The theme for World Cancer Day 2021 is ‘I Am and I Will.’

Cancer; “the disease of the century”, can affect people of all ages and genders, races and ethnicities, rich and poor, and no one is an exception. Although according to the Ministry of Health, the incidence of cancer in Iran is lower than the global average, however, cancer in Iran is also growing and the average incidence rate in developing countries such as Iran is between 143-157 cases per 100,000 people per year.

In terms of controlling Cancer, in 2008 the International Cancer Control Association (UICC) declared February 4 (World Cancer Day). This day with the purpose of raising awareness about cancer around the world is held annually to provide an opportunity for all people to work to prevent the disease and thus save millions of deaths from cancer.

On this occasion, and due to the growing trend of cancer in the world and in Iran, we have prepared materials related to cancer to acquaint you with its common types and then explain the risk factors and ways to prevent it. Stay with us.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a disease that begins with abnormal division and proliferation of cells in the body. The human body is made up of millions of cells that are grouped together to make different tissues and organs. The genes inside each cell give it the necessary instructions such as a number of divisions. Sometimes these instructions are in a vague cell and the cell behaves abnormally, and after a while, a group of abnormal cells can circulate in the blood or immune system or turn into a malignant tumor or cancer.

In fact, the body’s cells abolish during a regulated process (apoptosis) and replaced by new cells. Sometimes this normal process is out of regulation and cells do not disappear and form a mass that can turn into a tumor; Become malignant or cancerous.

There are different types of cancer and it affects different tissues of the patient. Among the most common types of cancer are the following:

• Lung cancer: This disease is caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the lung tissue and is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide.
• Breast cancer: This type of cancer usually occurs in women. Although men also get cancer, women are more likely to get it.
• Colorectal cancer can also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start and is treated worldwide.
• Prostate cancer: This type of cancer has developed in the prostate, which is a gland in the male reproductive system, and has a high rate among men over 40 to 50 years old.
• Skin cancer (non-melanoma): In skin cancer, cancer cells form in the outermost layers of the skin and are reported to be one of the most common types of cancer in the world.
• Gastric cancer: When cancer cells form on the lining of the stomach, a person is diagnosed with gastric cancer, which is the fifth most common type of cancer in the world.

Symptoms of cancer

Symptoms of cancer will vary depending on what part of the body is affected. Among the common signs and symptoms associated with cancer are the following

• Fatigue
• Subcutaneous masses
• Sudden weight change
• Delayed wound healing or deformity of skin moles
• Intestinal or bladder problems (eg. diarrhea, frequent urination or abnormal constipation)
• Respiratory problems and frequent coughs
• Disorders of swallowing
• Persistent fever and joint pain for no apparent reason
• Abnormal bleeding or bruising

It is important to note that the onset of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have cancer, but it is recommended that you see a doctor for further examination.

Causes of cancer

As mentioned, some genetic and environmental factors may interfere with the natural process of cell growth and proliferation, which ultimately leads to cancer. Some of the factors that increase the risk of cancer are part of a person’s normal course of life and are preventable. However, there are factors that can be controlled to prevent cancer. In the following, we will examine the causes of cancer and how to control them.

Inheritance: One of the causes of cancer is genes that are passed from parents to children. Thus, hereditary cancer, regardless of age or gender, can occur in anyone. Nevertheless, this type of cancer accounts for a small proportion of cancers.

Hereditary cancer accounts for only 10% of all cancers in men and women.

Age: Aging can be considered one of the most important causes of cancer that is unpreventable. According to reports, people over the age of 50 are more susceptible to get cancer.

Tobacco use: Tobacco smoke contains many chemicals that are harmful to both smokers and non-smokers. In total, out of 250 harmful chemicals known in tobacco smoke, more than 50 of them can be considered as the main causes of cancer.

Smoking accounts for 83% of lung cancer deaths.

Obesity: Being overweight is one of the factors that increase the risk of cancer in people. Lack of a healthy diet, low consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and lack of physical activity can be among the causes of obesity that are effective in cancer. However, this does not mean that all people who suffer from obesity may face cancer.

Alcohol consumption: Alcoholic beverages are known to be the first accelerator of cancer. Long-term alcohol consumption has been reported to cause cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, oral cancer, and more.

Infections and biological agents: Some chronic infections can cause cancer. For example, hepatitis B and C viruses and HPV infections increase the risk of liver and cervical cancer, respectively.

Ionizing radiation: Exposure to ionizing radiation increases the risk of malignant cancers. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, the use of solar salons, and exposure to radioactive radiation may eventually lead to cancer.