With Sigma and Tri Pi kicking off Relay for Life at Woodcrest, this week’s Wellness column will focus on both Relay for Life and cancer awareness. Many are familiar with Relay for Life in one way or another, but for those who may not be, let me explain briefly. Relay for Life is a community-based fundraising event organized by the American Cancer Society. Teams of people walk or run around a track for a set period, raising money to support cancer research, patient care, and prevention programs, while also celebrating cancer survivors and remembering loved ones lost to the disease. It’s a movement to fight back against cancer by bringing communities together to support those affected.
So, what exactly is cancer? Most of us know that cancer is a serious and often life-altering illness. In some cases, it can be cured, while in others, it cannot, leaving many in sorrow. Cancer is a genetic disease that occurs when the genes that control cell growth and division are damaged or mutated. These mutations can happen randomly or as a result of environmental factors, or they may be inherited from one’s parents.
There are many factors that can contribute to the development of cancer. Some of the primary causes include:
* DNA Damage: Harmful substances in the environment, such as tobacco smoke and ultraviolet rays from the sun, can damage DNA.
* Genetic Inheritance: Some cancers are caused by harmful mutations passed down from a person’s parents.
* Aging: As people age, the likelihood of developing cancer increases.
* Lifestyle Factors: Being overweight or obese, having an unhealthy diet, and consuming alcohol can all raise the risk of cancer.
* Infections: Certain infections can increase the risk of developing cancer.
There are many ways to reduce your risk of cancer, including maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and avoiding smoking. A common question is whether cancer is curable. While there is no single cure for cancer, some cancers are more treatable than others. Treatments can help control the disease, and in some cases, people may experience remission.
A question often asked is whether it’s possible to survive cancer without treatment. The answer is generally no. Not every cancer cell in a tumor will have the same genetic mutations as its neighboring cells, which means that treatments can kill one type of cell while others may survive, allowing the tumor to regrow. By the time cancer is diagnosed, it’s highly unlikely that someone can recover without treatment. In fact, it’s estimated that only one in 100,000 cancer patients will recover without medical intervention. That said, there are some truly incredible stories of survival against all odds.