Understanding Cancer: Causes, Risks, and Prevention

Cancer is one of the most feared diseases in the world, and for good reason. It's a complex and devastating condition that can strike anyone, regardless of how carefully they take care of themselves. Many people believe that living a healthy lifestyle will make them immune to cancer. However, this isn't always the case.

There's a scene in the popular film Queen where the character Rani mentions that her “Gupta Uncle” got cancer, even though he never drank or smoked. Rani jokes that he should have at least tried drinking, given that it didn’t help him avoid the disease. Although it was meant as humor, the scene underlines a real concern many have: How can someone who seemingly does everything right still develop cancer?

Understanding Cancer at the Cellular Level

To understand cancer, we have to start at the most basic unit of life—the cell. Our bodies are made up of trillions of cells, each with a specific role. Every day, billions of these cells die and are replaced by new ones. This process is largely guided by stem cells, which have the unique ability to transform into different types of specialized cells, whether that’s red blood cells, neurons, or skin cells.

However, this immense and constant cellular activity can sometimes go wrong. Genetic mutations may occur during cell division, either from external factors like UV radiation or internal errors in the body’s systems. When cells lose their ability to regulate growth or repair damage, they might turn into cancerous cells. These cells multiply rapidly and uncontrollably, overwhelming healthy cells and, in some cases, spreading to other parts of the body—a process called metastasis.

Cancer isn’t one disease, but rather a collection of over 200 different types, depending on where in the body the cell growth goes awry. While alcohol and smoking are widely known to cause many types of cancer, such as lung, liver, and throat cancers, they are not singular causes of the disease.

Cancer in Well-Known Figures

The fight against cancer requires resilience and dedication. Celebrities such as Yuvraj Singh and Sanjay Dutt have openly shared their battles with cancer, offering inspiration to many. Despite undergoing grueling treatments like chemotherapy, they remained physically active and committed to their health. Yuvraj, a cricket star, demonstrated immense courage and willpower as he went through his treatment and returned to the sport afterward.

Sanjay Dutt’s story is another example of what dedication looks like in real life. Even on days when Dutt was undergoing chemotherapy, he was seen exercising on a treadmill under the supervision of his doctors. This kind of perseverance plays a pivotal role in how well someone recovers from a disease as challenging as cancer.

Preventability of Cancer: What You Can Change

Though cancer is complex and unpredictable, not all risk factors are beyond our control. In fact, research from the American Cancer Society suggests that 42% of cancer cases worldwide are preventable. This means that nearly half of all cases stem from avoidable lifestyle choices.

Top Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Cancer Risk

1. Quit Smoking: Responsible for around 19% of all cancer cases, smoking is a significant risk factor for lung, throat, and other cancers.
2. Limit Alcohol Intake: Alcohol consumption causes roughly 5.6% of cancers globally, particularly breast, liver, and esophageal cancer.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity accounts for 7.8% of cancer cases. Staying within a healthy weight range can lower the risk of cancers such as colon and pancreatic cancer.
4. Reduce UV Exposure: Too much sun exposure or tanning can lead to skin cancer. Aim to stay out of the sun when the UV index exceeds 5, typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
5. Be Physically Active: Physical inactivity and poor diet contribute to 5% of global cancer cases. Regular exercise and a balanced diet of unprocessed foods can reduce your risk significantly.

Types and Causes of Cancer: Not So Simple

As mentioned earlier, cancer can develop in over 200 different ways. While smoking and drinking are significant contributors, there’s a lot more at play. We can categorize the causes of cancer into three broad factors:

1. Lifestyle Causes

These are causes within our control. Poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, smoking, and alcohol abuse fall under this category. Occupational hazards, such as exposure to benzene, asbestos, and certain chemicals, also increase the risk.

2. Environmental Factors

Air pollution and sun exposure (UV radiation) account for a substantial portion of global cancer cases. Pesticides and other chemicals are known carcinogens often present in many environments.

3. Genetic Factors

Some forms of cancer are inherited through genetic mutations passed down from parents. These cases are rarer, accounting for about 5-10% of cancer diagnoses. However, age plays a crucial role too in gene damage. As we age, the cumulative damage to our genes increases, which is why 90% of cancer cases develop in people over the age of 50, according to Cancer Research UK.

Inherited Genetic Mutations

Sometimes, we’re simply born with a genetic predisposition to cancer due to mutations in certain genes, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, known for their connection to breast and ovarian cancers. These inherited mutations can dramatically increase an individual's likelihood of developing cancer, even if they maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Age: The Unchanging Risk Factor

Aging is inevitable and unfortunately, it’s a major factor in cancer development. The longer we live, the more time our genes have to accumulate mutations. According to data from Cancer Research UK, cancer incidence rises sharply after the age of 50, and the peak is among those aged 85 to 89.

This explains why cancer rates are higher in developed countries—people tend to live longer. As life expectancy increases, so does the risk of gene damage, leading to the development of cancer.

