Health Issues Linked to Cancer
Description:
Cancer is a group of cells that has uncontrolled growth. It can
develop in tissue from any organ and destroys the surrounding tissue.
This group of cells becomes a cancerous tumor (abnormal growth or mass)
and can spread from the initial site throughout the body.
Cancer first begins when the DNA changes in the cell's genetic
material. This change can occur spontaneously, or can be caused by a
carcinogen (substance that causes cancer). This process is called
initiation. Carcinogens include chemicals, tobacco, viruses, radiation,
sunlight, etc. Some cells are more susceptible to carcinogens due to
genetics or chronic irritation.
Once a cell has changed genetically (during the initiation process),
it is then susceptible to the next phase of cancer, promotion. During
this process, environmental substances or drugs (promoters) then cause
those cells to become cancerous. It is important to note that a cell
does not become cancerous from just promoters, but must be acted upon
by carcinogens first. However, some carcinogens are powerful enough to
cause cancer by themselves, such as ionizing radiation from x-rays,
nuclear power plants, and atomic bombs.
There are several risk factors for developing cancer. Genetics
affect the risk of cancer because of a gene(s) or an abnormal
chromosome. Certain types of cancer are also age related. Young
children experience some types of cancer more often (bone, smooth
muscle in the intestines). Most cancers are more common as you age,
probably due to exposure to carcinogens and a weakened immune system.
Environmental factors can also increase the risk of cancer. Pollution,
cigarette smoke, chemicals, ultraviolet radiation (sunlight), and
ionizing radiation are all contributors to cancer. Certain foods can
increase the risk for cancer. Alcohol, tobacco, a high consumption of
fats, smoked foods, pickled foods, and barbecued meats are also linked
to specific types of cancer.
There is a much better chance of curing cancer if it is treated
early. For this reason, it is important to be aware of the warning
signs, especially if you experience some of the risk factors. Some of
the warning signs include: weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, loss of
appetite, new and persistent pain, recurrent nausea or vomiting, blood
in urine or stool, enlarged lymph nodes.
-- Causes of Cancer --
- Lifestyle risk factors: Food, smoking, alcohol, medications.
- Environmental risk factors: Toxins, pollutions, chemicals
-- The Nutritional Approach --
Foods that have been proven to help with Cancer:
Foods that prevent cancer: Notably
garlic, broccoli, cabbage, soybeans, onioins, carrots, tomatoes, all
green and yellow vegetables; fruits, especially citrus; fatty fish,
flax oils, omega 3 essential fatty acids, and low-fat or non-fat milk.
Foods that may thwart the spread of cancer: Seafood, garlic, cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage and collard greens).
Avoid foods that may encourage cancer: Meat, animal fat and polyunsaturated corn oil, and caffeine.
Nutrients that have been proven to help with Cancer:
Garlic, Vitamins A, C, D and E, Omega 3 fatty acids, Digestive Enzymes, Minerals, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, and selenium.
Exercises that have been proven to help with Cancer:
Evidence seems to support the benefits of exercise as a treatment
for cancer. Several studies have examined the relationship between
exercise, rehabilitation and quality of life in cancer patients and
reported positive findings.
These studies have found that overall exercise had a positive effect
on physical and psychological functioning of cancer patients while in
treatment. |
