a precursor to cancer
A new global study revealed that cancer cases in the age group under 50 years have increased by 79% over the past 30 years. The British study showed that the rates of early cancer cases and deaths associated with them have increased significantly globally. The research also highlighted the importance of public awareness. and health care professionals about the incidence of some types of cancer in younger people.
To begin with, Dr. Hadir Mustafa Mir, consultant radiation oncologist, says that cancer is considered one of the biggest health problems facing the world, as some of them are caused by microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. According to the World Health Organization, about 40% of cancer cases can be prevented by Providing a healthy environment free of pollution, in addition to health factors that enhance human health.
He continued that there are causes that predispose to cancer, including consumption of tobacco or its derivatives, weight gain or obesity, lack of intake of vegetables and fruits, physical inactivity, types of sexually transmitted infections such as infection with the AIDS virus and the virus that causes cervical cancer, pollution in its various forms, and constant exposure to chemicals. .
Dr. Hadeer stated that there are 4 points that represent risk factors for cancer, which are: “age” as most cancer cases are discovered at the age of 55 and older, but cancer can be discovered at any age, “lifestyle” as the cancer rate increases in people with Unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, direct exposure to sunlight and forbidden relationships.
The third factor is “family history,” as genetics accounts for 5-10% of the incidence of cancer, but not everyone who has a hereditary factor will necessarily get cancer. The fourth factor is “health condition,” as there is a relationship between chronic diseases and cancer, such as chronic colitis. Regarding the factors that reduce the risk of cancer, Dr. Hadeer advised community members to avoid smoking, as there is a strong relationship between cancer and smoking, especially lung cancer, and to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, especially harmful ultraviolet rays, by sitting in the shade and wearing protective clothing. Using sunscreen, proper nutrition by choosing foods rich in fruits and vegetables, limiting fast food, and making sure to exercise regularly for 30 minutes a day, as this helps reduce the chance of cancer.
Also, one of the factors that reduces the risk of cancer is maintaining an ideal weight, as research has proven that there is a close relationship between obesity (overweight) and cancer, and the ideal weight can be reached with regular exercise and proper nutrition. Also among the factors is making sure to take vaccinations for cancer viruses, as There are specific viruses that cause cancer, such as the hepatitis B virus, which causes liver cancer, and the virus that causes cervical cancer, and vaccination can protect against these viruses, with the importance of ensuring healthy sleep and avoiding life stresses.
In this context, Family and Community Medicine Consultant Dr. Muhammad Bakr Saleh Qandeh says: There are many diseases that may be related to lifestyle, including cancer. What is meant by lifestyle here is a set of practices that aim to improve the level of health of individuals and prevent diseases, which ultimately leads to improving the standard of life in a way. In general, the concept of a healthy lifestyle for some may be limited to exercising and eating healthy food, but it also includes the well-being and health of the mind. A healthy life does not arise unless there is a balance between physical health and mental health, which includes psychological health.
For his part, the professor and scientist of carcinogen research, Dr. Fahd Al-Khudairi, confirms that the causes of cancer are still unknown, but according to the overall studies, there are many factors, some of which are intertwined, the first of which is the will of God and God’s decree and destiny, then hereditary factors “mutated genes, mutations, or cellular transformations,” which are supported, supported, accelerated, and developed by smoking and alcohol. Exposure to radiation, environmental pollution, and a poor diet with artificial ingredients, chemical industries, and food modifications.
Al-Khudairi added that there are also factors: exposure to harmful factory fumes, obesity, advanced age, cell aging, or viral infections such as hepatitis or cervicitis viruses, which are diseases that lead to this in advanced stages called cellular transformations following a chronic viral infection.
