Understanding what causes cancer and the things that increase your risk.
Cancer hurts a lot of people all around the world. We need to know why it happens so we can stop it early or treat it well. This article talks about things that might cause cancer, like genes and stuff outside us. Let's take a closer look!
What is cancer and how does it grow?
First, let's learn about cancer. Cancer happens when strange cells in our body grow too much and spread uncontrollably. This can make lumps called tumors that stop organs from working normally.
Cancer can be caused by many things such as genetics, environment and lifestyle. Some people are more likely to get cancer because of their genes but the world around us can also play a part in causing cancer.
How our surroundings affect us.
The things around us can cause cancer. Certain chemicals, toxins and substances make it more likely for someone to get sick. Some typical examples of these triggers are:
Smoking and breathing in secondhand smoke can cause cancer. The chemicals in tobacco smoke are dangerous and can harm DNA, which may lead to cancer cells growing.
Breathing dirty air for too long, especially in busy or industrial places, may raise the chance of getting lung cancer.
UV rays from the sun or tanning beds can hurt your skin's DNA and cause cancer. Protect yourself by wearing sunscreen and limiting time in the sun.
Some jobs can make you more likely to get cancer from things like asbestos, benzene or chemicals. It's really important to be careful and follow safety rules in these types of workplaces.
Family Traits: How Your Genes Affect You
Both environmental factors and genetics can contribute to the development of cancer. Some people are born with gene changes that make them more likely to get certain types of cancer. Important things to think about include:
Gene changes you are born with: Some gene changes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase the chance of getting breast or ovarian cancer. Testing can find out if someone has these genes, so they can do things to avoid those cancers.
If someone in your family (like a parent or sibling) had cancer, you might be more likely to get it too. To catch and prevent it early, doctors can check for it regularly and help you understand if there are any genes that make you more at risk.
How our choices affect our life: Lifestyle Factors
The way we live affects our risk of getting cancer. To reduce the chance of getting it, living a healthy lifestyle is important. Think about these things:
"Eating lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains is good for you. Try not to eat too much processed food or drink sugary drinks because they could increase your chance of getting cancer. Foods with antioxidants like berries and leafy greens can also help protect your cells."
Moving your body regularly can help you stay at a healthy weight and lower your chances of getting certain cancers like breast and colorectal cancer. Aim to do 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
Drinking too much alcohol and smoking can increase your chances of getting certain types of cancer, like liver, mouth, and breast cancer. It's better to not drink at all or only have a little bit sometimes.
In summary, managing cancer risk is important.
Cancer is a scary and serious illness, but we can take action to prevent it. We can do things like making healthy choices in our daily lives and avoiding harmful substances that could increase our chances of getting cancer. It's important to stay informed about the risks and get regular medical check-ups so we have a better chance at managing or even preventing this disease in the future.
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