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Cancer, a term that is becoming more and more common in our lives, is also increasing the fear and uncertainty it brings. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, killing millions of people every year.
So, what causes cancer? It may have to do with our living environment, our daily habits, and our genetics.
Environmental factors play a non-negligible role in the formation of cancer, such as PM2.5 in the air, heavy metals emitted by industry, and even harmful substances that may be contained in paints and glues used in home renovations.
These substances enter our body and accumulate over a long period of time, which may lead to genetic mutations in cells, which can lead to cancer.
As the saying goes, "patients don't know it, it accumulates over time", and many times, we are unknowingly exposed to high-risk environments.
Modern people's lifestyle is also closely related to the high incidence of cancer, irregular eating habits, high-fat and high-sugar food intake, and long-term sedentary lifestyle, these seemingly ordinary daily behaviors may actually be "chronic suicide".
For example, excessive consumption of processed and red meat, which has been confirmed by scientific studies to be associated with an increased risk of bowel cancer. Not only does physical inactivity affect cardiovascular health, but it may also increase the risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast and colon cancer.
While we can't choose our genes, knowing the history of cancer in our families can help us take preventive measures in advance.
Some people have a much higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer than the general population due to inheriting specific genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. If there is a family history of cancer, genetic counseling and regular cancer screening are even more important.
Doctors often remind us that prevention is better than cure. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, eating a balanced diet, and increasing physical activity, may seem like simple behaviors that can actually greatly reduce our risk of cancer.
Reducing exposure to harmful substances and improving the living and working environment are also effective means of cancer prevention.
In recent years, more and more research has begun to focus on the link between mental health and cancer. Long-term stress and anxiety not only affect a person's psychological state, but may also indirectly promote the development of cancer through changes in the endocrine system.
For example, chronic stress can lead to increased levels of inflammation, which is a risk factor for many types of cancer. Maintaining mental health is not only needed to improve quality of life, but may also be one of the important strategies for cancer prevention.
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are basic health behaviors for most people, as tobacco and alcohol are known risk factors for several types of cancer.
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber can reduce the risk of certain cancers. Regular physical activity not only improves heart and lung function, but also helps maintain a normal weight, and obesity is a risk factor for many cancers.
Long-term exposure to harmful substances in the living and working environment, such as asbestos and formaldehyde, may increase the risk of cancer.
Choosing a place to live with no or less pollution, and using safe building materials and furniture are all effective ways to prevent cancer. Appropriate precautions are necessary for those in the profession who cannot avoid exposure to hazardous substances in the work environment.
Cancer screening is especially important for high-risk populations, such as women with a family history of breast cancer, where regular mammograms can detect problems early and treat them promptly.
For colorectal cancer, regular colonoscopies are an effective way to detect early cancer.
Although cancer is a serious health threat, we are fully capable of reducing the risk of its disease through scientific lifestyle adjustments, maintenance of mental health, and improvement of the environment.
Cancer prevention and treatment is an all-encompassing process that involves many aspects of daily life, from personal health habits to social and environmental management.
Cancer is not a single cause, but a combination of factors.
We can't control all risk factors, such as genetic predisposition, but by modifying those that we can control, such as lifestyle and environmental exposures, we can actually significantly reduce the incidence of cancer.
Scientific screening and early diagnosis can greatly improve the effectiveness of treatment, thereby improving the survival rate.
In the face of cancer, a global health challenge is crucial for the public to raise health awareness. Through education, society should improve people's understanding of cancer prevention, encourage healthy lifestyle habits, and promote the implementation of health policies.
Medical institutions and research organizations should also continue to strive for breakthroughs in early detection and treatment of cancer in order to fight the disease more effectively.
While the threat of cancer remains, we have more and more resources and knowledge to fight it. With integrated prevention strategies and a scientific approach to management, we can hope to reduce the impact of cancer in the future.
Everyone should start with themselves and take practical actions to protect their health and the health of their families. The battle for cancer is long and complex, but through collective efforts and scientific advances, there are reasons for optimism.
Do you have any experiences and opinions to share?