• Question: what do you know about cancer?

    Asked by Diana to Priscilla on 2 Oct 2014.
    • Photo: Priscilla Ngotho

      Priscilla Ngotho answered on 2 Oct 2014:

      Hi 246heaa22

      Cancers are caused my mutation in DNA which leads to uncontrollable growth of cells. These cells can invade and damage surrounding tissues. The exact cause of cancer is still being researched but we have an idea of some risk factors like smoking and excessive alcohol intake, and infection e.g. with human papilloma virus (HPV). Too much UV exposure or radiation can cause mutations in DNA and lead to cancer. For example too much sun exposure can expose people to the damaging UV rays and this can lead to skin cancer.

      There are several treatments available if cancer is diagnosed early, e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. With proper care and treatment cancer can be successfully treated.

      Cancer is becoming more common and people think it’s because of lifestyle changes. Others think we are seeing more cancer because we are now able to diagnose it accurately. Living a healthy lifestyle with proper diet, exercise, no alcohol or cigarets one can keep cancer and most other diseases away.

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