Introduction
Cancer is one of the leading causes of premature death in Canada. It occurs when cells multiple uncontrollably, creating masses of tissue known as tumours. Without successful treatment, these abnormal cells can spread to other parts of the body, forming more tumours.
While most people diagnosed with malignant tumours are over the age of 65, cancer can strike at any age.
Symptoms
Typically, few symptoms present themselves before the cancer is quite advanced. Excessive fatigue, weight loss unrelated to dieting, appetite loss and anaemia are general signs that affect the entire body. Initial symptoms depend more on the type of cancer and its location. Any abnormal changes in the body should be investigated, especially abnormal bleeding or lumps. Other problems that develop and persist, such as headaches, numbness or a cough or hoarseness, also warrant careful examination.
Gradually developing but persistent digestive problems or changes in the skin (especially a sore or mole that suddenly itches or bleeds) must also be taken seriously. Most lumps are due to other problems, but cancer should always be ruled out first.
Because many cancers develop after the age of 65, don't dismiss subtle changes as mere signs of old age. Yearly physical check-ups and personal awareness are important in detecting abnormalities.
Causes/Risk Factors
Cancer begins with defective cells (either from damage to, or an error in, the genetic structure), which grow uncontrollably. In a healthy body, these abnormal cells are quickly recognized and eliminated before they do harm. However, if the body is unable to check the growth and proliferation of these abnormal cells, a tumour develops.
Benign tumours grow slowly, separate from the rest of the body, and do not spread. They can be tiny or very large. A uterine fibroid is an example of a benign tumour. Malignant tumours, on the other hand, have the ability to infiltrate and destroy healthy nearby tissue if the body is unable to stop their growth.
If the tumour spreads to other parts of the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic vessels, it has metastasized. This means that some tumour cells have found another place to grow, a process that may take several years. The effects of toxins, germs and genes on cell structure, as well as improper nutrition, stress and an unhealthy lifestyle, weaken the body and make it more susceptible to cancer.
Mouldy or rancid foods, food additives and pesticides have also been implicated in cancer, as have smoked, browned, barbequed, pickled and cured foods. In contrast, studies show that people on natural, vegetarian diets are less likely to get cancer.
Environmental toxins are also believed to be a risk factor in cancer. Radiation exposure, air pollution, chemicals in the water supply and pesticides in foods have all been linked to the disease. Asbestos, cadmium and some chemicals in paints and dyes are known cancer-causing agents (carcinogens); generally, however, a person must have prolonged exposure to these substances to be at serious risk.
Everyone knows that cigarette smoking causes lung cancer. However, few realize that cigarettes sold in North America are made further carcinogenic through the addition of other harmful toxins besides just tobacco.
What can I do?
Get screened regularly and tell your doctor right away if you notice any unusual changes to your body. If you do develop cancer, catching it in its early stages greatly increases your odds of successful treatment.
Don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke. If you do smoke, take steps to quit immediately.
Engage in physical activity 30-60 minutes daily.
Maintain a healthy body weight.
Limit your consumption of alcohol.
Obey safety instructions when handling hazardous materials.
Don't stay in the sun for long periods of time without covering your skin or wearing sunscreen and don't use indoor tanning equipment.
Build your stress resilience by addressing any underlying emotional issues.
Although many risk factors can be avoided, avoiding risk factors doesn't guarantee that you won't get cancer, nor will most people with a particular risk factor actually get the disease. Some people are more sensitive than others to factors that can cause cancer. Talk to your doctor about methods of preventing cancer that might be most effective for you.
What You Can Take
Vegetables and fruits provide effective protection against cancer because they contain antioxidant nutrients that attack free radical molecules in the body. Free radicals damage tissue, interfere with metabolism and encourage the development of cancerous tumours. Vegetables and fruits also reduce the risk of cancer because they contain various substances that inhibit tumour-cell growth.
Many vitamins and minerals are used in treating and preventing cancer. For instance, the use of folic acid to reverse cervical dysplasia is well documented, as is vitamin C and beta carotene to prevent stomach cancer, and zinc to prevent prostate cancer. Ask your doctor if a supplement would be beneficial for you.
Unrefined, cold-pressed nut and seed oils such as flaxseed oil, sunflower oil or walnut oil contain the cancer-fighting essential fatty acids omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid and omega-6 linoleic acid.
Like unrefined, cold-pressed nut and seed oils, whole grains also contain vegetable lignan, which has anti-tumour, antioxidant properties. Millet and buckwheat are the most beneficial whole grains to consume.
Further Resources
Contact the Canadian Cancer Society at www.cancer.ca or 1-888-939-3333.
