Human Lifestyle: How Choices Impact Cancer and Risks
Today's world is fast-paced, and so are the lifestyles people choose. Along with heart disease and diabetes, cancer is a major health concern. Cancer is widely recognized as a group of disorders characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth, which can spread to other parts of the body.
Apart from hereditary predisposition, there are other risk factors for developing cancer. It is wise to pay attention to lifestyle choices related to cancer and become familiar with today's oncology methods and diagnoses, and learn which are the best hospitals for cancer in the world.
The Link Between Lifestyle and Cancer
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that healthy lifestyle changes help curb around 30-50% of all cancer cases. Important aspects of lifestyle and cancer risk include blood pressure, body weight, diet, physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol intake as well as contact with swill. Let’s examine these factors in detail:
Diet
The consumption of ultra-processed foods, sugars, and fats has been linked to a higher risk of cancers such as colorectal, breast, and pancreatic cancer. With the growth of online medical teacher jobs, healthcare professionals can now better educate the public on cancer risks and prevention methods, increasing awareness and supporting early detection. In contrast, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and lean meats provides essential nutrients that help protect the body from cancer.
Natural foods are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and phytonutrients, which play a key role in managing inflammation and reducing oxidative stress, both of which are factors in cancer development.
Physical Activity
Physical inactivity is a lifestyle risk factor for developing cancers such as colon, breast, and endometrial cancer. Lack of exercise increases personal risk, while regular physical activity helps manage weight and reduces hormone levels, like estrogen and insulin, that are linked to a higher cancer risk.
Smoking
Smoking, the most common form of tobacco use, remains the leading cause of cancer worldwide. Tobacco use is blamed for nearly 85% of lung cancer cases and increases the risk of cancer in the mouth and the skin, throat, pancreas, bladder, and kidneys among others. Secondhand smoke is also known to have a potential cause which is why stopping tobacco smoking is among the most effective behavior modification changes that a person should undertake.
Here comes the sun
Overexposure to sunlight without protection can significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancers like melanoma.
Sunscreen plays an important role in preventing skin cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun increases the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations that can cause cancer.
Sunscreen helps protect the skin by absorbing or reflecting UV radiation, preventing it from penetrating the skin and causing damage. Broad-spectrum sunscreens, which protect against both UVA and UVB rays, are most effective. Regular use of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher can significantly reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
It is recommended to apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Combining sunscreen use with other protective measures, such as wearing hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing, can further reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a well-known lifestyle factor that increases the risk of several types of cancer. According to research from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Cancer Society, alcohol consumption is linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed over time. Even moderate drinking, such as one drink per day, can elevate the risk, particularly for breast cancer in women.
When alcohol is broken down in the body, it converts to acetaldehyde, a chemical that damages DNA and prevents cells from repairing themselves properly. This process leads to mutations that can result in cancer. Additionally, alcohol can impair the body’s ability to absorb vital nutrients, weaken the immune system, and increase estrogen levels, all of which contribute to the development of cancer.
Reducing alcohol intake or avoiding it altogether is one of the important preventive measures to lower cancer risk.
The Role of Oncology in Cancer Treatment
Oncology, the medical specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, has made significant progress in recent years. Advances in medicine have improved early detection and introduced new treatments, leading to higher survival rates and a better quality of life for cancer patients. For example, the American Cancer Society reports that the cancer death rate in the U.S. has declined by 32% since 1991, largely due to improvements in treatment and early detection.
Surgery
Surgery remains one of the most effective treatments for cancer, especially when the tumor is localized. Techniques like minimally invasive surgery and robotic surgery have reduced recovery times and improved patient outcomes. For many patients, surgery offers the potential for a complete cure, particularly in early-stage cancers.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It is a core treatment in cancer management, though it is associated with side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and hair loss. Despite its challenges, chemotherapy remains crucial for treating many types of cancer, including those that have spread. Ongoing research is focused on improving chemotherapy's effectiveness while reducing its side effects.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It is often used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy, either to shrink tumors before surgery or to eliminate remaining cancer cells afterward. Radiation therapy has proven effective in managing various cancers and continues to be a key component of treatment.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies are drugs designed to interfere with specific molecules involved in cancer growth and spread. These treatments often produce better results and fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. Targeted therapies have been particularly effective in treating cancers with specific genetic mutations, such as some forms of breast, lung, and colorectal cancer.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. This approach has shown promise in treating cancers like melanoma, lung cancer, and lymphoma. Immunotherapy has become a groundbreaking option, especially for patients who do not respond well to traditional treatments. In fact, immunotherapy has led to long-term remission in some patients with advanced-stage cancers.
Oncology continues to evolve with the development of new treatments and strategies, offering hope to millions of people worldwide. As research progresses, the goal is to further improve survival rates and minimize the impact of cancer on patients' lives.
Cancer and the Queer Community
Studies have shown that certain factors may place 2SLGBTQiA+ individuals at a higher risk for cancer compared to the general population. Some notable points include:
Higher rates of smoking and alcohol use: 2SLGBTQiA+ individuals, particularly sexual minority women and men, have been found to have higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, both of which are major risk factors for cancer. For example, the American Lung Association reports that 2SLGBTQiA+ adults are more likely to smoke than heterosexual adults, which increases the risk for cancers like lung, throat, and mouth cancer.
Lower rates of preventive screenings: 2SLGBTQiA+ people may have lower rates of cancer screenings (such as mammograms, Pap smears, and colonoscopies) due to barriers like discrimination, lack of access to healthcare, or mistrust of healthcare providers. A study from the National LGBT Cancer Network found that LGBTQ+ individuals are less likely to receive regular screenings, which can delay early detection and treatment.
Higher cancer prevalence in specific groups: Some studies suggest that lesbian and bisexual women may have higher rates of breast cancer, potentially due to a combination of lifestyle factors (such as higher rates of obesity and alcohol use) and lower rates of childbirth, which is a known protective factor against breast cancer.
Conclusion
Cancer is no longer just a distant concern; it has become a significant health issue in today's world. However, many cases can be prevented by making healthier lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use, and minimizing exposure to harmful environmental factors.
As well, disparities highlight the importance of inclusive healthcare practices and targeted outreach to ensure that 2SLGBTQiA+ individuals receive adequate cancer prevention, screening, and treatment services.
At the same time, advancements in oncology continue to offer new possibilities for those diagnosed with cancer. With treatments like surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, patients have more options than ever to manage their condition, improve their quality of life, and increase their chances of survival.
