Cancer is a horrible and often terminal disease that presents a wide spectrum of symptoms. Doctors complete a variety of treatments to eliminate cancer and increase a patient’s odds of survival. The treatments often include radiation or chemotherapy along with surgical removal of tumors, cells, and cancerous growths. To evaluate your risk of developing the disease, you can review 6 known factors that cause cancer.
1. Smoking Causes Cancer
Smoking and dipping tobacco products cause cancer. Smoking cigarettes is the leading cause of lung cancer and has devastating results. Doctors advise patients to take the necessary steps to quit smoking and using any tobacco-related products. Patches, lozenges, and nicotine gum are effective ways to quit now and lower your chances of developing lung cancer.
Dipping tobacco increases the risk of oral cancer, can lead to periodontal disease, and promotes the development of tumors. Patients can use the same products or prescription medications to stop dipping and eliminate their risk. Patients can learn more about lung and oral cancer by going to Poseida for further details now.
2. Heredity and Genes
Some patients are predisposed to cancer through heredity or their genes. Genes increase the risk of breast cancer, and some patients who discover they have the gene undergo mastectomy surgery and reconstruction to lower their risk. It is a proven strategy to increase survival rates and prevent the patient from facing life-threatening circumstances due to breast cancer.
3. Occupational Hazards Cause Cancer
Occupational hazards can increase a patient’s risk of developing cancer and facing a reduced survival rate. OSHA regulations require all employers to remove all asbestos products from their property to prevent exposure to asbestos and prevent workers from developing mesothelioma, a deadly form of lung cancer.
Radiation is also a risk for workers who work for nuclear power plants and similar facilities. Employers are required to test their property for radiation leaks and potential exposure. Workers are required to undergo treatment if they are exposed to radiation in any quantity to lower their risk of related cancers.
4. Excessive Consumption of Alcohol
Excessive consumption of alcohol increases the risk of colon and rectal cancers. Alcoholics are more likely to develop these forms of cancer due to weakening in the colon and small intestines. It is recommended that any patient who consumes alcohol regularly be screened for colon cancer.
5. Overexposure to Ultraviolet Sun Rays
Ultraviolet sun rays increase the risk of skin cancer. It is recommended that patients cover up when they are outside when the rays are at their highest concentration. Using sunscreen and wearing large hats can lower the risk, too. Skin cancer appears as growths, moles, and sudden scabs on the skin. A dermatologist treats skin cancer with chemotherapy.
6. Interlinking Medical Conditions
Some existing medical conditions can lead to the development of cancer. Gastrointestinal disorders increase the patient’s risk of colon and rectal cancer. Patients with the conditions should undergo proper monitoring to find tumors at an earlier stage. Patients with any form of cancer must be monitored as the cancer cells can spread to other areas of a person’s body rapidly.
Cancer is a serious and life-threatening disease that is caused by a multitude of substances and exposure to hazards that increase the risk for the patient. Individuals who learn what to avoid reduce their risk of developing cancer and life a longer and healthier life.
