Understanding Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention And Hope

Walaa Ala Eldin
Feb 4
3 min read

Cancer is one of the most pressing health challenges of our times globally. But “every cloud has a silver lining”: global cancer survivors have reached historic highs in the year 2023-2024, with an estimated 53.5 million people alive within five years of a cancer diagnosis. Improved early detection (screening) and treatment have significantly increased survival incidences. High cancer incidences due to population ageing are more common in our world nowadays (Wen Ju et al., 2023).

What is Cancer?

Cancer includes a variety of diseases with complex processes. It begins when the DNA in a cell becomes damaged and changed (mutation), this damage can disrupt normal growth of cells - as DNA controls growth‐ resulting in uncontrollable multiplication of cells. There are over 100 types of cancer (lung cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer and many more), and they can originate almost anywhere in the body.

Cancer around the world:

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths. The estimated number of people who were alive within 5 years following a cancer diagnosis was 53.5 million. About 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime, approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women die from the disease. Lung cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, and breast cancer are among the most common types of causing death.

Complexity Of Causes And Risk Factors:

Lifestyle Factors

Tobacco use remains the single most significant preventable cause of cancer and is linked to many cancer types. Following, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, obesity, and alcohol use also increase risk. (World Health Organization)

Environmental and Biological Agents

Exposure to radiation, air pollution, and certain chemicals can increase cancer risk. Chronic infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B and C are linked to cervical and liver cancers, especially in low- and middle-income regions. (World Health Organization).

Age and Genetics

Many cancers are more likely to occur to older people. This is because DNA damage accumulates over time (WHO). Other cancer types are due to inherited genetic mutations that increase risk.

Recognizing Symptoms

Symptoms may vary depending on: the type, stage and location of cancer. Some early signs can be subtle but worth paying attention to, such as:

Unexplained weight loss
Persistent fatigue
Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Unusual lumps or swelling
Persistent cough or trouble breathing
Changes in skin appearance or non-healing sores

These symptoms aren’t exclusive to cancer, but noticing and reporting them early can make a significant difference in prevention and treatment in early stages.

Healthy Habits That Lower Cancer Risk

Many cancer types may be preventable if we obtain healthy lifestyles, such as:

Quit smoking and avoid tobacco products.
Maintain a healthy weight with balanced nutrition and regular exercise.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Reduce exposure to UV radiation from the sun.
Participate in recommended vaccinations, like HPV and hepatitis B where available.

Cancer prevention also includes regular screenings, such as mammograms, Pap smears, or colonoscopies - because early detection can significantly improve the treatment’s success. Today, there are an estimated 53+ million cancer survivors worldwide. In high-resource settings such as the US, the 5-year survival rate for all cancers combined has reached approximately 70%, an increase compared with about 49% in the mid-1970s.

Hope Through Early Detection and Treatment

Early diagnosis often means cancer can be treated more effectively. Many cancers detected at an early stage can be cured or managed for long, healthy lives. Healthcare advances over recent decades have improved survival for many cancer types, and awareness campaigns about symptoms and screening are vital towards saving lives.

Conclusion

Cancer is a complex and varied group of diseases, but understanding it empowers us to take action and prevent it. We can restore health through healthy living, early screening, support for cancer care, research and collectively working to improve our environment. So, our loved ones can be safe for longer without the pain it causes.