According to Dr Mukuhi Ng’ang’a our lifestyle plays a great role in determining who gets this deadly disease and who doesn’t.
Over the past year, ‘cancer’ seems to have become the new buzz word, but what exactly is cancer? What causes it and more importantly, are you at risk of developing it?
Simply put, cancer is when cells and tissues of the body begin to grow in an abnormal, unco-ordinated manner.
Usually, it starts with one body organ, say the kidney, and then these abnormal cells are carried through the bloodstream or lymphatics to other body parts like the brain or lungs. This is the so-called ‘spreading of cancer’.
Most of the time, cancer creeps up on us but you will be surprised to discover that there are a lot of things in our environment and lifestyle that contribute to it.
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Genetics Having a family member who has had cancer does not mean you will also get it.
However, you are at a greater risk of developing it than normal.
The good news is that we are now able to screen for genes that are associated with certain cancers like those of the breast and ovary.
Work environment
People who work in the construction, paint and petroleum industries, or with either industrial or farm chemicals are at risk for lung, nose, blood and skin cancers.
Due to this, there are global standards for these industries. Sadly, these are flouted regularly in our country. Following guidelines on proper protective wear and environmental settings goes a long way in preventing cancer (which often manifests many years after you have retired from the job).
Smoking
This is the single greatest preventable risk factor in the development of cancer. Contrary to popular belief, it does not just cause lung cancer.
It has been found to play a part in mouth, throat, oesophagus (foodpipe), stomach, breast, kidney, bladder and even cervical cancer. Even inhaling smoke from someone else (secondary smoking) also puts you at the same risk.
Sunlight
Ultraviolet (UV) rays usually damage the skin and makes it an easy target for cancer. This is more so for people who go out into the hot midday sun without applying a lotion with sunscreen.
The most common culprits here are men and it is no surprise that skin cancer is more predominant among them. Sunscreen is not just for caucasian skin – everybody needs it.
Alcohol
Heavy drinking predisposes you to liver, breast, stomach, mouth and throat cancer.
Poor diet Diets rich in fat and low in fibre have been implicated in colon (large intestine) cancer.
It has, however, been found that taking a diet rich in fruits, whole grain and vegetables considerably reduces the risk of colon cancer.
Age Although anyone, including children, can get cancer, it is generally more common in people over the age of 50.
Overweight/lack of physical exercise:
Being overweight is an important lifestyle factor in the development of breast, uterus and colon cancer. Obese men have also been found to develop more aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
Age at first pregnancy: Women who have their first baby after the age of 30 have a greater chance of developing breast cancer than those who get children earlier.
Ovarian cancer is also found more in women who go through life without getting pregnant. However, it is important to note that there are other factors that play a part in development of both these cancers.
Uncircumcised
Cancer of the penis is found almost exclusively in uncircumcised men.
This is widely believed to be due to issues related to smegma (the whitish substance that accumulates under the foreskin of uncircumcised men).
Multiple sexual partners
Having unprotected sex can lead to you contracting several sexually transmitted cancer causing viruses.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is linked to development of cervical and vagina cancer. Hepatitis B Virus is associated with liver cancer.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is also attributed to the development of certain cancers.
HIV/AIDS
People with advanced stages of HIV infection are at risk of developing brain cancer and a special type of cancer which leads to black spots on the skin known as Kaposi sarcoma.
The good news here is that if you start ARV drugs early, you will not progress to these advanced stages.
Hormones Using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to relieve symptoms of menopause has been found to increase your chances of developing breast cancer.
If you must use HRT discuss with your doctor the use of low doses for shorter durations of time.
Adult vaccination
Most of us got our last vaccinations as infants.
Few of you reading this article got vaccinated against cancer-associated Hepatitis B (it was introduced in 2001 to the Kenyan vaccination programme for children).
Due to this oversight, it has been made available as part of the adult vaccination programme.
There is also a vaccine to help prevent cervical cancer. Both these vaccines are available in most urban hospitals.
Medical check-ups Ladies, ensure you go for regular breast examinations and annual Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer.
Gents, talk to your doctor about prostate exams and the use of a special test known as PSA which helps detect prostate cancer.
They say prevention is better than cure. As you can see, a lot of things on this list are within our control.
Let us do what we can to reduce our chances of developing cancer. Every little bit counts!
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