Cancer as an Age-Related Disease: Understanding the Basics

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. These cells can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs if left unchecked. Cancer can also spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Each type of cancer is named after the part of the body where it first develops. For example, lung cancer starts in the cells of the lung, and breast cancer starts in the cells of the breast. Cancer can develop in any organ or tissue of the body.

Some types of cancer are more aggressive and challenging to treat than others, and treatment will depend on factors such as the type and stage of cancer and individual factors such as age and overall health. Early detection and treatment are essential for improving the prognosis of cancer.

All cancers are caused by changes to the DNA, which are called mutations. Different types of mutations can contribute to the development of cancer. Some mutations are inherited, which means they are passed down from parents to their offspring through their genes. Inherited mutations may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer. This type of cancer is called hereditary cancer.

Other mutations are acquired during a person’s lifetime and are not inherited. These mutations can be caused by various environmental factors, including exposure to tobacco smoke, ultraviolet radiation, certain chemicals, and viruses, among others. These acquired mutations can also lead to the development of cancer.

The distinction between hereditary and sporadic cancer is important because it can affect a person’s risk of developing cancer and their treatment options.

• Age. The risk of developing cancer gradually increases with age.
• Genetic factors. Certain genetic mutations can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer.
• Family history. A family history of certain types of cancer can increase a person’s risk of developing that cancer.
• Medical conditions. Some viral and bacterial infections (such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, Epstein-Barr virus, or Helicobacter pylori), obesity, immunosuppression (during organ transplantation).
• Lifestyle factors. Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and exposure to environmental pollutants, ionizing (X-ray, CT), and UV radiation, can increase the risk of developing cancer.

Many types of cancer can initially present with vague and unspecific symptoms that may mimic other health conditions, making early diagnosis and treatment challenging.

Some of the most common symptoms of cancer include fatigue, which can be a sign of anemia or other changes in the blood; unexplained weight changes, which can indicate that the body is not properly absorbing nutrients or may be experiencing changes in metabolism; skin changes, such as the appearance of new moles or changes in the color or texture of existing ones; the presence of lumps, bumps, or masses that may be felt under the skin or in other parts of the body.

Changes in bowel or bladder habits, such as constipation, diarrhea, or difficulty urinating, can also indicate cancer in the digestive or urinary tract. Persistent cough, hoarseness, or difficulty breathing may indicate lung or throat cancer, while persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain can be a sign of bone or muscle cancer.

Other potential cancer symptoms include persistent heartburn, fevers or night sweats, unexplained bleeding or bruising, severe headaches, vision or hearing changes, and other unexplained symptoms that do not go away with treatment or medication.

The cancer treatment depends on the kind of cancer and how far the cancer has spread (called stage). Common types of cancer treatment include:

• Surgery: cutting out tissue with cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: using drugs to kill cancer cells
• Radiation therapy: using high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
• Hormone therapy: blocking the production or action of hormones that can stimulate the growth of certain types of cancer
• Immunotherapy: using the body’s own immune system to fight cancer by helping it to recognize and attack cancer cells
• Stem cell transplant: a procedure that involves replacing damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells.

• Targeted therapies: anticancer medications that target specifically cancer cell.
• Novel immunotherapies: promote the body’s anti-tumor immune responses.
• Proton therapy: a new radiation therapy approach using a beam of protons to disrupt and destroy tumor cells.
• Gene editing: CRISPR-Cas9 is a new gene-editing technology that can remove or modify cancer-causing genes. It can also be used to modify immune cells to make them more effective at targeting cancer cells.
• Nanoparticle therapy: this therapy uses nanoparticles to deliver drugs or other therapies directly to cancer cells, reducing the amount of medication required and minimizing side effects.
• Photodynamic therapy: treatment that uses a light-sensitive drug and light to destroy cancer cells and cancer-associated vasculature.

• A diet with low fat and meat and rich in fiber.⁵ Williams, Mark T, and Norman G Hord. “The role of dietary factors in cancer prevention: beyond fruits and vegetables.” Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition vol. 20,4 (2005): 451-9. PubMed Source
• Regular exercise.⁶ Jurdana, Mihaela. “Physical activity and cancer risk. Actual knowledge and possible biological mechanisms.” Radiology and oncology vol. 55,1 7-17. 12 Jan. 2021. PubMed Source
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Optimal blood levels of vitamins and minerals (such as Vitamin D, Vitamin B group, and Vitamin C).⁷ Gupta, Digant et al. “Prevalence of serum vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in cancer: Review of the epidemiological literature.” Experimental and therapeutic medicine vol. 2,2 (2011): 181-193. PubMed Source ⁸Venturelli, Sascha et al. “Vitamins as Possible Cancer Biomarkers: Significance and Limitations.” Nutrients vol. 13,11 3914. 1 Nov. 2021. PubMed Source
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.⁹Castellsagué, X et al. “Independent and joint effects of tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking on the risk of esophageal cancer in men and women.” International journal of cancer vol. 82,5 (1999): 657-64. PubMed Source ¹⁰Yoo, Jung Eun et al. “Association Between Changes in Alcohol Consumption and Cancer Risk.” JAMA network open vol. 5,8 e2228544. 1 Aug. 2022. PubMed Source
• Wearing sun protection.¹¹ Diao, Diana Y, and Tim K Lee. “Sun-protective behaviors in populations at high risk for skin cancer.” Psychology research and behavior management vol. 7 9-18. 20 Dec. 2013. PubMed Source
• Some medications include selective estrogen receptor modulators in high-risk women, finasteride for preventing prostate cancer, and COX-2 inhibitors.

Cancer is a complex disease that can occur in different body parts, characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. It can be caused by various factors, including genetic mutations, environmental toxins, and lifestyle choices.

Several lifestyle factors have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, including obesity, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental toxins.

Healthy lifestyle choices play an important role in preventing cancer. Maintaining a healthy diet with optimal levels of vitamins and minerals, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and protecting oneself from UV radiation and environmental toxins can potentially reduce the risk of developing cancer.