Cancer

Cancer is one of the most insidious diseases affecting the human population caused by uncontrolled cell proliferation. Commonly referred to as ‘the emperor of all maladies’, cancer is one of the most leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. The most common causes of cancer mortality are lung, colorectal, liver, stomach, and breast cancer.

Prevalence

It is estimated that 39.5% of people will be diagnosed with cancer in their life time, and up until now, cancer still remains a deadly disease which has detrimental physical, mental, and social effects which can greatly disturb one’s quality of life. These include fatigue, pain, decreased mobility, mental illness, depression, and isolation, among many others. Moreover, there are curative treatments available, such as radiation therapy and anti-cancer drugs. But it isn’t that simple. Cunning cancerous cells are constantly finding new ways to resist drug treatment, which is why most ultimately stop working.

Cancer Q&A

What can we do to combat if we can’t actually control cancer cell mutation and spread itself?

Even though we cannot control the speed at which cancer cells spread, we can reduce the chances of mutation. It is estimated that around 30-50% of cancer can be prevented with health habits!

What are some strategies to prevent cancer then?

You can reduce your risk of contracting cancer with a healthy lifestyle, for example: avoiding smoking, keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption and protecting your skin from the sun.

Did you know?

High sugar consumption is known to be positively associated with the development of cancer. Studies show that sugar does not cause cancer directly, but excessive intake of sugar is a key contributor to obesity, leading to reduced immunity and hence, greater likelihood of cancer development. Commonly, a 20 to 200% higher cancer risk is observed with higher sugary beverage consumption. So start eating healthy and monitoring your sugar intake!