PREVENTION OF CANCER

Cancer

Cancer is uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these to spread, either by direct growth into adjacent tissue through invasion, or by implantation into distant sites by metastasis. Risk of cancer tends to increase with age. It is one of the principal causes of death around the world. Brutality of symptoms depends on the site and character of the malignancy and metastasis. The uncontrolled and unregulated growth of cells cause damage to the DNA, which in turn cause gene mutation. These mutations can be caused by radiation, chemicals or physical agents that cause cancer, which are called carcinogens, or by certain viruses that can insert their DNA into the human genome.

Prevention

This can be done only through avoiding carcinogens or altering their metabolism. Cancer can be prevented through studying a close association between daily routine activities, styles of living, environmental exposures and the specific cancers. Alcohol drinking is associated with risk of oral, esophageal, breast, and other cancers. Smoking is closely associated with lung cancer or mesothelioma. Exposure to the radiations like ionizing radiation and ultraviolet radiation can cause a number of cancers. Physical inactivity is associated with increased risk of colon, breast, and possibly other cancers. Overweight is associated with colon, breast and endometrial. So through avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, physical activities and through maintaining body weight one can decrease the risk of developing several types of cancers. And also through avoiding the exposure of ionizing radiation and ultraviolet radiation one can decrease the risk of developing several types of cancers.