Causes of cancer

Cancer occurs when abnormal cells appear, grow uncontrollably, and gather to form a tumor. Gradually, these cancer cells invade and destroy normal body tissues, starting from the primary organ and spreading throughout the entire body.

Common types of cancer today include: colon and rectal cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer (only in women), thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer, leukemia (blood cancer), etc.

Most cancers have no clinical symptoms in their early stages, so they are only detected early during screening or incidentally during examinations of related organs.

Dr. To Minh Nghi, Deputy Director of Ca Mau General Hospital, conducts a clinical examination of a colon cancer patient after surgery in Khanh Binh Tay commune, Tran Van Thoi district.

Dr. Ngo Minh Phuoc, Head of the Department of Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control at the Ca Mau Provincial Center for Disease Control, stated: “Risk factors for cancer include exposure to chemicals or other substances, as well as certain behaviors. In addition, carcinogenic factors also include things we cannot control, such as age and family history. For example, a family history of certain cancers may be an indicator of a hereditary cancer syndrome that will occur in subsequent generations.”

Among the many possible causes of cancer, besides genetic factors which may account for about 20%, the remaining factors include individual lifestyle habits and the surrounding environment.

In fact, an unhealthy lifestyle can increase the risk of developing cancer. Specifically, an unbalanced diet, consuming too much fatty food and too little fiber, can increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancers such as colorectal cancer and stomach cancer.

Therefore, a balanced diet, including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals, can boost immunity and help the body fight against certain cancer-causing agents.

Cancer experts also point out that a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of stomach cancer. Regular smoking habits can also lead to lung cancer, throat cancer, and other cancers.

Today, with the continuous development of modern medicine worldwide, early cancer diagnosis leads to more effective treatment, especially in the early stages of the disease, when the cancerous tumor is developing in the primary organ. Many types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and testicular cancer, are detected through routine screenings or medical checkups before symptoms become more severe.

Dr. Phan Van Tam, Deputy Head of the Oncology Department at Ca Mau General Hospital, shared: “Blood tests allow for the detection of changes in cancer markers. Imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRI scans allow for the detection of cancerous tumors as well as their characteristics regarding location, size, and extent of spread…”.

Therefore, the key to effective cancer treatment is early detection, aggressive treatment adhering strictly to the regimen developed by specialists, combined with proper diet and rest, maintaining a positive attitude, and trusting in the doctor's treatment plan.

Phuong Vu

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