Cancer Treatment or Prevention: Causes and Risk Factors

Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 15 Nov 2008 - Updated: 29 Sep 2026
Publication Type: Opinion Piece, Editorial

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This report asks whether more attention should go to preventing cancer instead of focusing mainly on treating it, pointing out that cancer is linked to about 25% of all deaths in the United States and that many cases can be cured when caught early. It explains how DNA mutations upset the normal balance between cell growth and programmed cell death, leading to benign tumors that stay in place or malignant tumors that invade other organs and spread. The report separates risk factors people can control, such as smoking, toxic exposures, radiation, poor diet, obesity, and inactivity, from those they cannot, such as inherited genes and random mutations. It also reviews standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation alongside complementary approaches such as a positive mindset, meditation, and laughter. The information is useful for anyone thinking about their long-term health, and it is especially relevant for seniors and people with disabilities, who often face higher cancer risk with age or limited mobility and may benefit most from practical steps like quitting tobacco, eating more fruits and vegetables, and protecting their skin from the sun.

At a Glance

• 1 - Childhood cancer rates peak during the first year of life.
• 2 - More than one million people have been diagnosed with skin cancer in a single year.
• 3 - Some experts estimate that quitting smoking can add as many as 20 years to a person's life.
• 4 - Cancer treatment is costly and time consuming, and many poorer nations lack the facilities needed to treat patients at all.

Topic Definition

Cancer Prevention

Cancer prevention is the set of actions taken to lower the chance of developing cancer or to find it early, before it has a chance to spread. Primary prevention focuses on avoiding known causes, such as not using tobacco, limiting alcohol, keeping a healthy weight, staying physically active, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, protecting the skin from ultraviolet radiation, and getting vaccines against cancer-linked infections like human papillomavirus and hepatitis B. Secondary prevention relies on screening tests such as mammograms, colonoscopies, Pap and HPV tests, and low-dose CT scans for lung cancer to catch precancerous changes or early-stage cancers when they are most treatable. Some risk factors, including age, inherited gene mutations, and family history, cannot be changed, but knowing about them can guide earlier or more frequent screening. Together, these strategies can prevent a large share of cancer cases and deaths.

Overview

Cancer is one of the biggest killers around the world. In America alone, 25% of all deaths are related to cancer. Many people think of cancer as a single problem but in fact, it is a number of problems spread throughout the body. Generally speaking, if cancer is caught in the early stages of development, it can be treated and cured.

Although there are several different types of cancer, the most common ones are Lung cancer, Prostate cancer, Breast cancer, Testicular, Skin cancer and Colon cancers.

Genes control the multiplication and growth of cells.

If these genes are defective in the first place, then the cells will not be able to grow or divide properly. As a result of this abnormality, cancerous cells are born.

In cancer, the cells through a process of mutation, start to divide endlessly. Creating internal problems and finally death. It is a hard battle that one needs to fight against this terrible enemy. Both expensive and time consuming, many of the poorer nations today do not have cancer treating facilities leading to the painful death of many thousands of individuals.

There are many types of cancers.

Basically, the disease can be divided into 2 broad categories. Adult cancers and childhood cancers. Adult cancers include Lung cancer and ovarian cancer.

Cancer can also occur in young children and adolescents, but it is rare. Child Cancer; especially leukemia, is on an upward trend. Though some studies have not shown this, others done over a longer scale of time have so indicated. The age of peak incidence of cancer in children occurs during the first year of life. Leukemia is one of the types that can occur. The other types include the central nervous system cancers, lymphomas, and rhabdomyosarcoma.

How is such a terrible disease caused?

Cell division is a physiological process that occurs in almost all tissues and under many circumstances. Normally the balance between growth and programmed cell death is tightly regulated to ensure the integrity of organs and tissues. Mutations in DNA that lead to cancer disrupt these orderly processes.

The uncontrolled and often rapid proliferation of cells can lead to either a benign tumor or a malignant tumor (cancer). Benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body or invade other tissues, and they are rarely a threat to life unless they compress vital structures. Malignant tumors on the other hand are more dangerous and they often invade other organs, spread to distant locations and become life-threatening.

Can it be treated?

Yes, Cancer can be cured if it is diagnosed at an early stage. Allopathic treatments like Chemotherapy have proved to be successful against cancer. There are many types of strong chemicals and radiation that help in fighting against cancer.

Today however other methods have emerged which show promise in fighting off cancer. Psychologists believe in curing cancer through thought processes. By having a positive frame of mind, they believe that this disease can be fought.

Meditation techniques like reiki that help in awakening inner forces are also proving to be very beneficial.

