Cancer Risk Factors
One of the most prevalent and lethal diseases throughout the world is cancer. Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells, which result in the development of tumors. These tumors can disrupt normal bodily functions. As cancer research progresses, a greater understanding of the disease and new treatment options are quickly emerging. Despite these advancements, the best way to combat cancer is prevention. This is why conducting therapeutic research and studying epidemiology trends to identify common causes is extremely important. A recent study provided some beneficial insight through a close analysis of cancer incidence and related demographic trends in China.
China uniquely allows researchers to identify aspects of modern society that may play an underlying role in cancer development. The Westernization of Chinese society has made it a cohesive snapshot of lifestyles throughout the world. An analysis into China’s cancer epidemiology could help scientists locate which facets of Western living are accredited to increased risk of cancer. Through this examination, researchers discovered that cancer types vary between genders. Men were found to have an increased frequency of lung, liver, stomach, and colon cancer. Women on the other hand were mostly diagnosed with breast, lung, colorectum, thyroid, and cervix cancer. These relative rates help provide context for the common risk factors of cancer in China.
China uniquely allows researchers to identify aspects of modern society that may play an underlying role in cancer development. The Westernization of Chinese society has made it a cohesive snapshot of lifestyles throughout the world. An analysis into China’s cancer epidemiology could help scientists locate which facets of Western living are accredited to increased risk of cancer. Through this examination, researchers discovered that cancer types vary between genders. Men were found to have an increased frequency of lung, liver, stomach, and colon cancer. Women on the other hand were mostly diagnosed with breast, lung, colorectum, thyroid, and cervix cancer. These relative rates help provide context for the common risk factors of cancer in China.
Cigarette smoke and tobacco consumption is a common cancer risk factor.
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One of the major contributors are infectious agents such as viruses like hepatitis B/C virus (HBV/HCV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and Epstein-Barr virus. These viruses increase the risk of developing cancer by disrupting the human genome and subsequently aiding the development of mutations in key genes, which can lead to uncontrolled and harmful cell growth. Mutations refer to incorrect changes in the highly conserved and regulated sequence of nucleotides within the genome of our cells. If these mutations occur in genes which normally function to disrupt the development of cancer, there is a significant increase in cancer risk. HBV is responsible for over half of liver cancer deaths in China, and HPV accounts for nearly all of the cervical cancer deaths. Therefore, one of the most important preventative measures are vaccines against HBV/HCV and HPV.
Other facets of life such as alcohol and tobacco have long been discussed as common factors which increase the incidence of cancer. Alcohol consumption, which has been on the rise in China, has been attributed to increasing risk for liver and stomach cancer in a dose-dependent manner, or in other words greater amount of alcohol consumption correlates to greater risk. Alcohol upon entering the body can increase DNA damage in cells, especially in the liver where alcohol is metabolized, and subsequently increase risk for certain types of cancer. Another risk factor is the consumption of tobacco products, which are commonly associated with lung and other types of cancer. This can be attributed to the carcinogens in these products. Tobacco is currently the largest produced and consumed substance in the world. This has led to the implementation of government prevention policies which highlight the harmful health outcomes associated with alcohol and tobacco consumption in China.
In our modern world, the risk factors for cancer are rampant. Currently, researchers are working to develop preventative strategies. These include promoting healthier diets which remove many of these risk factors and frequent exercise plans which can promote overall better living. As the threat of cancer gains momentum, developing preventative measures and cutting edge treatment options needs to be a priority and current efforts are showing promise in effectively tackling this disease.
Other facets of life such as alcohol and tobacco have long been discussed as common factors which increase the incidence of cancer. Alcohol consumption, which has been on the rise in China, has been attributed to increasing risk for liver and stomach cancer in a dose-dependent manner, or in other words greater amount of alcohol consumption correlates to greater risk. Alcohol upon entering the body can increase DNA damage in cells, especially in the liver where alcohol is metabolized, and subsequently increase risk for certain types of cancer. Another risk factor is the consumption of tobacco products, which are commonly associated with lung and other types of cancer. This can be attributed to the carcinogens in these products. Tobacco is currently the largest produced and consumed substance in the world. This has led to the implementation of government prevention policies which highlight the harmful health outcomes associated with alcohol and tobacco consumption in China.
In our modern world, the risk factors for cancer are rampant. Currently, researchers are working to develop preventative strategies. These include promoting healthier diets which remove many of these risk factors and frequent exercise plans which can promote overall better living. As the threat of cancer gains momentum, developing preventative measures and cutting edge treatment options needs to be a priority and current efforts are showing promise in effectively tackling this disease.
Featured Image Source: PDPics
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