Cancer Awareness is Key

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of death worldwide. In 2016 there are estimated to be 1,685,210 newly diagnosed cases. The enormity of this disease is partly due to the fact that there are so many varieties of cancer out there. It does not discriminate against race, age, gender, sexual orientation or geographic location.

Doctors as well as researchers still have yet to uncover the idiosyncrasies behind the causes and the spread of cancer. Regardless, it’s important to be aware of the information that we have now in order to prevent, treat and fight cancer. Here is the breakdown on cancer so that you too can be aware this month.

What is Cancer?

The definition of cancer is a disease that causes the division of abnormal cells by the body. Although there are many kinds of cancer, all cancers cause a part of the body’s tissues to grow without stopping. This process can affect local tissues and spread throughout the body.

The major difference between cancer cells and regular cells is that cancer cells are not specialized. What this means is that when a normal cell develops, it becomes specialized to play a specific role in the body. They can become liver cells, pancreatic cells, red blood cells, skin cells, the list goes on.

Cancer cells on the other hand never mature into a specialized cell. They remain simple, unidentified cells.

How Can You Get cancer?

Cancer is partly a genetic disease. I say partly because there are factors that can affect your genes to control the way your cells function. These factors can be inherited genetically or they can occur from environmental factors during your lifetime.

Although all of the causes of cancer are not entirely known, some environmental substances that can cause cancer include chemicals like tobacco smoke, and radiation such as UV rays from the sun.

How Can You Prevent Cancer?

The best way to beat cancer is to live a well-rounded lifestyle and to get regular screening. A well-rounded lifestyle includes physical activity, reduced stress and of course, a well-balanced diet.

Checking for cancer in people who have no symptoms is called screening. Screening helps doctors and patients detect cancer early on. An early diagnosis is critical for stopping cancer in its tracks before it gets worse.

Types of screening tests include mammograms for breast cancer, pap tests for cervical cancer, colonoscopies for colon cancer, ultrasounds and many others.

Getting a cancer screen is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Encourage your loved ones to get themselves screened as well because early detection is key.

Your Turn to Take Action: Take care of your body by scheduling a date to get a cancer screen today.

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