Edward Yom/Causes of Cancer/Tues 5~6

Edward Yom

 

Causes of Cancer

 

     Cancer remains the second most common cause of death in the US, accounting for nearly 1 of every 4 deaths. However, to this day most of the people do not know what causes cancer, thus can not take any precautions. Other than smoking, there are numerous other factors that causes cancer. Some of the factor that cause cancer are heredity, polluted environments, and unhealthy eating. 

 

     Cancer itself can not be passed down, but a mutation, which is an abnormal gene that may lead to cancer in the near future could be inherited. However, only five to ten percent of all cancers are due to genetic reasons. People should be more worried if cancer is present on one side of the family. Meaning, if your mom and your mom's mom has cancer you should be more careful. In many cases, genetic cancer is a rare type of cancer like kidney cancer, and occurs before twenty years.

 

     Kurt Straif, PhD, head of the IARC Monographs Section, said, "The air we breathe is filled with cancer-causing substances." According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), air pollution increases the chances of lung cancer and bladder cancer. The main cancer causing factor in the air is carcinogens which comes from a combination of factors such as but not limited to diesel engine exhaust, solvents, metals, and dust.

 

     In the UK, one in ten cancers are due to an unhealthy diet. Since people eat different types of food that contain different nutrients and chemicals in different amounts, it is hard to pinpoint one food that causes cancer. However, some of the common factors that were found is eating less than five portions of fruit and vegetables a day which amounted to more than half of the cancer caused due to an unhealthy diet. Other factors include eating too much red meat, not eating enough fiber and eating too much salt. Obesity but one at risk of oesophageal cancer, kidney cancer and gallbladder cancer. In addition to breast or uterine cancer for women. Some foods that put one at a higher risk of getting cancer are GMOs, processed meats, microwaved popcorn, soda pop, refined flour and sugar, and hydrogenated oils. 

 

     If it is found early, and the right treatment is taken, cancer can be treated easily. However, people usually do not know what causes cancer, and believe they are safe if they do not smoke or drink. Since cancer doesn't have any immediate pain, it is important to know which factors may cause cancer, and take appropriate measures. It is recommended that you get a checkup every six months. After all, it is better safe than sorry.