Impact of Alcohol and Smoking

While many people shrug off the harms of occasional smoking or drinking, the evidence against these habits couldn't be clearer. Smoking is linked to at least 16 different types of cancer, not just lung cancer but also cancers in the mouth, throat, pancreas, and more. Alcohol consumption, while more socially accepted, increases the risk of at least 7 types of cancer, including liver and breast cancer.

Even if you don’t develop cancer from smoking or drinking, these habits weaken your body’s natural defenses, making you more vulnerable to other health issues. Dropping these habits completely is one of the easiest ways to reduce your chances of cancer.

The Complexity of Cancer Causes

It’s important to remember that not everyone who drinks or smokes will get cancer, just as some who have never touched substances in their lives might still develop it. Cancer forms from a combination of lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors, making it impossible to predict with certainty who will and won’t get it.

The Role of Stem Cells in Cancer and Treatment

Cancer and stem cells are often linked because of stem cells' regenerative abilities. At their core, stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can develop into specialized cells like blood or skin cells. What makes them important in cancer treatment is their potential for regeneration.

The body constantly sheds and regenerates billions of cells daily. Stem cells enable this process, replacing old cells with new ones. For instance, your skin regenerates every 4 weeks, and the lining in your intestines regenerates in just 5-7 days. However, sometimes during this regeneration process, mutations can occur that lead to cancer. When these stem cells accumulate mutations, they can seed the growth of tumors.

Chemotherapy: The Aggressive Treatment Method

When someone is diagnosed with cancer, one of the most common treatments is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy works by targeting and killing rapidly dividing cells, which includes cancer cells, but it also affects healthy cells, particularly those in areas of rapid regeneration like hair follicles and the digestive tract.

This is why chemotherapy often causes significant side effects, including hair loss, digestive problems, and lowered immunity. However, despite these side effects, chemotherapy remains one of the most effective ways to kill cancer cells, especially in combination with other treatments like surgery and radiation therapy.

Stem Cell Transplantation as a Lifesaving Treatment

In many cases of blood cancer or severe blood disorders, stem cell transplants are used as a treatment. There are two types:

• Autologous Stem Cell Transplant: This involves harvesting the patient’s own healthy stem cells, treating the patient to remove cancer cells, and reintroducing the healthy cells back into the body.
• Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant: This requires a donor's healthy stem cells, which need to match the patient's Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing. The search for a matching donor can be difficult because only 1 out of 100,000 people will have a perfect match.

The DKMS Registry: Giving Hope to Blood Cancer Patients

One important way to help those with blood cancer or other disorders is through stem cell donation. DKMS is a global non-profit organization that facilitates the registration of potential stem cell donors. With a simple swab from the inside of your cheek, you can register with DKMS and potentially save a life, just like how donor Roman Semenskiy saved Chirag’s.

The donation process itself is simple, much like giving blood. Your blood is passed through a machine that isolates the stem cells, and then the remaining blood is returned to your body. The entire process only takes a few hours, and since stem cells regenerate, you won’t have long-term effects from donating.

Addressing Gene Damage Causes

Mutations in genes come from three major sources:

1. Inherited Mutations: Passed down from parents, accounting for 5-10% of cancer cases.
2. Aging: As we age, our genes wear down and are more prone to mutations, which is why cancer incidence is so high in older adults.
3. Lifestyle Factors: Poor lifestyle choices, including smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and poor diet, cause 42% of cancer cases.

Preventive Steps Against Cancer

Reducing your risk of cancer involves making some significant lifestyle changes. First, eliminate tobacco and alcohol from your life, as they are two of the largest contributors. Follow a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, while avoiding processed foods and sugary items. Try to keep your weight in a healthy range through regular exercise, which should include both cardio and strength training.

Be Wary of Carcinogens in Your Environment

You can’t always control environmental factors, but minimize your exposure to carcinogens when possible. Avoid excessive sun exposure, use high-SPF sunscreens, and check your workplace for risky chemicals like asbestos or benzene.

Viruses also play a role in certain cancers. For example, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B are directly linked to cancer development. Vaccinating against these viruses can significantly reduce your cancer risk.

Call to Action: Register as a Stem Cell Donor

September is recognized as Blood Cancer Awareness Month, which makes it a great time to take action. Register as a potential stem cell donor with DKMS and do your part to help those battling blood cancer. You never know—your HLA type could match someone in need, giving you the chance to save a life.

Conclusion and Further Resources

Cancer remains one of the most challenging medical issues worldwide. While it's a disease shrouded in uncertainty, we can take steps to lower our risk and help others fight it. By making healthier lifestyle choices, staying informed, and registering as a stem cell donor, you can contribute to the effort against cancer. There’s strength in prevention, education, and the small actions we choose to take today.

Take care of your health and the health of your loved ones, and make a difference in someone else's life by registering as a donor. If you'd like to learn more about living a long, healthy life, explore our resources on diet, exercise, and healthy aging.