Can Cancer be Prevented?

Have you ever wondered about the origin of the word “cancer”?

The word ‘cancer’ is derived from the Greek language that resembles the finger-shaped outgrowth of cancer cells just like the projections of a crab!^[1]

Since the last decade, the number of cancer patients is increasing drastically worldwide. According to International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) statistics, approximately 1 in 5 people have the chance of developing cancer in their lifetime. ^[2]

In this 21^st century of constant hustle and busy mindset, one must look after their physical health as well. Since many years, extensive research has been carried out in the field of cancer and it is a relief for humanity that certain small steps can be taken on daily basis in order to prevent the emergence of cancer.

Dr. Priyanka Sehrawat, MD Medicine (DM Neurology) working at AIIMS, New Delhi, India shares various modifiable risk factors in her recent video regarding minimizing the chances of getting diagnosed with cancer.

Modifiable Factors:

1. Avoid alcohol and smoking

Alcohol and tobacco act as carcinogens, increasing the risk of cancer. Limitation/ complete avoidance drastically reduces chances of developing oral, breast and colorectal cancer. ^[3]

2. Breast Examination

Regular self-examination of breasts in females can help in early detection if there are signs of any lumps or clumps. ^[4]

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a proinflammatory cytokine prevalent in the cancer microenvironment, is essential for controlling the body’s immunological and inflammatory reactions. ^[9]

3. Mammography

Mammography in elderly women (>55) has demonstrated a decrease in the chances of mortality and morbidity in women with breast cancer. ^[5]

4. HPV vaccination

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is recommended for all females right from the age of 9 for the prevention of cervical cancer occurrence.^[6]

5. PAP smear testing

Papanicolaou Smear (PAP smear) test is carried out for the detection of cervical cancer or HPV infection in females above 21 years of age. ^[7]

6. Prostate cancer examination

Prostate cancer examination in men above 55 years of age is recommended for early diagnosis of prostate cancer.^[8]

7. Physical Activity

Physical inactivity has been associated with an increased risk of developing breast as well as colon cancer. Thus, physical activity can improve immune function as well as levels of prostaglandins. ^[3]

References:

1. American Cancer Society. "Understanding What Cancer Is: Ancient Times to Present." American Cancer Society. Accessed December 28, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/understanding-cancer/history-of-cancer/what-is-cancer.html.

2. World Health Organization. "Global Cancer Burden Growing, Amidst Mounting Need for Services." World Health Organization. Accessed December 28, 2024. https://www.who.int/news/item/01-02-2024-global-cancer-burden-growing--amidst-mounting-need-for-services.

3. Stein, C. J., and Graham A. Colditz. "Modifiable Risk Factors for Cancer." British Journal of Cancer 90, no. 2 (2004): 299–303. Accessed December 28, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bjc.6601509.

4. Pippin, M. M., and R. Boyd. "Breast Self-Examination." In StatPearls. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing, 2024.

5. Reeves, R. A., and T. Kaufman. "Mammography." In StatPearls. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing, 2024.

6. Kaur, P., R. Mehrotra, S. Rengaswamy, et al. "Human Papillomavirus Vaccine for Cancer Cervix Prevention: Rationale & Recommendations for Implementation in India." The Indian Journal of Medical Research 146, no. 2 (2017): 153–157. Accessed December 28, 2024. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_1906_16.

7. Kitchen, F. L., and C. M. Cox. "Papanicolaou Smear." In StatPearls. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing, 2024.

8. Jain, M. A., S. W. Leslie, and A. Sapra. "Prostate Cancer Screening." In StatPearls. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing, 2024.

9. JAPSONLINE. "Understanding the Link Between Cancer and Its Historical Perspective." Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. Accessed December 28, 2024. https://japsonline.com/abstract.php?article_id=4208&sts=2.

By Sanika Dongre

_MSM