Discussion on Cancer Risk Factors

Recently, the Telegraph published an article about hip devices that allegedlycause cancer. On a similar note, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) published an article about insufficient premarket testing of metal-on-metal hip replacements before being used bypatients. DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. submitted a response to BMJ on the metal-on-metal hip article.

 

The Telegraph report somehow fits into the realization that cancer may develop from factors such as genetics, lifestyle, diet and physical activity, certain types of infections, environmental exposures to different types of chemicals, and radiation, according to the American Cancer Society. The incidence and types of cancer are influenced by many factors such as age, sex, race, local environment, diet, and genetics, as was reported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Some risk factors may be prevented while some may not.

 

Medical experts have been unable to fully explain the reason why one person develops cancer and another does not. However, various studies show that certain risk factors increase the chance of developing it. Among these, the NCI reported that the most common are aging; smoking; sun exposure; exposure to radiation and certain chemicals; contact with viruses and bacteria; developing certain hormones; family history of cancer; alcohol abuse; poor diet; lack of physical activity; obesity; and unsafe sexual intercourse.

 

A research funded by Cancer Research UK has estimated that a third of cancer cases in the UK are linked to smoking, alcohol, diet, or being overweight. For instance, studies suggest that people whose diet is high in fat have an increased risk of cancers of the colon, uterus, and prostate. Lack of physical activity and being overweight are risk factors for cancers of the breast, colon, esophagus, kidney, and uterus.

 

Meanwhile, up to 85 percent of cancers may be prevented by avoiding environmental risk factors like smoking, sun exposure, alcohol abuse and poor nutrition. Age, race, gender and family history cannot be changed. However, being aware of your other risks mayhelp in devising a prevention strategy with regular screenings and healthy lifestyle choices.

 

Based on statistics published in 2009, cancer is the leading cause of death in most parts of the world. It accounted for 7.4 million deaths or around 13% in 2004. The increase in fatality count from cancer worldwide is estimated to continue, with some 12 million deaths projected in 2030.

 

Many cancer risk factors may be avoided, thus, reducing the likelihood of developing it. Most cancer-related deaths each year are caused by lung, stomach, liver, colon, and breast cancer, reports the World Health Organization (WHO). Cancer caused by medical devices is due to metal toxicity, like the recalled hip devices of DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. Click here for more information on this matter.

 

 

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