Cancer
How to Deal with Cancer

Cancer
Cancer is a group of diseases that involve abnormal cell growth and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. However, many cancers can be prevented, detected early, and treated effectively. In this article, we will explain what cancer is, how it develops, and how to reduce the risk of cancer with some natural and effective strategies.
What is cancer and how does it develop?

Cancer is a disease that occurs when some of the body’s cells start to grow out of control and form tumors, which are masses of abnormal tissue. Tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body and are usually not life-threatening. Malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues and organs, and can also break off and travel through the blood or lymphatic system to form new tumors in distant sites. This process is called metastasis and is the main cause of death from cancer.
Cancer can develop in any part of the body, and there are more than 100 types of cancer, each with different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Some of the most common types of cancer are:
Breast cancer:
Cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. It is the most common cancer in women, but it can also affect men.
Lung cancer:
Cancer that forms in the cells of the lungs. It is the most common cause of cancer death in both men and women. Smoking is the main risk factor for lung cancer, but exposure to air pollution, radon, asbestos, and other substances can also increase the risk.
Colorectal cancer:
Cancer that forms in the cells of the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. It is the third most common cancer in both men and women. A diet high in red and processed meat, low in fiber, and physical inactivity can increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Prostate cancer:
Cancer that forms in the cells of the prostate, which is a gland in the male reproductive system. It is the most common cancer in men. Age, family history, and race are some of the risk factors for prostate cancer.
Skin cancer:
Cancer that forms in the cells of the skin. It is the most common cancer in the United States. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds is the main risk factor for skin cancer. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Melanoma is the most serious and deadly type of skin cancer.

Cancer develops as a result of changes in the genes that control the growth and function of cells. These changes are called mutations and can be inherited from parents or acquired during a person’s lifetime. Acquired mutations can be caused by various factors, such as:
Chemicals:
Exposure to certain chemicals, such as tobacco smoke, asbestos, benzene, or pesticides, can damage the DNA of cells and cause mutations that lead to cancer.
Radiation:
Exposure to certain types of radiation, such as UV rays, X-rays, or gamma rays, can damage the DNA of cells and cause mutations that lead to cancer.
Viruses:
Infection by certain viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), can alter the DNA of cells and cause mutations that lead to cancer.
Hormones:
Abnormal levels of certain hormones, such as estrogen, testosterone, or insulin, can stimulate the growth of cells and cause mutations that lead to cancer.
Inflammation:
Chronic inflammation, which is a prolonged and abnormal response of the immune system to injury or infection, can damage the DNA of cells and cause mutations that lead to cancer.
Not all mutations cause cancer, and not all cancers are caused by mutations. Some cancers are influenced by other factors, such as the immune system, the microenvironment, or the metabolism of cells. The development of cancer is a complex and multi-step process that involves several genetic and environmental factors.
How to reduce the risk of cancer with natural and effective strategies?
There is no sure way to prevent cancer, but there are some natural and effective strategies that can help reduce the risk of cancer or improve the outcome of cancer treatment. These strategies are based on scientific evidence and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. They include:

Diet:
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals, which are plant compounds that have various effects on the cells, such as modulating gene expression, enhancing detoxification, inhibiting angiogenesis, or inducing apoptosis. Fruits and vegetables can help lower the risk of several types of cancer, especially those of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, and colon. Some of the best fruits and vegetables for cancer prevention are berries, cruciferous vegetables, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and leafy greens.
Whole Grains and Legumes
Whole grains and legumes are good sources of complex carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and phytochemicals, which can help regulate blood sugar, insulin, and hormone levels, and prevent constipation and inflammation. Whole grains and legumes can help lower the risk of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. Some of the best whole grains and legumes for cancer prevention are oats, barley, quinoa, beans, lentils, and soy.
Spices and Herbs
Spices and herbs are not only flavorful, but also have medicinal properties that can affect the cells in various ways, such as modulating gene expression, enhancing detoxification, inhibiting angiogenesis, or inducing apoptosis. Spices and herbs can help lower the risk of several types of cancer, especially those of the stomach, colon, and liver. Some of the best spices and herbs for cancer prevention are turmeric, ginger, garlic, rosemary, and sage.
Exercise:

Herbs:
Astragalus
Astragalus is a Chinese herb that has immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties. It can help enhance the body’s natural production of interferon, a protein that fights against viruses and cancer cells. It can also help the immune system identify and eliminate rogue cells. Astragalus can be used as a supplement, tea, or extract.
Cat’s Claw
Cat’s claw is a South American herb that has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-microbial properties. It can help stimulate the white blood cells’ clean up process, and prevent or treat infections that can cause or complicate cancer. Cat’s claw can be used as a supplement, tea, or extract.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a North American herb that has immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties. It can help prevent or treat respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or COVID-19, which can increase the risk of lung cancer. It can also help reduce inflammation and mucus production, and relieve cough and sore throat. Echinacea can be used as a supplement, tea, or extract.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a European herb that has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and liver-protective properties. It can help detoxify the body from harmful substances, such as alcohol, drugs, or pesticides, that can damage the cells and cause cancer. It can also help prevent or treat liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, or liver cancer. Milk thistle can be used as a supplement, tea, or extract.
Green Tea
Green tea is a beverage that has been consumed for centuries in Asian countries. It contains a group of compounds called catechins, which have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-angiogenic properties. Green tea can help prevent or treat several types of cancer, especially those of the breast, prostate, colon, and skin. Green tea can be used as a drink, supplement, or extract.
Stress Management:
Meditation
Meditation is a practice that involves focusing your attention on a single object, such as your breath, a word, or a sound, and letting go of any distracting thoughts or emotions. Meditation can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve your mood, attention, and memory. Meditation can also enhance your immune system, lower your blood pressure, and reduce inflammation. You can practice meditation by following a guided audio, video, or app, or by joining a class or group.
Yoga
Yoga is a practice that combines physical poses, breathing exercises, and meditation. Yoga can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve your mood, flexibility, and strength. Yoga can also enhance your immune system, lower your blood pressure, and reduce inflammation. You can practice yoga by following a video, app, or book, or by joining a class or group.
Massage
Massage is a technique that involves applying pressure, kneading, or rubbing to the muscles and soft tissues of the body. Massage can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve your mood, relaxation, and sleep quality. Massage can also enhance your blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, and pain relief. You can get a massage from a professional therapist, a friend, or a partner, or by using a device or tool.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a technique that involves inhaling or applying essential oils, which are extracted from plants, flowers, or herbs. Aromatherapy can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve your mood, memory, and cognition. Aromatherapy can also enhance your immune system, lower your blood pressure, and reduce inflammation. You can use aromatherapy by diffusing, spraying, or inhaling essential oils, or by applying them to your skin, hair, or bath.