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It seems an impossibility: a truth is delivered with solemn assurance; a disease is explained in terrifying detail. You have… cancer. It was detected early. Its symptoms were understood by an Oncologist, recognized for their dangers. There is hope. There are treatments available. The statistics of survival are to favor you, you’re told. You will recover.
You can still not understand, however, the reason for this burden. It should not have happened. It should not exist. You were meant to be immune from an illness and its worries. How did this occur? How did you succumb?
There are several potential reasons. Cancer is not defined by simple fate, given to the unfortunate few. It is instead determined by a variety of causes – many of which can be avoided. As any Oncologist would explain: it is vital for all to be aware of the conditions that can cause this disease to form. Correcting them dramatically reduces the unhappy chance of cellular change.
1. Genetics. Cancer is in the blood, circling from generation to generation. While this is not a guarantee of contracting the illness, it is a strong indicator. Family history should therefore be known and constant screening is important.
2. Lifestyle. Bad habits can have dangerous consequences. Heavy use of tobacco, a lack of exercise, obesity and high levels of stress contribute to cancer. Individuals must define their lives to wiser choices.
3. Illness. Weakened immune systems allow this disease to appear more easily. When suffering from viruses and secondary concerns, an individual can become susceptible to infection. Maintaining good health is therefore necessary.
The notion that cancer is caused by simple accident is incorrect. It is instead defined to the choices we make and the precautions we take. All must understand their own likelihood of forming this disease – and must heed the warnings of Oncology by doing all they can to defend against it.
