Chronic and Communicable Diseases – Cancer
Cancer is a complex disease, and a combination of genetic and environmental elements influences its development. Even though genetic factors can contribute to an individual’s predisposition to cancer, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures also play a significant role in the development of the disease. Smoking, especially tobacco, is a well-established risk factor for various types of cancer, particularly lung cancer. Tobacco smoke contains various carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) that can damage the DNA in cells, leading to the uncontrolled growth and division of cells, which is a hallmark of cancer. These carcinogens include heterocyclic amines, nitrosamines, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which bring about DNA mutations and other cellular reactions that lead to the formation of tumors (Harris, 2019: p. 132). As such, 50% of people who have had chronic exposure to tobacco through smoking for a long time are estimated to succumb to a type of cancer due to smoking (Harris, 2019: p. 125). Besides, smoking tobacco is a risk factor for other forms of cancers, including stomach, kidney, pancreas, pharynx, nasal cavity, throat, liver, and oral cavity cancers.
Diet, particularly a high-cholesterol diet, is another lifestyle choice that plays a significant factor in cancer development. A high-cholesterol diet brings about chronic inflammation in the body, which is a known factor in the development of cancer. Inflammation is another contributor to cancer development; it can create an environment that promotes the progression and persistence of cancer cells and encourages the formation of new blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors (Singh et al., 2019: p. 122). For example, linoleic acid can be converted into arachidonic acid, a precursor for pro-inflammatory molecules called eicosanoids. These pro-inflammatory molecules have been linked to tumor initiation, promotion, and metastasis.
In sum, it is important to note that while these lifestyle factors can increase the risk of cancer, they do not guarantee the development of the disease. Genetic factors also play a role, and the interplay between genetics and lifestyle/environmental factors is complex and varies for different types of cancers.
References
Harris, R. E. (2019). Epidemiology of chronic disease: Global perspectives. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Singh, N., Baby, D., Rajguru, J. P., Patil, P. B., Thakkannavar, S. S., & Pujari, V. B. (2019). Inflammation and cancer. Annals of African Medicine, 18(3), 121.
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INSTRUCTION: Responses should be at least 200 words or more. You must research answers and all answers must include reading citations, with page numbers, parenthetical style (Author, Date: page#), and the source listed in APA style at the end of the post.
Chronic and Communicable Diseases – Cancer
Cancer is considered by many a primarily genetic disease. However, what role does a lifestyle choice, such as smoking or a high-cholesterol diet, play in the development of cancer?
Support your post through proper citations.
Textbook: Harris, R. E. (2013). Epidemiology of chronic disease. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett.
ISBN-13: 978-1449653286 ISBN-10: 1449653286
Chapters 9, 10, 11, 30, 31, 46