Cancer: 3 main causes and prevention methods

According to the Cancer Institute, in the year 1998, there were 90,000 Thai people diagnosed with cancer. This number does not include those who were not diagnosed, did not show symptoms, or did not seek treatment from traditional medicine practitioners.

In terms of causes of death among Thai people, cancer is the second leading cause, following only heart disease.

Although medical science has made significant advancements in diagnosing cancer quickly and effectively treating it, including through radiation or chemotherapy, the percentage of people who die from cancer remains high.

Causes of Cancer

There are over 100 types of cancer that affect humans, and the causes vary widely. This is one reason why the effectiveness of cancer treatment can vary.

No one wants to be diagnosed with cancer, so it's important to understand what causes it.

Scientists have known for over 20 years that cancer is a disease caused by abnormalities in the genes within cells, which control cell division. If there is an increase in the number of these abnormal cells, it can result in cancer. These genes, known as oncogenes, can be passed down genetically or can result from exposure to chemicals such as free radicals.

The underlying factors in the development of cancer are related to three things:

1. Host (patient)
2. Agent (cancer-causing substance, pathogen)
3. Environment (environmental conditions)

1. Host (the patient)

The patient themselves is an important factor because the cells in our body, which amount to almost fifty trillion cells, are affected. If any one cell becomes abnormal, the immune system will go into action. If this system doesn't work properly, it opens up the opportunity for cancer cells to multiply. It is not surprising that people who experience high levels of stress are more likely to suffer from cancer, because their immune system is weakened.

2. Agent (cancer-causing substance, such as radiation and pathogen)

Radiation exposure, such as in the case of a nuclear factory explosion or a nuclear war, can cause an increased risk of leukemia and skin cancer.

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) is known to be associated with a substance called aflatoxin, which is found in moldy legumes. Those who are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV carrier) also have an increased risk of developing liver cancer by up to 200 times. Patients with this type of infection, who do not show any symptoms, must undergo regular screening for liver cancer every 6 months to 1 year using ultrasound.

• Another type of cancer that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, commonly found in Northeast Thailand, is caused by eating raw fish contaminated with nitrosamine-type substances, which are produced by fermenting protein with soil bacteria.

• Colorectal cancer is another type of cancer that is strongly associated with people who eat a lot of meat but do not consume foods with high fiber content, such as vegetables and grains. This leads to chronic constipation, which increases the risk of carcinogenic toxins that can affect the cells in the colon.

As the example mentioned earlier is just a small part of all the causes of cancer, because in most cases we still cannot find the real cause of those cancers. However, we can see that there is a significant correlation with the food we consume. As the famous saying goes, "You are what you eat," and this holds true in terms of cancer as well.

3. Environment

As previously mentioned, carcinogens and infections are important factors in cancer development. The issue of toxins, cigarette smoke, and charred foods are some examples of factors that generate free radicals that can destroy cells. Infections with certain viruses can cause cervical cancer or cancer of the mouth and throat, which is also called oral cavity cancer. Women who engage in sexual activity from a young age have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.

Preventive Measures

If we summarize the methods for preventing cancer, we can separate them as follows:

1. Avoiding known risk factors, such as poisons, cigarette smoke, processed and charred foods, and red meat.
2. Eating natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains that are fresh and clean, and avoiding consuming too much of the same kind of food, in order to receive a variety of nutrients.
3. Exercising regularly and getting proper rest and relaxation.
4. Drinking plenty of water and having regular bowel movements to prevent constipation.
5. Having a positive mindset, looking at the world in a positive light, and addressing problems in the right way.
6. Undergoing regular cancer screening, especially for breast and cervical cancer, and not forgetting that cancer can be treated when detected early.

Four misconceptions about cancer

The National Cancer Institute, under the direction of Dr. Weerawut Imhomsan, established a campaign in 2014 to address the misconceptions about cancer. The 4 main topics of this campaign are as follows:

Misconception 1: We should not talk about cancer because it is a sad or embarrassing topic.

The truth is that talking about cancer, including providing accurate knowledge about cancer in society, can help people understand how to take care of themselves from prevention to early screening for cancer. Entering into proper treatment and achieving good treatment results, and having the opportunity for patients to talk and consult with others, including siblings and caregivers, can help reduce anxiety and provide accurate guidance for caregivers to properly take care of patients.

Misconception 2: Cancer is a disease with no warning signs.

The reality is that many types of cancer have symptoms and early warning signs that are widely publicized around the world. The 7 warning signs of cancer include:

1. Changes in bowel or bladder habits
2. A sore that does not heal
3. Unusual bleeding or discharge
4. Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere
5. Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
6. Obvious change in a wart or mole
7. Nagging cough or hoarseness

While these symptoms may or may not be cancer, if it is a cancer that has just started to show symptoms, there is a high chance of a cure with proper treatment.

Misconception 3: We can't do anything about cancer.

It is called cancer because it is a matter of fate and luck, and we can't do anything about it. However, the truth is that we can prevent ourselves from getting many types of cancer by promoting knowledge of the risk factors that cause cancer, by avoiding risk factors, and by working together at all levels, from individuals to society and national policies, including controlling and implementing laws effectively. This can reduce the overall incidence of cancer by up to 40%.

Misconception 4: We don't have the right to receive cancer treatment.

Currently, all patients have the right to receive cancer treatment under the three health care funds, namely the National Health Security Fund, which covers treatment for all diseases for 30 baht, the Social Security Fund, and the Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme. Therefore, patients do not have to spend their own money or receive treatment in an unacceptable manner.

How do tumors and cancers differ from each other?

Tumors: are masses of tissue that grow in organs, and can cause compression problems, but cannot invade into other tissues. If it needs to be treated, it can be removed surgically.

Cancer: is a tumor that can spread to other tissues, including those in close proximity or far away. It can be more difficult to treat than tumors because cancer tends to leave small cells behind in the body, even after surgery.

Therefore, cancer treatment must attempt to destroy these small cells in various ways, such as using chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and various types of biologic therapies.

Physician

Dr. Warong Lapanan, M.D.

Department of Cardiac Medicine