Cancer

Cancer is a disease in which cells grow out of control and can spread to other parts of the body. It can appear in any organ and can be classified as malignant or benign. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells grow without signals, ignore stop orders, invade nearby tissues, attract blood vessels, evade the immune system, accumulate chromosomal alterations and depend on different nutrients. It is caused by genetic mutations in proto-oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and DNA repair genes, caused by errors in cell division, exposure to harmful substances or hereditary factors. These mutations can lead to cancer, and current treatments seek to target specific genetic alterations and are effective in patients with these mutations.

Cancer begins in cells, of which there are more than 100 trillion in the human body. When one or a small group of cells undergo changes, they can form a tumor. Some types, such as leukemia, arise in blood cells and accumulate in the blood and bone marrow. For cancer to develop, alterations must occur in the genes of a cell or group of cells. These mutations can be random, arising from cell division, environmental factors or inherited defects in specific genes.

Cancer cells differ from normal cells in several respects: they do not stop growing or dividing, they ignore external signals and form tumors. They do not specialize or repair properly, which accelerates their growth and generates more genetic errors. In addition, they do not respond to self-destruct signals, becoming practically immortal. Under the microscope, they show abnormal sizes, shapes and nuclei.

Metastatic cancer, which spreads from the original tumor to other organs, can cause serious damage. Some tissue changes, such as hyperplasia, dysplasia and carcinoma in situ, can progress to cancer if left untreated. There are more than 100 types of cancer, named according to the tissue where they originate. Carcinomas, the most frequent, develop in epithelial cells and are divided into adenocarcinomas, basal cell, squamous cell and transitional cell carcinomas. Sarcomas affect bone and soft tissues, with osteosarcoma being the most common. Leukemias begin in the bone marrow and have four main types. Other cancers include lymphomas, multiple myeloma, melanomas, brain and spinal cord tumors, germ cell tumors, neuroendocrine and carcinoid tumors.

Risks

Cancer can develop due to genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. DNA mutations, exposure to carcinogens such as tobacco and radiation, an unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption and obesity increase the risk. In addition, viral infections such as HPV or hepatitis can contribute to its appearance. Prevention and early detection are key to reducing its impact.

ALCOHOL 

Drinking less alcohol or avoiding alcohol reduces the risk of cancer, as all alcoholic beverages, such as wine, beer and liquor, can damage DNA, cause chronic inflammation and facilitate the absorption of carcinogens. Alcohol consumption is linked to several types of cancer, including cancers of the breast, liver, mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach.

FAMILY AND GENES 

Knowing your family history of cancer is key to assessing your risk for certain types of cancer. It is advisable to collect information about close relatives and use tools such as the CDC's My Family Health Portrait: Cancer app. If there is a history of breast, ovarian, uterine or colorectal cancer, let your doctor know. Genetic counseling and testing can help decide if genetic testing is appropriate. Inherited conditions such as HBOC syndrome and Lynch syndrome increase the risk.

Although only 5-10% of cancers are due to genetic mutations, healthy habits such as not smoking, sun protection and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce risk.

OBESITY 

Obesity increases the risk of cancer and is associated with 40% of annual diagnoses in the U.S., affecting 13 types of cancer. Excess weight causes chronic inflammation and elevated insulin levels, which promotes the development of cancer cells. The link between weight and cancer is due to inflammation and increased hormones in the body. To verify a healthy weight, it is recommended to calculate BMI and measure waist circumference. Maintaining an appropriate weight involves physical activity, a high-fiber diet, Mediterranean style and reducing screen time. In addition, living with cancer can affect weight, so it is important to consult with your medical team for personalized guidance.

To reduce the risk, it is essential to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Physicians can help patients achieve an appropriate weight through assessments, referrals to lifestyle programs and treatment with medication or surgery if necessary.

SMOOKING 

Tobacco contains carcinogenic substances that can cause cancer in various organs, such as the lungs, liver, kidney, pancreas and throat. Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke increase the risk, while the long-term effects of e-cigarettes are not yet known.

To reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases, it is key to quit smoking, avoid passive smoking and maintain a healthy lifestyle. In addition, tobacco use contributes to health inequalities, affecting people by age, race, income, and place of residence.

UV RAYS

Skin cancer is mainly prevented by avoiding excessive exposure to UV rays, especially UVA and UVB. It is essential to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF and UVA protection. People with dark skin, older adults and those who spend more time indoors are at greater risk of developing skin cancer. Vitamin D, important for bones, teeth and muscles, can be obtained through moderate sun exposure and a balanced diet.

HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES 

Hormonal therapies, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and hormonal contraceptives such as the pill, are critical to women's health. Although they may slightly increase the risk of cancer, the benefits usually outweigh the risks. It is important to consult a physician and not use HRT for more than five years. 

POLLUTION AND RADIATION 

Air pollution, both human-caused (such as fumes from vehicles and fuel burning) and natural factors (such as desert dust and radon gas), is associated with a slightly increased risk of cancer, especially lung cancer. Ionizing radiation, which can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer, has been found to be less harmful to living tissue. On the other hand, non-ionizing radiation, such as from cell phones and power lines, has not been shown to increase cancer risk. Occupational exposure to radiation, asbestos, pesticides and chemicals may increase the risk of cancer, but it mainly affects a small number of people in specific jobs.

SWEETENERS

Aspartame, an artificial sweetener used in foods and beverages, has been classified as potentially carcinogenic, which means it could cause cancer. The acceptable daily intake of aspartame is 0-40 mg per kg of body weight, which is equivalent to drinking 9-14 cans of Diet Coke per day. The WHO advises against the use of artificial sweeteners for weight control, as their prolonged use is not associated with weight loss. Future studies on the long-term effects of aspartame on health and cancer risk are recommended.

INFECTIONS

Infections can increase the risk of certain cancers, but not everyone will develop it. Factors like diet, body weight, and activity are important. HPV, hepatitis B, and H pylori can cause cervical cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, and HIV. Infections can cause long-term inflammation, suppress the immune system, and cause cancer by inserting genes into cells, causing long-term inflammation, and suppressing the immune system.

Prevention and Style

Vegetarian and vegan diets may provide essential nutrients, but they do not guarantee better health if processed foods are consumed. There is no direct evidence that these diets reduce cancer risk, although they should be balanced, limiting red meat and avoiding processed meats.

Supplements do not prevent cancer and some can be harmful. However, certain groups such as vegans or people with nutritional deficiencies may need them.

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of obesity, breast cancer and type 2 diabetes in mothers, while also offering benefits for the baby, such as better nutrition.

Coffee reduces the risk of liver and uterine cancer, while tea reduces the risk of bladder cancer. Mate is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers of the mouth and throat.

Physical activity reduces the risk of breast, colon and uterine cancer. It also improves mood, reduces stress, improves sleep and strengthens the immune system.