of radiation. The sun rays which are ultraviolet (UV) are able to destroy the skin and cause skin cancer. It is the reason why physicians recommend individuals to wear sunscreens and not spend too much time in the intense sunlight.
Radiation is also used in x-rays and other medical scans and though it is effective excess of the radiation may be harmful. In my opinion, one should take such scans only when it is necessary.
Cancer can also be caused by chemicals that are found in our environment. Chemicals, including pesticides, cleaning agents and industrial waste, are used in many factories, farms and homes.
The chemicals may find their way to our body either via the air, water or food. Indicatively, asbestos that was previously used in buildings is known to cause lung cancer. Research has indicated that exposure to harmful chemicals over a long period of time leads to cancer. That is why the governments and scientists do their best to regulate the pollution and to save human health.
In other cases, cancer may also be caused by infections. Some viruses and bacteria may destroy cells of the body and make them transform. As an example, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) may cause cervical cancer, and hepatitis B and C may cause liver cancer.
It has been shown by medical research that these risks can be diminished by using vaccines and the appropriate treatment. I believe that this indicates the importance of attending medical checkups and vaccinations.
One also is a lack of physical activity and obesity.
The body systems of people may fail to work when they fail to exercise and gain excess weight. Hormones may be influenced by extra body fat and result in inflammation, which can cause cancer. Studies indicate that exercise is used regularly to check on weight and to boost the immune system.
Then even basic things such as walking may count. Conclusively, cancer is a complicated illness, although a significant number of its causes are connected with our way of life and environment. It is dependent on smoking, unhealthy food, radiation, unhealthy chemicals, infections, and insufficient exercise.
Researchers are still working on cancer so that more effective treatment and prevention means can be worked on. In my opinion, we can prevent our health by being informed about these causes and making more right decisions.
By eating well, consuming substances that are harmful to the body, being active and seeing doctors regularly, we can decrease our exposure to risk and enjoy longer and healthier lives.
