Cancer: causes and preventable factors

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Extract from the article: Cancer is a disease of several types that has always been a challenge for human science. When we talk about cancer, we see the impossible, the incurable, death. This is because of everything that surrounds this disease, especially in terms of treatme

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Cancer is a disease of several types that has always been a challenge for human science. When we talk about cancer, we see the impossible, the incurable, death. This is because of everything that surrounds this disease, especially in terms of treatment. Cancer, long shrouded in mystery, is no longer an incomprehensible fate. Decades of research in the US, Europe, Japan, and China have led to a clear conclusion: many cancers have identifiable and often preventable causes.

The World Health Organization (WHO), following an analysis of the cancer situation worldwide, reports that nearly 40% of cancers worldwide are linked to preventable factors. However, in Africa, the understanding and knowledge around this disease are still at the same low level, even worse. That is why the number of cancer cases in Africa is increasing, with all its attendant misfortunes and suffering.

Definition of cancer

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is « a generic term for a wide group of diseases that can affect any part of the body, characterized by rapid proliferation of abnormal cells that develop in-beyond their usual limits and which can invade adjacent parts of the body and spread to other organs ».

Tobacco: enemy number 1

All studies (American, European, Asian) are unanimous: tobacco is the leading cause of cancer worldwide, accounting for about 15% of cases. Tobacco contributes to the occurrence of lung cancer, throat cancer, bladder cancer, among others.

Infections

It is a cause that is underestimated, of which very little is said. But research conducted in Asia, especially in China and Japan, and in Europe shows that viruses and bacteria are responsible for about 10% of cancers.

Examples: papillomavirus (HPV) → cervical cancer; hepatitis B and C → liver cancer; Helicobacter pylori → stomach cancer. 

Poor diet and obesity

All European and American studies show that obesity increases the risk of more than 30 cancers. A diet rich in red meat, sugars and processed foods promotes cancer. 

Alcohol: a confirmed carcinogen

Contrary to some conventional wisdom, there is no safe amount of alcohol. Even a small but regular consumption can increase breast cancer, liver cancer and colorectal cancer. Alcohol acts by damaging DNA and increasing certain hormones such as estrogens.

Pollution and the environment

Research in China and Europe has shown the major role of air pollution, industrial chemicals and certain pesticides. These factors cause cellular mutations and promote cancers, particularly lung cancer.

Lack of physical activity

Physical inactivity or sedentary lifestyle is now recognized as a major factor in cancer development. It promotes obesity, hormonal disorders, and inflammation. These three factors are all linked to the development of cancer.

Gamé KOKO (Source: WHO)