The question lies: can we prevent cancer in 2023? Before coming to any conclusion, let’s educate ourselves about ways by which we can prevent cancer. In this blog, we shall discuss common types of cancers affecting people globally. We will discuss the root cause, prevention techniques, and post-diagnosis care. 

ZeaHealth has set its goal for 2023. We’ re going to battle against cancer. Are you ready to join hands with ZeaHealth to prevent cancer in 2023? We heartily welcome you to our team. Let’s delve deeper into cancers, the prevention, and the precautions.

What is cancer?

A living body grows because the cells in it multiply. Cell multiplication is essential in every age of life. The quality of cell multiplication depends on the food that we consume. Vegetables, fruits, etc., if balanced, promote healthy cell growth. 

Sometimes, the cell growth becomes abnormal. It starts growing and multiplying abnormally at a fast rate. Therefore these cells are cancerous. When the normal process of cell division gets hampered, it results in the growth of cells where it should not be. These abnormal cells become cancerous and start spreading. It becomes a tumor. However, all tumors may not be cancerous. 

If it is cancerous, the cells can move to different places in the body through metastasis. Finally, the cancerous cells form a tumor or a lump in the new site. 

What is the difference between a normal cell and a cancer cell?

Normal Cells:

  • Normal cells grow when the body sends signals for growth.
  • Normal cells do not start moving to various parts of the body.
  • Instead, these cells have an average growth process and follow the mechanisms of the immune system.
  • Normal cells do not mutate.

Cancer Cells:

  • These cells start growing without receiving any body signals.
  • As a result, cancer cells, through metastasis, move around various parts of the body.
  • Cancel cells mutate at a faster rate. It also duplicates and deletes chromosomes.

What causes cancer?

There is no single cause of cancer. It is mainly a genetic disease that happens because of changes in genes. Cancer can pass on from one generation to another. There are specific genes that cause cancer:

  • Tumor suppressor genes are protective genes that monitor cell growth and repair any mismatched DNA. However, if this gene starts mutating, it causes cancer. Ex- BRCA 1, BRCA2, p53, TP53 etc.
  • Oncogenes

The genes are not always responsible for causing cancer. Following are some other reasons for cancers-

  • Chemical carcinogens like tobacco, asbestos, arsenic, aflatoxin, alcohol, etc.
  • Ultraviolet and ionizing radiations come from various sources. 
  • Certain viral and bacterial infections also cause cancers like HPV, Hepatitis B, etc. 

What are some of the common cancers among women?

Cancers affect men and women almost equally. However, due to negligence, women tend to neglect the early symptoms of any disease. Women are mainly involved with household work, nurturing children, and working to earn a living. Some of them get crushed under the societal taboos which prohibit them from looking after themselves. Such women lack education about their health. Even educated women neglect their health too. 

ZeaHealth wants to create a path that leads to a solution. We want to educate women more about cancer. Let us discuss some of the common cancers among women.

Breast cancer

Among female cancer cases globally, 30% account for breast cancer. Breast cancer cases are increasing rapidly all over the world. Breast cancer can affect men, also. But, generally, it affects women more as compared to men.  

A female breast has many parts. Breast cancer can develop in any of the following features.

Parts: Uses & Cancer

Lobules: Makes breast milk and causes Lobular cancer.

Ducts: Carries milk to the nipples and causes Ductal cancer.

Stroma: Surrounds the ducts, keeps them in place, and causes Phyllodes tumor.

Various blood and lymph vessels: Responsible for blood flow in the breast

and causes Angiosarcoma.

Early signs of breast cancer in women

ZeaHealth’s mission is also to educate people about health. Education is the key to healthy living. Previously we discussed community healthcare in one of our blogs. It is an emerging concept about a community’s overall health. It boils down again to health transparency. Proper community health education can drastically reduce the global burden of cancer.  

Breast cancer can have various symptoms. Let us have a look at it-

  • Change in breast shape and size
  • Breast lump 
  • Marble is like a hardened area under your skin.
  • Blood around the nipple. 

Breast cancer treatment

The moment you notice any of such changes, immediately consult a doctor. The physician will guide you throughout the process. The following are some of the breast cancer treatments-

  • Surgery

Lumpectomy

Mastectomy

Axillary node dissection

Modified radical mastectomy

  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormone Therapy
  • Immunotherapy

Gynecological cancer

Gynecological cancers are the most common types of cancers. 2012-2016 recorded 94,000 gynecological cancers.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the world.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer happens at the cervix, the lower part of the uterus connecting the vagina. The symptoms include:

  • Severe pelvic pain for a prolonged period.
  • Severe vaginal discharge.

Who is at risk for cervical cancer?

  • HPV virus-infected people.
  • Having multiple sexual partners.
  • High exposure to miscarriage prevention drugs.
  • Smoking and drinking

What are the symptoms of uterine cancer?

Uterine cancer is also called endometrial cancer, which begins in the thin lining of the uterus. Symptoms include:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
  • Excessive pain in the pelvic area.

Who is at risk of uterine cancer?

  • Changes in the hormone concentration. Hormone fluctuations are a significant cause of uterine cancer among women. Irregular ovulation, hormonal drugs, etc., can lead to uterine cancer.
  • Women who haven’t been pregnant even once are at higher risk of cancer.
  • Obesity increases the risk of uterine cancer.

How can we prevent cancers in women?

