In 2022, Indonesia is confronted with significant health challenges as it ranks eighth in the number of cancer cases in Southeast Asia. The escalating number of cancer cases each year is causing grave concern for both the government and society.
According to the Global Burden of Cancer Study (GLOBOCAN) report, it is estimated that there will be a 47% global increase in new cancer cases, reaching 28.4 million by 2040. In 2020, Indonesia saw a rise of 396,914 new cancer cases, with the following being the five most common types and their respective percentages:
Breast cancer: 16.6%
Cervical cancer: 9.2%
Lung cancer: 8.8%
Colorectal cancer: 8.6%
Liver cancer: 5.4%
Cancer is a disease that instills fear in many people. The common belief that cancer is hereditary often raises concerns, especially for individuals with family members who have had the disease. However, is this belief accurate? The answer is not straightforward.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a collection of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and the spread of abnormal cells. These cells have the ability to invade surrounding tissues and can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymphatic system. Cancer can occur in nearly any part of the body and there are numerous types of cancer, each with its own distinct clinical and molecular characteristics.
Recognize the Symptoms of Cancer
Here are some symptoms of cancer that need to be watched out for, as quoted from the Mayo Clinic journal:
Unusual lumps or swelling
Persistent or unexplained pain
Persistent fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Changes in eating habits
Changes in bowel or urination habits
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Wounds that don't heal
Hoarseness or persistent cough
Difficulty swallowing
It is important to note that:
Not everyone with cancer will experience all of these symptoms.
Some of these symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious conditions.
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Cancer is a hereditary disease, is it true?
Cancer is a complex disease, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors can increase a person's risk of developing cancer through mutations in genes that regulate cell growth and division. These mutations can be inherited from parents. Some types of cancer more influenced by genetic factors include:
Breast cancer
Ovarian cancer
Colon cancer
Prostate cancer
Pancreatic cancer
It's important to note that having a family history of cancer doesn't guarantee that you will develop the disease. In addition to genetic factors, environmental influences also play a significant role in cancer development. These influences include:
Smoking
Alcohol consumption
Sun exposure
Chemical exposure
Unhealthy diet
Lack of exercise
Cancer risk may be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Thus, understanding your family history and adopting a healthy lifestyle is important for reducing the risk of developing cancer.
Implement a Healthy Lifestyle, Starting Now!
Here are some ways to improve your healthy lifestyle and reduce the risk of cancer:
Quit smoking: Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer and increases the risk of various other types of cancer. If you are a passive smoker, avoid environments with cigarette smoke.
Maintain an ideal body weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of various types of cancer, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer.
Increase physical activity: Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of colon, breast, and endometrial cancer.
Eat healthy foods: Consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit consumption of red and processed meat, as well as processed foods high in fat and sugar.
Stop consuming alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of mouth, throat, liver, and breast cancer.
Protect yourself from sun exposure: Excessive sun exposure can cause skin cancer.
Get vaccinated: Hepatitis B and HPV vaccinations can help prevent liver and cervical cancers.
Get early cancer screening: Get the cancer screening tests recommended by your doctor for your age and gender. Early detection of cancer can increase your chances of recovery.
It is important to understand the risks of cancer and how they can be inherited. By making lifestyle changes and implementing effective preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of developing cancer and minimize the possibility of death from the disease. Factors such as maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding carcinogenic substances, and undergoing early cancer screenings have been demonstrated to significantly lower the risk of developing cancer. It is essential to maintain regular health check-ups at least once a year through medical services at K-Lab clinic in order to detect potential risks of the disease early and address them promptly. Contact 081381367915.
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