Cancer Prevention

Cancer and heart disease are the top killers in the United States. In Canada, cancer is the number one cause of early death (Canadian Cancer Statistics 2004 by the Canadian Cancer Society). "Cancer will be the leading cause of death in Canada by 2020.” says Dr. Barbara Whylie, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Not long ago, catching a cancer was almost equals to a death sentence. But now with the development of new early diagnosis methods and better cancer cures, the word of cancer is no longer such a dreadful word anymore and the survival rates for cancer patients has increased dramatically.

However, the best weapon in fighting with cancers would be CANCER PREVENTION. Although there are many factors that influence cancerous growth, a healthy lifestyle will decrease your risk of catching cancer greatly.

What are Cancer and Tumors?

Basic Science

Through cell divisions, more cells are produced. Normally, cell divisions in our bodies are under controlled. If the cell division mechanism is out of control and the cells divide ceaselessly, then TUMOR is formed.

The characteristics of cells, tissues and organs are ultimately determined by the genetic information (genes) stored on DNA. The genetic information on the genes (pieces of DNA) is translated into proteins via a middleman called m-RNA (Messenger Ribonucleic Acid).

The proteins serves either as the building blocks of the cells or as special agents (such as enzymes or hormones) to participate in the biochemical reactions which biosynthesize other molecules. Some of synthesized molecules serve as building blocks for the cells.

The reason why different tissues and organs can show such differences is due to the differences in their structures and physiological activities.

When the DNA is damaged mutations occur and cancerous cells maybe formed as a result. Similarly, when the normal gene expression is altered (including those resulted from gene mutations), tumor cells maybe be formed. Not all genetic mutations or genetic expression alterations will lead to cancers or tumors.

Cancers and Tumors

Tumors are masses of tissue cells that grow abnormally. Tumours can either be benign, in which case the growth of the tumor cells is moderately under control and they don't spread into the other parts of the body; or malignant, which means that the growth of the tumor cells is out of control and they tend to spread into the other parts of the body.

We call malignant tumors cancers.

Mutagens

Carcinogens

1) High Frequency Radiation (Ionizing Radiation and Ultraviolet Radiation)

Types of ionizing radiation include x-rays, gamma rays, cosmic rays, and particles given off by radioactive materials such as alpha particles, beta rays, and protons.

2) Secondhand Smokes

Secondhand smoke has been classified as a Group A carcinogen by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which means that there is sufficient evidence that it causes cancer in humans.

3) Benzene

Benzene is widely used in the United States and ranks among the top 20 chemicals produced (ATSDR, 1997. The National Toxicology Program classifies benzene as a known carcinogen (NCEA, 1998).

4) Asbestos

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals. The National Toxicology Program classifies asbestos as a known human carcinogen.

5) Lead

The National Toxicology Program classifies lead acetate and lead phosphate as "reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens."