Just as it has been proven that cancer is a treatable and curable disease, as long as it is detected in time, it is also well known that it is a highly preventable pathology if due attention is paid to certain variables. Adopting a lifestyle based on healthy habits and being aware of cancer risk factors are key factors that we cannot lose sight of and that constitute an insurance policy for your health in the years to come.
So the big question is: can I take control? What do the statistics and studies say? When should I start taking care of myself? The answer is wide-ranging.
Main risk factors for cancer - What's in my hands?
It is impossible to determine at a glance who may be diagnosed with cancer in the future. This is a disease in which both genetics and the conscious decisions we make every day to take care of our bodies play an important role.
The Center for Cancer Studies at the University of Kansas indicates that while no cancer is 100 percent preventable, there are nine types in which, if action is taken against risk factors, the chances of getting them are exponentially decreased. These are:
Breast cancer.
Cervical cancer.
Colorectal cancer.
Head and neck cancer.
Lung cancer.
Ovarian cancer.
Prostate cancer.
Skin cancer.
Testicular cancer.
And here we come to the point where the basics are obvious: eating a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity and attending yearly preventive health checkups are fundamental practices to maintain health and avoid this disease, but what else should we keep in mind?
The U.S. Department of Health's Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies six risk factors associated with cancer. Let's look at them one by one. Although it may not seem like it, all of these variables have a prevention formula associated with them.
Alcohol consumption
Consuming alcohol is a clear risk factor for cancer, especially if it is not done in moderation. The less you drink, the less likely you are to be diagnosed in the future. And, contrary to some widespread beliefs, there is no anti-cancer liquor.
The main reason for this risk factor is that when alcohol is consumed, the body processes it and converts it into acetaldehyde, a chemical that causes permanent DNA damage, which can result in cells growing abnormally, leading to a cancerous tumor, says the CDC.
Alcohol intake is especially associated with the development of cancers of the mouth and throat, larynx, esophagus, colon and rectum, liver, breast, prostate, stomach and pancreas.
What can I do?
If you don't drink, don't start drinking. If you do drink, try to reduce your intake as much as possible. Alcohol is harmful in the short, medium and long term, it affects your family and social relationships and affects your body and organism, and can shorten your wellbeing and life trajectory. This is a cancer risk factor whose control is entirely in your hands.
Medical and family history
According to the National Cancer Institute of the United States, only 5 to 10 percent of cancers are caused by hereditary mutations. The rest arise due to lifestyle and age-related factors.
However, in both cases, family history is taken into account as a risk factor. This is because, on the one hand, you may have inherited from a member of your family a genetic mutation that favors the development of the disease and, on the other hand, because sometimes there are shared habits and environments that also increase the probabilities of having a diagnosis.
HPV
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the direct cause of several types of cancer. In particular, it is associated with virtually all cases of cervical cancer, as well as oropharyngeal, vaginal, vulvar, penile and anal cancers.
What can I do?
First of all, have sexual intercourse with barrier protection methods such as condoms. On the other hand, go to any vaccination center where the HPV vaccine is administered (it is safe for girls and boys from 9 years of age) and get tested regularly for the virus.
Obesity
Being overweight is a risk factor directly associated with 13 types of cancer. Obesity (BMI of 30.0 or higher) contributes to metabolic changes, inflammation, high insulin levels, among other abnormalities that, when sustained over time, contribute to the development of the disease.
What can I do?
An eating plan and regular exercise help to maintain a healthy weight and, therefore, keep this cancer risk factor at bay.
Tobacco
According to the CDC, along with obesity, tobacco smoking is the most determinant cancer risk factor, and its incidence is throughout the body.
Specifically, smoking is associated with the development of cancer of the lungs, bronchus and trachea, bladder, blood (acute myelogenous leukemia), cervix, colon and rectum, esophagus, kidney and renal pelvis, liver, mouth and throat, pancreas, stomach and larynx..
What can I do?
The only correct answer here is not to consume. And something very important is that cancer associated with tobacco does not only refer to smoking cigarettes or secondhand smoke. The CDC also includes the use of electronic cigarettes and chewing tobacco as risk factors for cancer.
Adverse experiences in childhood
Finally, the CDC indicates that suffering potentially traumatic events before the age of 18 constitutes a risk factor directly associated with suffering from cancer. The reason is not only mental health (which when affected can lead to tobacco use, obesity, among others), but also the excessive release of the stress hormone, which translates into chronic inflammation and in turn into cancer.
The CDC indicates that 6 percent of cancer cases could have been prevented if there had not been adverse experiences in childhood.
What can I do?
Cancer is preventable from childhood. The task—for families as well as for governments and organizations—is to build healthy environments for the upbringing and development of the youngest members of society. Growing in harmony is also an insurance policy.
Some signs and symptoms to which we must pay attention
As we have already said, to avoid a discouraging diagnosis, a first-order task is to maintain discipline in the face of preventive checkups. This is associated with being alert to signs and symptoms, especially when one is part of a population segment at risk.
The National Cancer Institute of the United States details that the body shows particular warning signs for each type of cancer, however, there are general symptoms to which you should pay attention, especially if they do not ease over time. Some are:
Changes in the breasts: such as the appearance of lumps, peeling of the skin or discharge from the nipples.
Changes in the bladder: pain when urinating, urinating with blood, bleeding, among others.
Changes in the intestine: bloody stools or changes in habits.
Changes in the voice: persistent cough or hoarseness.
Changes in the skin surface: flaky skin, new moles, chronic irritation, jaundice, localized swelling, among others.
Persistent digestive discomfort: chronic heartburn or indigestion, difficulty swallowing, among others.
Changes and discomfort in the mouth, tongue and lips.
Chronic fatigue
Neurological problems: migraines, changes in eye health, hearing, facial paralysis, among others. Changes in weight for no apparent reason.
Preventing and treating cancer is possible
A cancer diagnosis is a challenge that, first of all, must be faced in the company of the most competent and specialized support, which generates confidence.
At Astorga, an oncology clinic, we have a top-level medical team led by highly trained oncologists who will provide you with personalized care using the most modern protocols and the most advanced technology, unique in Latin America.
Here you will have top-level treatments and a comprehensive approach that will lead you to health and well-being. de primer nivel y un enfoque integral que te encamina a la salud y al bienestar.
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