An unconventional treatment for this disease is laughter therapy. There is a very touching story about how one person got over this disease just through having fun. Norman Cousins was diagnosed by a form of life threatening tissue disease or a form of cancer. He started and experimented by watching and enjoying Marx brother movies. Six months later, he was up and perfect astonishing his doctors.

There are a number of factors which cause cancer.

Factors which are controllable by humans are smoking, toxic elements and radiation. These can be controlled to some degree and therefore it would be wise to avoid them by changing lifestyle habits. However, there are certain elements which are outside our control.
These include mutation and inherited DNA.

As a result of studies conducted by the American Cancer Society, more than 180,000 people have died as a direct result of smoking. Another 200,000 people have died due to lack of changing lifestyle habits. Obesity, laziness and malnutrition can have an effect on the growth of cancer. Needless to say, cancer has risen by more than 50% since 1995.

Let's take a look at some of these cancer causes in more detail.

• Smoking: The most prevalent and easily avoidable type of cancer is the one caused by the use of tobacco. This includes the use of cigarettes, cigars and pipes. Even though smokers are addicted to nicotine, the fact that 200,000 people die every year due to smoking caused cancer should be enough motivation to quit. Some experts say that cessation of smoking can increase lifespan by up to 20 years.
• Stress: Although nothing has been proven, studies indicate that stress may also be a contributing factor to cancer. Many cancer patients are also employed in stressful jobs. Some theologians believe that stress lowers the bodies immunity to cancer.
• Exercise and Healthy Eating: Healthy eating and exercise is universally known to be beneficial in many aspects. But, many people don't know that food full of nutrition can reduce the risk of cancer. Specific foods such as fruit and veg can help prevent cancer whilst fatty foods such as meat can increase the likelihood of cancer.

Skin cancer can easily be avoided by simply listening to good advice. Wear sunglasses, hats, sun cream and other sensible items of clothing to avoid the onset of this type of cancer. Although this may seem like common sense, more than one million people have been diagnosed with skin cancer in a single year.

In summary, some cancers can be avoided. New research and studies are being conducted all the time. So, rather than concentrating on how to treat cancer patients, maybe we should all be looking for more ways to prevent the cancer in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of cancers can be prevented?

A 2024 American Cancer Society study found that about 40% of cancer cases and nearly half of cancer deaths in U.S. adults are linked to risk factors people can change, including smoking, excess body weight, alcohol, poor diet, physical inactivity, and sun exposure.

At what age should cancer screening begin?

Current U.S. guidelines generally recommend colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45 and mammograms every other year starting at age 40 for women at average risk. Adults ages 50 to 80 with a heavy smoking history may qualify for yearly low-dose CT lung cancer screening, and people with higher risk may need to start earlier.

Does drinking alcohol increase cancer risk?

Yes. Alcohol is linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, rectum, and breast, and the risk rises with the amount consumed. Even moderate drinking is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer.

Can alternative medicine replace standard cancer treatment?

No. Research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that patients who chose alternative medicine alone instead of conventional treatment had about 2.5 times the risk of death. Complementary therapies such as meditation, massage, and acupuncture can ease symptoms but should be used alongside medical care.

How does physical activity lower cancer risk?

Regular exercise helps control weight, lowers inflammation, and improves hormone and insulin levels. Physically active people have a lower risk of colon, breast, endometrial, bladder, kidney, and several other cancers, and adapted or seated exercise can offer benefits for people with limited mobility.

Should I get genetic testing for cancer risk?

Genetic testing may be recommended if several close relatives have had cancer, if cancers appeared at a young age, or if a family member carries a known mutation such as BRCA1, BRCA2, or a Lynch syndrome gene. A genetic counselor can help decide whether testing makes sense.

Are cancer death rates going down?

Yes. According to the American Cancer Society, the U.S. cancer death rate fell by about one third between 1991 and 2021, largely because of less smoking, earlier detection, and better treatments, which together averted millions of deaths.

What sunscreen is best for preventing skin cancer?

Dermatologists recommend a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, applied generously and reapplied every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Shade, protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds add further protection.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: The central argument here still holds up: stopping cancer before it starts is almost always easier and cheaper than treating it once it has spread. Tobacco remains the largest single avoidable cause, and the article's point that fatty diets and processed meats raise risk while fruits and vegetables help lower it matches what major cancer organizations advise today. Childhood cancers such as leukemia, central nervous system tumors, lymphomas, and rhabdomyosarcoma are a reminder that not every case can be prevented, which is why early diagnosis and access to treatment matter just as much. Approaches like meditation, stress reduction, and laughter can improve comfort and quality of life during treatment, but they work best alongside proven medical care, not in place of it. For older adults and people with disabilities, pairing healthy daily habits with regular, accessible cancer screening offers the strongest protection.

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability, a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.