Cancer
Only 5 to 10 percent of cancer cases are due to genetics, while 90 to 95 percent are due to environmental factors. Common causes are tobacco use, diet and obesiety, infections, radiation, and pollutants. It is very difficult to determine what is the sole cause of a persons cancer. If someone is over exposed to harmful environments like smoke or chemicals they may have a higher risk to develop cancer. Cancer is a mutation of cells that grow rapidly and mutate. Substances that cause thes kinds of abnormal cell growth are called carcinogens for example tobacco smoke.
Having a good diet and physical activity are important to staying healthy. Approximately 35 percent of cancer cases are due to the lack of these key activities. Diets that are high in fruits and vegetables are great for the body and help you stay healthy. If you do not get adequate vitamins and minerals your immune system may be at more of a risk.
Infectious diseases are also a leading cause of cancer. Depending on what part of the world you live in 10 to 25 percent of cases are from infectious disease. Another 10 percent of cancer cases are caused by exposure to radiation. Sun exposure is getting a lot of attention now due to new research. Skin cancers are a common form of cancer from sun exposure.
Hereditary cancer cases are primarily caused by a genetic defect. Very few percent of the population carry this genetic problem but it is very important to know your family history to stay healthy.
Cancer prevention is to decrease the risk of cancer. Cancer can be a preventable disease by avoiding risks such as tobacco, overweight, poor diet, alcohol and other risky behaviors.
Maintain a good diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and exercise regularly. Stop consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and coffee and reduce the consumption of red meats. Your diet should be mainly vegetables, fruit, whole grain and fish and a reduced intake of red meat, animal fat and refined sugar. Getting vitamins will also help maintain a healthy body. Visit your doctor regulary and get screened when appropriate.
