Cancer Prevention: Risk Factors and Types

The latest medical advances allow timely diagnosis and treatment of diseases that previously seemed serious and dangerous ailments. However, despite the fact that cancer is still an urgent problem. Statistics show that every year about 7 million people in the world die from malignant processes in the body (of which about 300 thousand people are residents of Russia).

Oncological diseases do not occur without any reason. Certain factors that negatively affect the human body lead to their development. What causes cancer? What types of preventative measures can help? What is the clinic for the prevention of cancer (Ufa, Aurora, 6)? The answers to these questions are worth a look.

Risk Factors

Oncological diseases can develop due to a hereditary predisposition, but most often the true cause is the impact of the environment, an incorrect lifestyle. Factors that increase the likelihood of cancer include:

• smoking;
• infections
• malnutrition, obesity, lack of physical activity;
• ultraviolet radiation;
• hormonal and reproductive factors;
• environmental pollution and the impact of negative factors at work.

Each of the above factors should be considered in detail, because the prevention of cancer depends on them.

Smoking

One of the main problems of modern society is smoking. Statistics show that about 1.3 billion people worldwide smoke tobacco. It is carcinogenic, because it contains a wide range of harmful substances. Among them is nicotine, which, in addition to negative effects, is addictive to cigarettes, forms a dependence. The substances contained in tobacco adversely affect the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, lungs, because smoke passes through these structures.

Smoking is also reflected in other internal organs. The fact is that substances that enter the lungs penetrate through the walls into the blood and are carried throughout the body. As a result of this, the liver, stomach, and kidneys suffer. That is why cancer prevention should include smoking cessation.

Non-smokers exposed to tobacco smoke are also more likely to develop cancer. Statistics show that every year just over 20 thousand people die from lung cancer, which develops due to secondhand smoke. It is also worth noting that cancer is caused by electronic cigarettes and lollipops designed to get rid of nicotine addiction. Studies have shown that they contain carcinogens, toxic chemicals harmful to the human body. From electronic cigarettes and lollipops can develop cancer of the oral cavity, esophagus, pancreas.

Infections

In the past, infections were not considered among the causes of cancer. Specialists thought that they had nothing to do with cancer. Modern research has refuted this view. It turned out that about 16% of cases (from among all oncological diseases) are associated with infections. Now the prevention of cancer includes the fight against them. Cancer can lead to:

• hepatitis B and C viruses (they often cause liver cancer);
• human papillomavirus (chronic infection is the cause of cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anal canal, penis);
• Helicobacter pylori (this bacterium lives in the stomach, provokes the development of ulcers of this organ, leads to cancer in the absence of adequate treatment).

The listed infections most often cause cancer. Can cause cancer even less common microorganisms, non-cellular infectious agents. An example is Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus that is associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Unhealthy diet, obesity and lack of physical activity

Modern research has shown that malnutrition can lead to cancer. Canned food that is sold in stores, chips contain harmful substances that affect the esophagus, stomach, intestines. The likelihood of developing cancer affects diet, lifestyle. A particularly high risk of cancer is associated with alcohol. When abused, it affects the walls of the digestive system, provokes gastritis, ulcers.

A serious problem of our time is obesity. Due to extra pounds, a complex metabolic disorder occurs. Obese people suffer from diseases of the gallbladder, hypertension, angina pectoris, early atherosclerosis. The lack of cancer prevention, which consists in the fight against extra pounds, leads to malignant diseases, lower working capacity and disability.

All experts say that movement is life. Inadequate physical activity leads to serious health problems, provokes obesity. That is why such a lifestyle is considered a risk factor. In some countries, its influence is confirmed by statistical information. Due to the lack of physical activity, colon cancer in 5% of cases occurs in Estonia, in 10% of cases in Canada, in 15% of cases in Brazil, in about 20% of cases and even higher in Malta.

Ultraviolet radiation

Periodically, in different regions of the country, a decade for the prevention of cancer is carried out. This event raises public awareness. Various risk factors have been reported to people, including ultraviolet radiation, which increases the likelihood of developing malignant neoplasms.

The main source of radiation is the sun. Some people who spend a lot of time on the street, do not use sunscreen cosmetics, special umbrellas and glasses, face melanoma. This is a dangerous malignant tumor. She is on the skin. In rare cases, it is found on the mucous membranes, retina. Skin melanoma progresses very quickly due to the weak response of the body, metastasizes to all organs through the hematogenous or lymphogenous route.

Sanitary Bulletin “Prevention of Cancer” is an illustrated health education newspaper that can be seen in many medical institutions. Often it provides information that the danger is not only the sun. Many people specifically expose themselves to artificial ultraviolet radiation in beauty salons to get a tan. It poses an even greater danger to the human body. Artificial radiation is 10-15 times stronger than the sun.

Making out any Sanitary Bulletin “Cancer Prevention” and speaking about ultraviolet radiation, it should be noted that hereditary characteristics play an important role in the development of malignant processes. Most often, people who have fair skin, fair hair, green or blue eyes, and numerous moles on their bodies face cancer. Persons with dark skin have a low incidence of melanoma.

Hormonal and reproductive factors

A few decades ago, menstruation of girls began quite late by modern standards. Currently, there is a downward trend in age. As an example, we give 2 countries - the United States and Norway. There is evidence that at the beginning of the last century in the United States, menstruation began at about 14.3 years, and in Norway at 14.6 years. In the 60s and 70s there was already a decline. In the first country, the onset of menstruation was 12.5 years, and in the second, 13.2 years.

The above is explained by an improvement in the quality of life, proper hygiene. A decrease in age is considered normal, but not safe, because it increases the number of years during which breast tissue is exposed to high levels of estrogen. As a result, the likelihood of developing cancer in the future increases.

Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy negatively affect the body. A person has not yet fully studied the effect of hormones, so interference with processes regulated by the body often leads to unexpected consequences. There are also factors that reduce the risk of developing breast cancer:

• with childbearing up to 30 years;
• when breastfeeding (every year breastfeeding reduces the likelihood of 4.3%).

But the birth of a child after 30 years increases the likelihood of breast cancer by 2 times. This is often said by specialists when a conversation is held with patients. Cancer prevention should include earlier pregnancy planning.

Environmental pollution and the effects of negative factors at work

People themselves increase the likelihood of developing cancer when they pollute the environment with industrial emissions, household waste. In large cities, atmospheric air is polluted by exhaust fumes. Residents of these communities may experience lung cancer. Malignant diseases of the skin, bladder are possible due to the use of drinking water with a high content of arsenic. This situation with water was found in some states of South and Central Africa, and the People's Republic of China.

The likelihood of developing cancer in people working in hazardous industries is increasing. Here are examples of some carcinogens :

1. In the woodworking industry, wood dust is considered harmful. It negatively affects the nasal cavity.
2. In the manufacture of rubber, 4-aminobiphenyl acts on workers. It affects the functioning of the bladder.
3. Used in the aerospace industry, beryllium and its compounds affect the lungs.
4. Asbestos, used in the manufacture of insulation, fire protection, friction products, causes lung cancer. It is also the only cause of the development of malignant mesothelioma. This term refers to a rare and fatal disease.

Cancer Prevention

The likelihood of developing a malignant process is reduced if cancer prevention is carried out. The memo for people, which is compiled according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, includes the following actions:

• avoid all risk factors listed above;
• vaccinate against infections, consult a doctor in a timely manner if suspicious symptoms occur;
• control dangerous and harmful factors at the place of work;
• less time to be in the sun, use protective equipment (glasses, umbrellas, hats).

Early detection of malignant diseases is also very important. Thanks to a timely diagnosis, people are cured of cancer. There are 2 methods for early detection. The first of these is early diagnosis. If the first suspicious symptoms occur, consult a doctor. Treating the disease at an early stage is much easier.

A second way to detect cancer early is through screening. This term refers to the systematic conduct of tests in asymptomatic populations. The purpose of screening is to identify those individuals who start cancer, but so far have not manifested themselves.

Cancer Prevention Nutrition

Nutrition plays an important role in the prevention of cancer. The quality of products, their balance, the absence of food containing carcinogens in the diet are the main components of cancer prevention. Experts advise developing a cancer prevention plan, consume less fat and eat more fruits and vegetables:

1. Bean vegetables can be added to the diet. They contain a large amount of complete protein in its composition. It includes all interchangeable and essential amino acids, similar in composition to the protein of milk and meat. Bean vegetables are useful, but it is worth remembering that they are heavy foods (they are delayed in the digestive tract for a long time and cause increased gas formation).
2. Of particular note are orange and yellow-green fruits and vegetables (carrots, tomatoes, peppers, pumpkin, apricots, peaches - the use of all these products should include the prevention of cancer). Specialist nutrition brochures contain information that the listed vegetables and fruits contain a variety of carotenoids. These are anti-cancer agents that reduce the risk of cancer.
3. Green leafy vegetables (celery, dill, basil, parsley) and edible seaweed are very useful. They contain the pigment chlorophyll. It reduces the overall oncological risk, prevents the development of cancer of the lung, rectum and colon, esophagus, stomach, oral cavity, pharynx, kidneys, and bladder.
4. Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, radish) have a positive effect on the body. They are rich in sulfur compounds glucosinolates, which prevent the onset and development of tumor processes.

Other foods with anticarcinogenic substances should also be included in the diet when cancer prevention is in progress. The leaflet below contains a list of such substances and foods.

Nutrition During Cancer Treatment

People who are being treated for cancer have difficulty eating. Very often, because of chemotherapy and drugs, appetite is disturbed, and strange smacks in the mouth occur. Here are some tips for sick people thinking about what nutrition should be for the treatment and prevention of cancer:

1. With a poor appetite, try to eat a little, but often. Remember that in the morning, well-being, as a rule, improves. Try to eat well at this time.
2. When changing taste, do not give up food, because food is necessary. Experiment with sweet, bitter, salty, sour dishes and choose the ones you like best. For a metallic taste in your mouth, use silver, plastic dishes.
3. With dry mouth, eat food with various dressings, sauces. It will be easier for you to eat such dishes.

Clinic for the prevention of cancer (Ufa)

Almost all diseases can be prevented. That is why modern medical institutions provide services for the prevention of various ailments, including cancer. One of these clinics is located in Ufa. It has existed since 2001. Previously, it was a cancer prevention clinic (Ufa). It was created as part of the anti-cancer program. This clinic was the first medical institution in Russia in which cancer prevention was carried out. Ufa today already boasts a huge MMC "Preventive Medicine" - a multidisciplinary medical center that grew out of the clinic. It provides a variety of medical services in a wide range of areas.

To summarize, it is worth noting that cancer is the common name for a huge group of diseases. An ailment can affect absolutely any part of the body, any internal organ. Cancer develops from a single cell that is exposed to negative factors. Its change is very dangerous, because all processes in the body are disrupted. Every year, a huge number of people die from cancer that affects the lungs, stomach, liver, colon, mammary glands. To avoid death, it is worthwhile to pay timely attention to the prevention of this disease. Clinic for the prevention of cancer in Ufa, medical centers in other cities of Russia can help in the development of preventive measures.