Essential Insights Everyone Needs for Cancer Prevention
Cancer rates are sadly on the rise, with the National Cancer Institute estimating that about 39.6 percent of people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Despite this increase, the good news is that cancer death rates have been declining. Since peaking in 1991, cancer death rates have dropped by 26 percent over the past 20 years, preventing nearly 2.6 million deaths.
Although fewer people are dying from cancer, the number of new diagnoses continues to grow and is expected to keep increasing over the next decade. Currently, there’s no foolproof way to prevent cancer, but ongoing research suggests there might be ways to lower the risk.
Many people are curious about what they can do to avoid cancer. Even though there’s no definitive evidence, some studies indicate potential risk-reducing strategies.
Is it in our genes or our environment?
It’s often hard to pinpoint why one person gets cancer while another doesn’t. Research suggests certain factors might raise the likelihood of developing cancer. These factors can be genetic or environmental, and it’s challenging to distinguish between the two.
For example, some cancers, like breast cancer, can be linked to specific gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women with these faulty genes have a 40 to 85 percent chance of developing breast cancer, compared to the average risk of 12 percent.
However, environmental factors also play a significant role. Take identical twins, for instance—they share the same genetic makeup. So, if one twin gets cancer and the other doesn’t, the cause is likely environmental.
Most cancers result from a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental influences. Some cancers are entirely environmental, like malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, which is caused by asbestos exposure.
Epidemiological studies, typically involving 100 to 500 people, aim to uncover why cancer affects some people and not others. These studies can suggest that certain behaviors or foods might be linked to higher cancer rates, even if they can’t definitively say what causes cancer.
What does the research say?
Research on cancer prevention is still developing, as it’s tough to identify the exact causes in many cases. However, certain genes and lifestyle choices have been linked to a higher cancer risk. Some of these risk factors are avoidable, while others are not. They include:
– Aging
– Alcohol consumption
– Smoking
– Diet
– Hormonal factors
– Obesity
– Radiation
– UV exposure
– Contact with hazardous substances like asbestos
Is prevention possible?
Cancer prevention is possible to some extent, but it’s hard to know if your efforts will definitively reduce your risk. Making healthy lifestyle changes can lower your potential risk, even if you can’t be sure of the outcome.
Many believe it’s worthwhile to adopt these preventive measures. Obvious steps include avoiding smoking and tobacco products. Other measures, largely related to diet and health, are less well-known. For instance, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a nutritious diet are recommended since being overweight or obese increases cancer risk. This could be due to the weight itself or the unhealthy, processed foods often consumed by those with higher body weight.
Studies suggest a healthier diet can help reduce cancer risk. Clean eating, focusing on natural, unprocessed foods, is often recommended by doctors. Foods that are not organic or genetically modified also have been associated with higher cancer risks.
Ultimately, there’s no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, but you can take steps to lower your risk. Improving your overall health and making informed lifestyle choices can make developing cancer less likely. While you can’t change your genetics, adopting healthier habits is worth considering for potentially reducing your cancer risk.