Mostly, cancers are through genetic transmission. It can pass on from one generation to the other very quickly. However, some cancers, like cervical cancer, are caused by viruses. So does the question lie in how we can prevent cancer in 2023? ZeaHealth doesn’t believe in Thomas More’s Utopia! Well, the world can never be disease free in a quick span. What we can hope for is limiting the excess. In other words, we can prevent an infection by being cautious. If we are infected, we can control it through proper medications. Awareness and precaution can always keep us healthy.

The first important step that every woman must take is -” Come out of the taboo” Let there be no hush-hush about a gynecological issue. Most women feel uncomfortable going for a health examination. The scenario is worse in third-world countries and even in the villages. As a result, women feel shy to discuss their issues. 

We have to encourage ourselves and others to go for regular checkups. In the case of breast cancer, women must go for routine screening. You should consult a doctor if your family history has breast and cervical cancer. It is safe and more economical to spend money for early checkups and screening than to land up in big trouble after diagnosis. 

PAP test is the need of the hour. But, unfortunately, most people need to be aware of a pap test. That’s the reason they never go for it. 

The pap smear test determines whether a woman has cervical cancer. The PAP test is also done for various other reasons. Cells from your cervix or lower part of the uterus are collected during a PAP test and sent for examination. A PAP test is safe and highly effective. Most of the clinics are well-equipped to do PAP tests. All eligible women must get a PAP test done in 2023. 

What are the common cancers among men?

Cancers affect men equally. Prostate, Lung, and gastric cancers are very common in men. It is mainly because of an unhealthy lifestyle. However, it’s also due to genetic reasons. A healthy person may develop lung cancer out of nowhere. The bottom line is “prevention .”Let us quickly go through common cancers affecting men.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer was the most common cause of death in 2020. People who smoke are at a greater risk of developing lung cancers. If a man has the following symptoms, he must consult a doctor. The symptoms include:

  • Coughing up blood.
  • A cough that doesn’t go away.
  • Hoarseness in voice
  • Chest pain
  • Excessive weight loss.

Tobacco and other smoking agents are filled up with carcinogens. Carcinogens are responsible for causing cancer. Therefore, when we smoke, these harmful substances fill our lungs.

Prostate cancer

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive organs that produces seminal fluid. It also nourishes the transport of sperm. Prostate cancer may not show any symptoms to track. It usually remains in the prostate. If your family member has prostate cancer, you should go for regular checkups. Following are some of the symptoms of prostate cancer-

  • Difficulty in urinating, especially a delayed one.
  • Blood in urine and semen.
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Persistent pain in the low back.
  • Poor bladder control

If any of the above symptoms persist, immediately consult a urologist. The doctor can order a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test.

How can you prevent cancer in men?

Staying healthy is the key to preventing any cancer. Remember, “prevention is better than cure”! 

That’s why ZeaHealth is here with all the prevention tips. ZeaHealth recommends –

  • Prevention- Know the Dos and don’ts of cancer prevention.
  • Scanning- ZeaHealth recommends regular scanning. Scanning assures you that you are safe and healthy. It is also economical to get yourself screened at regular intervals. 
  • Immediate treatment- Treatments must begin soon if you test positive for cancer. Early treatment cuts off the risk of spreading cancer. 

Preventing Cancer in 2023

What is essential is to know prevention methods. This 2023, let’s aim to make the world cancer-free by changing our lifestyles. Healthy food is the first step that you need to take. A few weeks ago, we posted the miraculous diet plan of Dr. Chandra Bondugula. We call it miraculous because of its composition and health benefits. It is essential to know what and how much you eat. Look at your platter and understand what the food will do to your system. 

To be, or not to be, that is the question:

Whether ’tis nobler in mind to suffer

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,

Or to take Arms against a Sea of troubles,

And by opposing end them: to die..” 

Let us not suffer the “slings and arrows” of cancer. Instead, let us “take arms against a sea of troubles “by preventing cancer in 2023. 

  • Go green– You should include green leafy vegetables daily in 2023. The greener the vegetables are, the better it is. Leafy vegetables are packed with rich antioxidants, which eliminate the free radicals in your body.
  • Antioxidants– Antioxidants are naturally carcinogen-killing agents. Antioxidants reduce the damage caused by free radicals, thus making you healthy. Sometimes, doctors recommend antioxidant supplements to your diet. You can very well go for it. However, sticking to natural fruits and vegetables is a better choice. Have more seasonal fruits and vegetables.
  • Exercising– Maintaining a healthy weight can make a lot of difference. Exercising for 30 minutes is a must.
  • Avoid risky combinations of foods- Certain food items, when combined, increase the chance of cancer. For example, when cheese is burnt/heated in the oven for longer, it becomes toxic.  
  • Processed meat is very harmful to the body.
  • Salted fish
  • Sugary drinks combined with alcohol
  • Fast food
  • Refined oil
  • Bakeries use potassium bromate to make bread fluffy. It is a carcinogen.
  • Canned food
  • Genetically modified organisms like crops that humans design. Squash, papaya, zucchini, and corn may be genetically modified. Try having organic foods from local farms.
  • Get enough sleep and balance your hormones- One must get adequate sleep to balance all hormones in the body. Women should get more sleep as compared to men. Sleeping balances out hormones and prevents any dysfunction.

Let health be your priority in 2023. With ZeaHealth education, you can prevent cancers in the upcoming years. Be a part of our mission and stop the spread of cancer in men and women. 

References:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer#:~:text=Key%20facts,and%20rectum%20and%20prostate%20cancers.

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer#:~:text=Key%20facts,and%20rectum%20and%20prostate%20cancers.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/womens-health/cancers-affecting-women-today.aspx