Who gets cancer?

There are several kinds of cancer, all of them malignant tumors. A tumor is a swelling or mass resulting from abnormal growth of tissue. Most cases of early cancer can be cured, but the difficulty is that most cancers aren't detected until they have grown or spread to such an extent that they have become incurable, especially cancer in deeper organs such as stomach and lungs. While medical science has not yet made final and conclusive discovery of the basic cause or causes of cancer, several important facts have come to light that give an idea of who is at great risk of getting cancer. Below are some of the latest findings:

Cancer affects men and women almost equally, although certain organs are likely to be more affected in each sex. For example, breast cancer occurs predominantly in women and lung cancer in men and women who tend to smoke and who generally start smoking at an early age. Although cancers can occur at any age, the disease tends to be more likely as people grow older. From 40 onwards, the likelihood of getting cancer increases considerably. It is estimated that in any year, only about three people in every 1000 develop the disease at age 40; about nine people in every 1000 at age 60 and about 18 people in every 1000 at age 80. Cancer of the lungs seems to strike older men than younger ones because this cancer is linked closely to the habit of smoking and has a long induction period. Despite this tendency for cancer to affect mainly the middle aged and the elderly, certain cancers such as leukemia (cancer of the blood), brain cancer and cancer of the bone occasionally develop in children.

2. DOES CANCER RUN IN FAMILIES?

Despite popular belief, cancer doesn't run in families and is not an inherited disease. However, there are predispositions which tend to run in families and which can bring on cancer. For example, in some families there is a tendency to a rare form of bowel polyps which can turn cancerous and which needs to be surgically treated as early as possible. There is also an incidence of lung cancer in families which smoke heavily. Early age breast cancer is also more common in some families than others, but research has not proved a genetic link of this.

3. WHAT ARE THE ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS?

It is likely, but yet unproven, that certain chemical properties in food, water or air can irritate some body cells and make them cancerous. The suspected dangers lie in the excessive alcohol consumption, eating raw foods contaminated by as yet unspecified substances, possible radioactive and chemical contamination of drinking water and air pollution in factories and at home. Specific cancers such as those connected with asbestos is used. High risk occupations which include some chemical industries and mining in poor safety conditions predispose people to skin, bladder and lung cancers.

4. IS CIGARETTE SMOKING STILL THE BIGGEST RISK?

The medical world now agrees that there is a definite link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer. It is likely that the inhaled smoke from thousands of cigarettes over a period of 20- 30 years in some susceptible people will irritate the cells of bronchial tubes enough for them to turn cancerous. Nine out of ten cases of lung cancer are due to smoking. Smoking is involved in other cancers too, among them trachea, mouth, pharynx, larynx, bladder, pancreas and kidney. ‘Passive smokers' who are non smokers who live and work with smokers, stand an increased risk of getting smoking related cancers. The non smoking wife of a man who smokes 20 cigarettes a day may increase by a third her chances of getting lung cancer. Cervical cancer is more prevalent among women who become sexually active early especially if it is with different partners. It is becoming increasingly likely that a virus, probably passed sexually plays some part in the development of the disease. Cancer of the cervix is becoming more common now and whereas it used to affect women over 35, it is now occurring in younger women as well. It is now also thought that increased used of the contraceptive pill may play a part.

5. IS SUN BATHING DANGEROUS?

Exposure to sunlight is the main factor in the rising number of skin cancer. Research shows that sharp burst of sun are contributing to the incidence if skin cancer among light skinned people. There are three kinds of skin cancers: Rodent ulcer which attacks the face or the neck and is only serious if left untreated; malignant melanoma which is not common but can occur anywhere in the body and the rare squamous cell carcinoma which may evolve from warts on the hands, head, ears, face or neck. There is however, no sign that a combination of being on the pill together with sunbathing further increases the risk of skin cancer. Sun lamps have been suspected of causing cancer but as yet nothing has been proven conclusively.

6.  CAN DIET PROTECT YOU AGAINST CANCER?

Any influence that diet may have on the development of cancer has not yet been scientifically discovered and proven. However, there appears to be a link between breast and colon cancers and a high fat, low fiber diet. In countries where the diets contain less fat and more roughage , the incidence of these cancers is lower. An obvious precaution is to eat much fresh, unadulterated food as possible: roughage containing foods such as whole meal bread, wheat pasta, beans and potatoes. A diet high in fiber helps eliminate harmful chemicals from the digestive system quickly, thus protecting the body against their effects. Foods containing vitamins and minerals may perhaps protect against cancer. Beta carotene and some green vegetables is converted into vitamin A in the body and may act as a protective agent.

7. DOES EXERCISE HELP REDUCE YOUR RISK?

Being fit, not fat, could be a key to protection against certain forms of cancer. Obesity is associated with cancer of the endometrium ( lining of the uterus) and gall bladder, although these are rare cancers. Ovarian cancer is more frequent in very overweight women. A long-term fitness program establishes a life style which somehow lowers the risk of breast cancer and cancers of reproductive system.

8.  HOW CAN YOU PREVENT CANCER?

Prevention of cancer is very much in the hands of the individual. There are certain 'dos' and 'dont's' which can lessen the chances of contracting the disease in its various forms. For example, giving up smoking will reduce the risk of lung cancer, a high fiber diet will supply plenty of roughage and so decrease the likelihood of cancer of the bowel. One should also be on the lookout for any symptoms that can help detect cancer early.

9.  WHAT ARE THE EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF CANCER?

The following signs can indicate the presence of cancer at an early stage. If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor at once as early diagnosis increases the chances of successful treatment. 

Coughing up blood, passing of blood in urine, passing of blood in the motions, persisting changes in bowel habits that is; either constipation or loose motions, blood stained discharge from the vagina, vaginal bleeding between periods, after intercourse or after menopause, persistent cough, lump in the breast, lumps in the neck, non healing sores(ulcers) on the skin especially the face and hands which are more exposed to the sun, unexplained persistent tiredness, unexplained loss of weight, unexplained indigestion.