Should We Treat or Prevent Cancer

Introduction

Main Digest

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.

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Cite This Page (APA): Mavis Butcher. (2008, November 15 - Last revised: 2010, October 13). Should We Treat or Prevent Cancer. Disabled World. Retrieved September 10, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/health/cancer/treatment/treat-cancer.php

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