Tumorigenesis is a complex multifactorial process, which mainly includes the following aspects: gene mutation, proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in human cells, which maintain the balance of cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis under normal conditions. When proto-oncogenes are mutated and activated, or tumor suppressor genes are inactivated, cells may proliferate uncontrollably, thus causing tumors. • For example, mutations in the ras gene family can cause cells to continue to receive proliferation signals, resulting in abnormal cell proliferation. As an important tumor suppressor gene, once p53 gene is mutated and inactivated, the DNA damage repair mechanism of cells will be abnormal, which can not prevent cell canceration. Environmental factors • Chemical carcinogens: Long-term exposure to chemicals such as benzopyrene and nitrosamines can damage and mutate the genetic material of cells and increase the risk of tumors. For example, people who have been engaged in rubber, dyes and other chemical industries for a long time have a relatively high risk of leukemia and other hematological tumors due to exposure to organic solvents such as benzene. • Physical carcinogenic factors: ionizing radiation, ultraviolet rays and other physical factors may damage the DNA of cells. Like people exposed to ultraviolet radiation for a long time, the DNA of skin cells is easily damaged, leading to an increased risk of morbidity of skin cancer. • Biological carcinogenic factors: Some viruses, bacteria and parasites are also closely related to tumorigenesis. For example, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with cervical cancer, anal cancer and other cancers; Helicobacter pylori infection increases the risk of gastric cancer. Lifestyle • Bad eating habits: Long-term consumption of high-fat, high-calorie, low-fiber food, as well as excessive intake of pickled, smoked, moldy food, are prone to cancer. For example, excessive consumption of red meat and processed meat can increase the morbidity risk of colorectal cancer; long-term consumption of moldy grain, which contains aflatoxin, can induce liver cancer. • Smoking and drinking: Smoking is an important risk factor for many cancers, such as lung cancer, bladder cancer and pancreatic cancer. Drinking too much alcohol also increases the risk of morbidity of oral cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer and other cancers. • Lack of exercise: Long-term lack of physical exercise will lead to a decline in the body’s immunity, affect the body’s metabolic function, thereby increasing the risk of cancer. Genetic factors • Some tumors have obvious genetic tendency, such as retinoblastoma and nephroblastoma. The occurrence of these tumors is associated with specific genetic mutations that can be passed on genetically in families, giving family members a significantly increased risk of developing tumors.
Cancer prevention can start from the following aspects: Healthy diet • Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, which are rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber and other nutrients are essential to maintain health, such as vitamin C, E and other antioxidant vitamins can neutralize free radicals, reduce cell oxidative damage, reduce the risk of cancer. Reduce the intake of red meat and processed meat, which contain more saturated fat and nitrite, long-term consumption of large quantities will increase the risk of morbidity such as colorectal cancer, can eat more chicken, fish and other white meat instead. • Control salt intake. A high-salt diet can damage the gastric mucosa and increase the risk of gastric cancer. The diet should be light and the daily salt intake per person should not exceed 5 grams. Moderate exercise • At least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking and jogging, can enhance cardiopulmonary function, improve immunity and inhibit the growth of tumor cells. In addition to aerobic exercise, it can also be combined with strength training, such as weightlifting, push-ups, etc., to increase muscle mass, improve basal metabolic rate, make the body healthier and better resist tumors. Smoking is a definite risk factor for many cancers. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of cancer. After quitting smoking, the body will gradually repair the damage caused by smoking and reduce the risk of cancer. • Excessive drinking is harmful to health and increases the risk of morbidity such as oral cancer and esophageal cancer. Drinking should be moderate, with no more than 25 grams of alcohol per day for men and 15 grams for women. Maintain a good state of mind • Long-term mental stress, depression and other adverse psychological States will affect the immune system, so that the body’s ability to monitor and eliminate tumor cells is reduced. Learn to relieve stress, regulate emotions, maintain a positive and optimistic attitude, enhance the body’s immunity and prevent cancer through sports, listening to music and traveling. Regular physical examination and screening • Regular comprehensive physical examination is helpful for early detection of tumors or precancerous lesions, such as lung cancer can be screened by low-dose spiral CT, breast cancer can be screened by breast molybdenum target. For high-risk groups such as family history of cancer, the frequency and items of relevant examinations should be increased in order to early detection the lesions and timely treatment. Avoid carcinogenic factors • Reduce exposure to carcinogenic chemicals, such as choosing environmentally friendly materials for decoration to reduce exposure to harmful substances such as benzene; occupational contacts should be well protected. • Pay attention to sun protection, reduce ultraviolet radiation, reduce the risk of skin cancer; avoid unnecessary ionizing radiation, such as reducing the number of X-ray examinations. • Prevent viral infections, such as HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer, pay attention to personal hygiene, and prevent Helicobacter pylori infection to reduce the risk of gastric cancer.
