What Everyone Should Know About Cancer
By Arosh Mamil

CANCER IS a group of diseases in which there is uncontrolled and
undisclosed growth of abnormal cells, which if unchecked will cause death.It is a destructive growth of cells which invades nearby tissues and may spread to other areas of the body. Dividing rapidly these cells tend to be very aggressive and out of control.

In contrast, a benign tumor is simply a localized mass of slowly multiplying cells resembling its original tissue and seldom becomes life-threatening.

The basic causes of most cancers are still unknown, which causes the
evolution of fact and fiction about what causes it.

Cancer is said to be hereditary but there is no proof that cancer is inherited with the exception of a rare type of eye cancer that is highly curable in the early stages. Tendencies to develop cancer, or environmental conditions and occupations that may eventually lead to it, may run in families.

Factors found in personal habits, the body, and the environment which may increase the risk of cancer are called carcinogens. These include:

Smoking. Cigarette smoking causes about 85% of lung cancer and has been linked to cancers of the mouth, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, pancreas, and bladder.

Poor diet. Studies suggest that obesity and too much intake of fat increase the risk of developing cancer.

Exposure to industrial agents. Certain chemicals, metals, dust and fibers such as asbestos and vinyl chloride on the job increase cancer risks.

Radiation. Having many x-rays over a long period increases cancer risks. Prolonged overexposure to sunlight is linked with skin cancer.

Alcohol. Heavy drinking—especially when combined with smoking
is associated with cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and liver.

Estrogen. Woman who take large doses of this hormone during menopause
increase their risk of developing uterine cancer.

Other tobacco products. Smoking of cigars or pipes puts you at risk of developing cancer of the mouth, tongue and throat. Snuff and tobacco users risk getting mouth cancer.

Viruses and other germs don't cause cancer because studies show that no viruses have been found to cause cancer in human beings. Cancer does not seem to "spread" from one person to another.

Bruises and fractures too don't cause cancer; there is no evidence that a single or occasional injury can cause cancer.

We are all at risk to acquire this serious type of disease because our body has this so-called cancer cells.

For early detection of cancer, you have to assess the nine warning signals, which includes changes in bowel or bladder habit, a sore that does not heal, unusual bleeding or discharge, thickening or lumps in the breast or elsewhere, indigestion or difficulty in swallowing, obvious change in warts or moles, nagging cough or hoarseness, unexplained anemia, and sudden weight loss.

Understanding cancer and its causes is the best way to develop a
healthier lifestyle and avoid exposure to its risks. Some preventive
measures include selecting a balanced diet high in fiber, low in fat, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining low body fat, doing self-examinations, getting
regular check-ups.

It is very important to follow your physician's instructions and to
seek the support of family and friends like me!

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Arosh Mamil, 19, is a nursing student at USI.

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