1. Cancer is very common in modern society
Several medical conditions share the defining characteristic of cancer, which is the uncontrolled multiplication and dissemination of abnormal cells. In 2020, it is estimated that it's inflicted 10 million deaths globally. In 2022, more than 1.9 million new cases of cancer and more than 600,000 deaths will be caused by cancer in the United States alone.
Over the last several decades, there has been an increase in the incidence of cancer, which may be attributed, in large part, to an aging population as well as lifestyle factors such as smoking, having a bad diet, and not getting enough exercise. Improved survival rates and lower mortality have come from breakthroughs in cancer therapy and early identification.
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| Scanning Electron Microscope of Dendritic cells interacting with T cells. Image Credit to National Cancer Institute |
2. Understanding how cancer begins
Cancer develops when cells in the body start to grow at an uncontrolled rate, resulting in the formation of a mass of abnormal cells known as a tumor. Tumors are classified into two basic categories: malignant tumors, which may spread to other areas of the body via the lymphatic or circulatory systems, and benign tumors, which do not infiltrate neighboring tissues or move to other parts of the body.
Mutations in genes that regulate cell growth and division are a common cause of cancer. There are many possible causes of these alterations, including family history, infectious diseases, and exposure to carcinogens (substances that cause cancer). Smoking, drinking alcohol excessively, eating poorly, and not getting enough exercise are all lifestyle variables that have been linked to an increased chance of acquiring cancer.
But here's the thing: cells with the potential to become cancerous are relatively common. They are present in everyone, but our immune systems normally eliminate them before they can do any damage. According to estimates, 50% of us will have cancer at some time in our lives, but most of us won't be aware of it since our immune systems fight it off before it causes any problems.
If this is the case, then why do some individuals get cancer while others don't? It's impossible to tell for sure, but one explanation may be that some individuals have immune systems that are better adapted to manage cancer. That's why it's so important to maintain a good immune system via healthy diet, exercising regularly, and other healthy habits comes in; The stronger your immune system is, the greater your chances are of fighting off cancer.
3. How the immune system protects us from cancer
The immune system's ability to recognize and eliminate cancerous cells before they can multiply and spread is crucial in preventing the disease. The abnormality of cells may be identified by the immune system, which does this by analyzing the proteins that are present on their surfaces and determining whether or not they are normal.
Our immune system, which consists of a vast network of cells, tissues, and organs, is extraordinarily complex. Its primary function is to protect the body against pathogenic organisms like viruses and bacteria, but it may also identify and eliminate cancer cells.
Immune cells known as T-cells and B-cells are the ones responsible for recognizing and fighting cancer cells in the body. T-cells will bind to cancer cells and secrete molecules that tell B-cells to make antibodies that will kill the cancer cells. Additionally, T cells are one kind of immune cell that can identify and eliminate abnormal cells. They do this by secreting cytokines, which are substances that cause programmed cell death (also known as apoptosis). There are also other kinds of immune cells, such as natural killer cells, which are capable of identifying and destroying cancer cells on their own without any assistance from other immune cells by secreting poisonous substances that may kill abnormal cells and prevent their reproduction.
The problem is that cancer cells can hide. Sometimes, they manage to evade immune system recognition by suppressing the surface proteins that ordinarily elicit an immunological response. Some cancers go undiagnosed until they have spread and become difficult to treat because they release proteins that block or suppress the immune system's reaction to abnormal cells. Scientists continue to investigate the mechanisms by which cancer cells evade the immune system as well as approaches to strengthen the immune system's response to cancer.
4. Cancer prevention and the influence of lifestyle
Although hereditary factors can play a part in the development of cancer, the decisions we make in our daily lives may also have a big influence on both our chances of developing cancer and how we can avoid it. A higher risk of cancer has been associated with several lifestyle variables, including smoking, eating poorly, not exercising, and drinking too much alcohol.
For example, smoking has been identified as a risk factor for the development of lung cancer, whereas excessive alcohol consumption has been associated with a higher risk of developing breast, liver, and oral cancers, among others. An increased risk of colon cancer has been related to a poor diet, particularly one heavy in processed or red meats.
On the other hand, research has shown that healthy living may lower cancer risk. Several forms of cancer, including breast, colon, and prostate cancer, have been linked to inactivity, although regular exercise has been found to lower this risk. Cancer prevention is also associated with eating a diet high in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
5. Immune system stimulation for cancer prevention
Though the immune system plays a significant role in fighting off cancer, it is not always successful in doing so on its own. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to strengthen your immune system and lower your chance of getting cancer.
Keeping up a healthy lifestyle is one of the most essential things that you can do for yourself. Support your immune system by eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol drinking.
Several supplements and natural therapies have been suggested as possible immune system boosters. Vitamin D, for example, has been linked to improved immunity and, according to some research, decreased risk of cancer. Vitamin C, zinc, and probiotics are among other vitamins that might help strengthen the immune system.
The good news is that our immune system is highly strong and can help us fight against cancer, which is a complicated disease that is common in daily life and may be caused by several different things. Cancer may be avoided in most cases if we take care of our immune systems by, for example, eating well, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep. But if we do end up having cancer, there are several kinds of excellent medical therapies available that may help us combat it.
However, if we are able to get a knowledge of how cancer develops, how the immune system defends us against cancer, the role that lifestyle choices have in the prevention of cancer, and how we may strengthen our immune systems, we can lower our chance of developing cancer and improve our general health. The important thing is to keep yourself educated and proactive and to make sure that your health is always your number one concern.