Genetic Predisposition
Genetic and Viral Predisposition To Cancer Is A Crucial Subject In Cancer Treatment
Cancer has caused serious threat to the world’s population and has still continued to affect the people of all continents. It is among the leading causes of death in the world today. Despite the many alternative cancer treatments, the disease is not yet conquered as it is still causing pain to us every day after grabbing our loved ones away from us. According to a world health report of 2002, close 7.1 million deaths are caused by cancer each and every year. With the most prevalent of these cancers being lung, stomach, colon, liver, breast and esophagus cancer, in that order of occurrence. Conclusively, these cancers are responsible for over 4.2 million deaths. Additionally, another World Cancer Report of 2003 (IARC 2003) predicts that deaths caused by cancer will increase by 50% in the next 20 years. In the past cancer was thought of as diseases of the developed countries but as years passed by even the third world countries became infested with this disease. The cases of cancer in the third world countries are attributed to the demographic changes as well as changes in lifestyle. The way of life has changed even in these third world countries and this may even increase the percentages of cancer infection.
Cancer is a disease that has many causes and of the many cause are very complex gene interactions. A person may not be born with cancer but he may have higher chances of getting cancer. This is what is known as genetic predisposition. Genetic predisposition maybe caused by a presence of one or more gene mutations and this may happen even if the allele’s combination is normal.
Genetic predispositisions is a subject that has made researchers as well as health organizations like World Health Organization to do lot of research work to find out how far genetic predisposition can lead to the disease. Apparently the researches done were not only done in relation to cancer but other non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and some mental illnesses.
In cancer, a person may be born with genes whose compositions were altered by lifestyle habits or exposure to harmful chemicals that goes along way in changing the DNA composition of the body cells. The body has tumor suppressors that help it in fighting and preventing tumors but when these tumor suppressors become weak which may be caused by exposure to harmful chemicals then a person becomes more vulnerable to cancer infection. Carcinomas are the most probable result of failure of the tumor suppressors.
It is important to understand how genetic predisposition affects a person. Cancer is not a disease that should be toyed with and so it calls for early examination to show whether a person has genetic predispositions that can play a role in making them to have cancer. Doctors advice that by knowing if a person has these genetic predispositions, it can help them to adopt lifestyles that will help them evade the formation of cancer cells in them. It is good to note that not all people who are born with genetic predispositions to cancer eventually get the disease; the choice of lifestyle will either make him evade the disease or will even hasten the formation of the cancerous cells in them. Those who are born with genetic predispositions to cancer can avoid the disease by avoiding such behaviors that may increase their risk to cancer such as smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol and engaging in sexual activities with many sexual partners. There are lifestyle modifications that will help a person who is born with genetic predispositions to cancer live longer without being affected by the disease. These may involve healthy eating and detoxifying the body naturally by eating those vegetables and fruits that are rich in antioxidants. It is also advisable for such a person to seek help from an integrative cancer centre where the doctors may offer guidance on how to live a life that is cancer free despite the genetic predisposition to cancer he was born with.
Promotes cancer cell formation
As known, cancer cell forms when there is mutation in the genes that play a major role in cell multiplication and repair. When these mutated genes are passed over to an offspring, the offspring becomes highly vulnerable to cancer. However the process through which these genes may turn cancerous may take time probably beyond 20 years. The mutation of vital genes such as suppressor genes, oncogenesis and genes involved in DNA repair leads to genetic instability and to progressive loss of differentiation. Tumors grow because cancer cells lack the ability to balance cell division by cell death and by angiogenesis. The transformed cells lose their ability to interact with each other and exhibit uncontrolled cell growth. They will eventually invade the tissues that surround them and spread into the blood stream after which they can reach very organ in the body.
Genetic predisposition to cancer undeniably has a role in cancer formation. One of the mostly inherited mutations of BRCA 1 gene is known to cause breast cancer in women. Those who have this gene mutation have higher chances of getting a breast cancer as well as ovarian cancer. Earlier identification of the germline mutations can be achieved through genetic testing. This will allow the person to adopt cancer preventive measures by seeking help from integrative cancer centers that will give natural means of suppressing the mutated gene expression.
Dr. Dalal Akoury is an experienced integrative cancer doctor who has seen very many cancer patients journey to victory in their fight against cancer. She is available for consultations. Just call her now and begin your journey to victory against cancer.
Genetic and Viral Predisposition To Cancer Is A Crucial Subject In Cancer Treatment
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