Cancer Basics

Photomicrograph of a blood smear showing leukemia cells. Until 1958, cancer was not considered to be a genetic disorder. by Dr. Eva Pietrowski D.O

Abnormal cancer cells breaking off and spreading through the body via the bloodstream.Cancer is the second leading cause of death among all people in the United States. This year (2007), in the United States roughly 1.4 million people will be diagnosed with cancer, and about 40% of that number, 570,000, will die of cancer. The statistics are disturbing because cancer is indiscriminate. Although there are certain factors, such as smoking, pollution, and genetic predisposition, which increase an individual’s risk of getting caner, everyone, even the healthiest person, is at risk. Much progress has been made in understanding, preventing, and eliminating cancer, but a general "cure" is not in sight.

Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells caused by a mutation in the DNA of the cells. DNA is an extremely long molecule that exists inside every cell of every living organism. It controls the functions, growth, and replication of a cell. When a cell divides into two new cells, the DNA splits in two and replicates itself. One copy goes with each of the two new cells.

Occasionally during the life of a cell, or during the DNA replication process, a part of the cell's DNA is damaged or changed in some way. This change, called a mutation, may be harmful to the cell, beneficial, or have no effect. It may kill the cell, or cause the cell to function abnormally. When a cell with mutated DNA divides, each of the two new cells gets a copy of the mutated DNA and inherits any problems caused by it.

Mutations are caused by many things. Chemicals from pollution, cigarette smoke, and other sources can interact with and damage DNA. Other environmental factors such as ultra-violet light and nuclear radiation are known to damage DNA. Mutations can also occur when mistakes are made during the process of DNA replication. These mistakes are random, and unavoidable.

Cancer starts with one bad cell, which, through cell division, eventually becomes a mass of abnormal cells called a tumor. Cancer kills for a variety of reasons. The main reason cancer kills is that it takes over a section of tissue, pushing the healthy cells out, and preventing the tissue from performing the vital functions it’s meant for.

Cancer is difficult to treat because once it has taken over a large part, or many parts, of a persons body, it is very hard to remove the cancer without causing serious damage to the rest of the body. During the process of removing a tumor, if just one cancerous cell is left behind it can spread and later become a recurrence of the cancer. So doctors have to be very thorough when removing a tumor.

Other common cancer treatments besides surgery are chemical and radiation. Chemical treatment or "chemo" is used when the cancer has spread to many parts of the body and cannot be removed by surgery. The chemicals are designed to specifically target and kill cancer cells, but have many side effects including hair loss and nausea. Radiation treatment is more area specific and has fewer side effects. Healthy diet, exercise, certain nutritional supplements, and a positive attitude have been shown to be beneficial in cancer treatment.

There are preventative measures a person can take to help avoid cancer. The first most obvious step is to stop smoking. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the country. Smoking causes 87% of all lung cancer cases. Smokers have approximately one chance in 10 of developing lung cancer during their lifetime. Tobacco smoke contains dozens of cancer-causing chemicals created and released in the burning of the leaves in a cigarette or cigar. These carcinogens react with and alter the DNA of the cells lining the lungs.

Excessive intake of alcohol has also been linked to an increase risk of stomach and colon cancer.

A healthy diet is another important part in preventing cancer, and is something everyone can benefit from. Certain vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and garlic have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer. Other less healthy choices such as processed fats and overcooked meats have been directly linked to an increased risk of cancer. High levels of insulin caused by high carb/ high grain diets have been shown to be generally unhealthy and the cause of many diseases including cancer. The healthiest diets consist of lots of fruits and vegetables, lean meats such as fish and chicken, little or no grains, and little or no trans and hydrogenated fats.

Along with a healthy diet, exercise is a key factor in feeling better and living a healthy life. Many studies have shown that regular moderate exercise helps reduce the risk of getting cancer and can even help fight cancer.

Finally regular screenings for certain types of cancers such as breast, colon and prostate cancer may be the most important preventative measure to take. This is especially true as you age and also if you have a family history of these diseases. These cancers have a high recovery rate if they are caught in time and usually have progressed quite a bit before they start to show any symptoms.

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