Ellie Li
Abstract
The simplified definition of Cancer is when abnormal cells divide uncontrollably. Undoubtedly, cancer can have lifelong effects on someone’s life—fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss are just some of the symptoms. Educating youth about cancer and prevention can greatly decrease their health risk by enjoying a happy lifestyle. Being informed about cancer helps us better support those with the disease and opens doors to the world around us.
Understanding Cancer
Cancer is not one disease, but a collection of related diseases that can occur almost anywhere in the human body [1]. At its most basic, cancer is the disease of the genes in the cells of our body [1]. Genes control the way our cells work but further changes to those genes can result in the malfunction of cells, causing them to grow and divide when they should not [1]. These abnormalities can result in cancer.
Understanding the fundamental elements of genetics is the first step to understanding this disease. Three main types of genes can affect cell growth and are altered (mutated) in certain types of cancers, including oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and mismatch repair genes [2]. Oncogenes regulate the normal growth of cells, tumor suppressor genes recognize abnormal growth and reproduction of damaged cells, and mismatch repair genes help recognize errors when DNA is copied to make a new cell [2]. Together, these genes regulate the body [2]. Ultimately, cancer is a loss of this balance due to genetic alterations that "tip the balance" in favor of excessive cell growth [2].
Causes of Cancer
There is no single cause for cancer [2]. Scientists believe that it is the interaction of many factors together that produces cancer [2]. The factors involved may be genetic, environmental, or constitutional characteristics of the individual [2]. Constitutional factors such as age or gender are likely to play a role in the cause of cancer. All cancer is triggered by altered genes [3]. However, only five to 10 percent of cancers are hereditary [3]. Heredity may sometimes appear to be the reason for cancer, especially when the same types of cancers run in families [3].
Cancer is not rare in society, Americans have about a 40% chance of developing cancer at some point in their lives [4]. Just under 20% who develop it die from cancer, which is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. [4].
Cancer Prevention
Cancer prevention has a huge impact on society today. A cure for cancer can be seen as a metaphor for a miracle. But cancer prevention is even better than a cancer cure. As cancer quickly becomes our leading cause of death, cancer prevention will become our leading cause of life [5].
Scientific evidence shows that reducing exposure to cancer-causing substances such as tobacco, vaccinating against human papillomavirus (HPV), maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in physical activity can reduce the risk of cancer [6].
Taking the initiative to prevent cancer can open up a new perspective. Seeking out professional help can significantly reduce the risk of an individual getting cancer and upholding lifelong habits will do the same. Exercising regularly and wearing sunscreen aids in more benefits than one might think, preventing cancer and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Educating the Youth
Cancer awareness is key to identifying personal risk factors and preventing cancer at a young age. Educating the youth about cancer is a starting point for promoting positive health outcomes and a healthy lifestyle.
Cancer education should be targeted to the audience of adolescents as they are at an age of active learning and at a time for risky behaviors. Evidence shows that adolescents can learn to avoid harmful health-related behaviors, especially if they are given information that relates the consequences of those behaviors to potentially damaging outcomes [7].
Nearly half of all cancer diagnoses among adolescents are subject to 5 main lifestyle factors: tobacco use, alcohol consumption, eating habits, lack of exercise, and unprotected sunlight exposure [7]. Adolescence is the period of greatest development for the lungs, and tobacco carcinogens can make the early smoker more susceptible to damaging effects [7].
Increasing adolescents' awareness of how modifiable lifestyle factors contribute to cancer risk may influence life-long patterns of healthy behavior and decrease the number of cancers diagnosed each year [7]. Providing a gateway to cancer education for youth promotes society as a whole, benefiting the lives of many citizens here in America today.
Moving Forward
Youth cancer education is such an important aspect of society today and can aid in a multitude of benefits. Seeing the effects of cancer on an individual's life should be the switch to educating the young people of America today. Education as a whole is the establishment of a brighter future for all and the promotion of cancer awareness is the path to lifelong improved health.
References
[1] Understanding Cancer. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding Retrieved: 27/04/2024
[2] What Causes Cancer? Standford Medicine. (05/2011). https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/cancer/cancer/cancer-causes.html Retrieved: 27/04/2024
[3] Cancer and Heredity. BetterHealth Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cancer-and-heredity Retrieved: 27/04/2024
[4] Weintraub, Karen. Americans Have 40% Chance of Getting Cancer. Who’s most at risk and how can you prevent it? (02/04/2024) USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/03/22/chances-of-getting-cancer-prevention/73071839007/
Retrieved: 27/04/2024
[5] Drexler, Madeline. The Cancer Miracle Isn’t a Cure. Harvard Public Health. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/magazine/magazine_article/the-cancer-miracle-isnt-a-cure-its-prevention/#:~:text=But%20a%20cancer%20prevented%20is,our%20leading%20cause%20of%20life. Retrieved: 27/04/2024
[6] Cancer Prevention Research. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/research/areas/prevention#:~:text=The%20Importance%20of%20Cancer%20Prevention%20Research,-Prevention%20is%20important&text=For%20example%2C%20scientific%20evidence%20shows,reduce%20the%20risk%20of%20cancer. Retrieved: 27/04/2024
[7] Olufunmilola, Abraham. Adolescences’ Perceptions About Cancer and Preferences For Cancer Education. NIH. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8375333/#bibr2-10732748211036057 27/04/2024