Today, mortality from cancer ranks third after cardiovascular pathologies. Experts note that it is impossible to protect yourself from oncological diseases by 100%, but it is quite possible to reduce the likelihood of developing some of its types.
Cancer prevention at home
While the countries of the world are spending huge amounts of money on finding a panacea, doctors state that the population is still poorly informed about cancer prevention measures. Many are sure that medicine is powerless in front of oncology and all that remains is to pray that the deadly disease is bypassed. But to prevent the development of a terrible disease at home, doctors say, in many cases it is possible. It is enough not to smoke, monitor your weight, eat right, lead a healthy lifestyle and regularly undergo examinations.
Types of cancer
Histologically, tumors are divided into benign and malignant.
Benign neoplasms. They grow slowly, surrounded by their own capsule or shell, which does not allow them to grow into other organs, but only push them apart. The cells of benign neoplasms are similar to healthy tissues and never metastasize to the lymph nodes, which means they cannot cause the death of the patient. If such a tumor is removed surgically, then it will not be able to grow in the same place again, except in cases of incomplete removal.
Benign tumors include:
- fibromas – from connective tissue;
- adenomas – from the glandular epithelium;
- lipomas (wen) – from adipose tissue;
- leiomyomas – from smooth muscle tissue, for example, uterine leiomyoma;
- osteomas – from bone tissue;
- chondromas – from cartilaginous tissue;
- lymphomas – from lymphoid tissue;
- rhabdomyomas – from striated muscles;
- neuromas – from the nervous tissue;
- hemangiomas – from blood vessels.
Malignant tumors can form from any tissue and differ from benign tumors by rapid growth. They do not have their own capsule and easily grow into neighboring organs and tissues. Metastases spread to the lymph nodes and other organs, which can be fatal.
Malignant tumors are divided into:
- carcinomas (cancer) – from epithelial tissue, such as skin cancer or melanoma;
- osteosarcomas – from the periosteum, where there is connective tissue;
- chondrosarcomas – from cartilaginous tissue;
- angiosarcomas – from the connective tissue of blood vessels;
- lymphosarcomas – from lymphoid tissue;
- rhabdomyosarcomas – from skeletal striated muscles;
- leukemia (leukemia) – from hematopoietic tissue;
- blastomas and malignant neuromas – from the connective tissue of the nervous system.
Doctors distinguish brain tumors into a separate group, since, regardless of the histological structure and characteristics, due to their location, they are automatically considered malignant.
Despite the fact that there are a lot of varieties of malignant neoplasms, 12 of their types are most common in Russia, which is 70% of all cases of cancer in the country. Therefore, the most common types of cancer do not mean the most lethal.
The most dangerous malignant neoplasms are:
- pancreas cancer;
- liver cancer;
- esophageal carcinoma;
- stomach cancer;
- colon cancer;
- cancer of the lung, trachea and bronchi.
The most common malignant tumors are:
- skin cancer;
- kidney cancer;
- thyroid cancer;
- lymphoma;
- leukemia;
- breast cancer;
- prostate cancer;
- bladder cancer.
Doctors advice on cancer prevention
– In oncology, there are primary, secondary and tertiary forms of prevention, explains oncologist Roman Temnikov. – The primary block is aimed at eliminating the factors that cause cancer. You can reduce the risk of neoplasms by following the regimen, adhering to a healthy lifestyle without smoking and alcohol, eating right, strengthening the nervous system, and avoiding infections and carcinogens and excessive exposure to the sun.
Secondary prevention includes the detection of neoplasms at an early stage and diseases that can lead to their development. At this stage, it is important that a person has an idea about oncological diseases and regularly conducts self-diagnosis. Timely examinations by a doctor and the implementation of his recommendations help to identify pathologies. Remember that with any alarming symptoms, you need to see a specialist as soon as possible.
Tertiary prevention is the detailed monitoring of those who already have a history of cancer. The main thing here is to prevent relapses and the formation of metastases.
“Even if the patient is completely cured, the risk of getting cancer again is not excluded,” continues Roman Alexandrovich. – Therefore, you need to regularly visit an oncologist and undergo the whole range of necessary studies. Such people should be especially attentive to their health, avoid any infections, lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right, exclude all contact with harmful substances and, of course, strictly follow the recommendations of the attending physician.
Popular questions and answers
According to WHO, smoking is the most common cause of cancer today. About 70% of lung cancer worldwide is fixed due to this dangerous habit. The reason lies in the most dangerous poisons that are released during decay of tobacco leaves. These substances not only disrupt the respiratory system, but also increase the growth of malignant neoplasms.
Other causes include hepatitis B and C viruses and some human papillomaviruses. According to statistics, they account for 20% of all cancer cases.
Another 7-10% predisposition to this disease is inherited.
However, in the practice of doctors, acquired types of cancer are more common, when the neoplasm is caused by the negative impact of external factors: toxins or viruses that cause cell mutations.
In the conditional risk group for cancer:
● workers in hazardous industries associated with toxic substances or radiation;
● residents of large cities with poor environmental conditions;
● smokers and alcohol abusers;
● those who received a large dose of radiation;
● people over 60;
● lovers of junk and fatty foods;
● persons with a hereditary predisposition to cancer or after severe stress.
Such people need to be especially attentive to their health and regularly visit an oncologist.
Yes it is. Exposure to sunlight can lead to the development of melanoma, a highly aggressive and common form of cancer that progresses rapidly.
Sunburn is actually a protective reaction to ultraviolet light. Exposure to harmful UV-A and UV-B rays causes burns, accelerates the aging process of the skin and increases the risk of developing melanoma.
Ultraviolet rays, and even more intense ones, are also used in solariums. In some salons, the lamps are so strong that the radiation from them is more dangerous than being under the sun at noon. You can get vitamin D on ordinary summer walks even in the shade, and in winter due to the right diet. A beautiful tan, from the beach or from the solarium is very unhealthy.