Globally, an estimated 18.1 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year. In the United States, cancer is still the second-leading cause of death, with over 1.7 million individuals diagnosed each year. People frequently discuss cancer as if it is a single entity. While unrestrained development is the common denominator, cancer can arise in various ways due to various causes.
To save more lives from cancer, it is vital to address this issue. We can learn more about how cancer develops and interacts with the immune system by conducting basic cancer biology and immunology research. In this way, it may be possible to discover new, more effective cancer treatments.
Statistics at a Glance
- In the United States, a projected 1,806,590 new cancer cases will be identified in 2020, with 606,520 people dying from the disease.
- The annual rate of new cancer cases (cancer incidence) is 442.4 per 100,000 men and women (reported on 2013–2017 cases).
- Based on 2013–2017 deaths, the cancer death rate (cancer mortality) is 158.3 per 100,000 men and women per year.
- There were around 16.9 million cancer survivors in the US as of January 2019. By 2030, the number of cancer survivors may reach 22.2 million.
- According to 2015–2017 data, around 39.5 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives.
- Cancer would be diagnosed in 16,850 children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 in 2020, with 1,730 dying as a result of the condition
What Are The Main Causes Of Cancer In The US?
The most common causes of cancer in the US, according to the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute, include:
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Alcohol
- Lack of physical activity
- Being overweight or obese
- Poor diet
- Sun exposure
- Radiation exposure
- Virus infections and other infections
- Exposure to cancer-causing substances
- Family history and genetics
- Chronic inflammation
- Hormones
- Immunosuppression
- Age
Let’s Discuss These Causes In Detail:
1. Environmental Exposures
Your environment can increase your chances of getting cancer. Carcinogens (substances and exposures that can cause cancer) are present in the home, the workplace, and the environment.
Tobacco use and smoking are examples of this. Asbestos exposure, a set of minerals found in some older housing and industrial building materials that can cause mesothelioma, a lung lining cancer, is another example. In addition, people exposed to high levels of benzene (present in gasoline, tobacco smoke, and pollution) are at risk of developing cancer.
Many other toxins in the environment could endanger you. So be cautious when using chemicals in your home. And it would help if you always took the time on the job to read the information published about the chemicals with which you work.
2. Radiation Exposure
The sun is the most prevalent source of radiation exposure. Another source of environmental exposure is radon gas, which can build in your home if it is present in the soil. You may also be exposed as a result of medical imaging or treatment.
3. Infections
Infections can raise the risk of cancer in a variety of ways. For example, some viral infections cause cancerous changes in the DNA directly. Other infections may cause long-term inflammation, increasing your risk. Other infections, such as HIV, inhibit the immune system, making it ineffective in protecting against cancer growth.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) raises your chances of developing cervical, anal, vulvar, or vaginal cancer. HPV appears to play an essential role in many head and neck cancers, and ongoing research looks into its likely impact on other cancers. The HPV vaccine is advised for both girls and boys beginning at the age of 11 or 12.
4. Age
While cancer can hit at any age, the median age for a cancer diagnosis ranges from 65 to 74 years old, depending on the type.
You’ve had greater exposure to carcinogens and inflammatory processes over time, and slow-growing cancers have had more time to become symptomatic—your body’s ability to detect and kill cancerous and pre-cancerous cells declines as well.
However, some types of cancer, such as bone cancer and some types of leukemia, are more common in youngsters.
5. Genetics
Genes cause all cancers. But in the great majority of cases, these are acquired mutations that are not passed on to your kids. So you have “healthy” genes, but a mutation occurs in one cell, allowing it to grow out of control. Oncogenes and inactivated tumor suppressor genes are common causes of underlying cancer risk.
If you have a family history of cancer, especially breast cancer, you must take extra precautions. Genetic tests can diagnose some hereditary cancers.
Remember that just because you have a family history of cancer does not mean you will get it. You just have a higher chance of getting it (a genetic predisposition).
6. Lifestyle Risk Factors
Many of the major cancer risk factors are under your control. This can be especially empowering for people who are aware of their genetic predispositions.
Alcohol. Alcohol is an irritant that can cause cell damage and encourage carcinogenic chemicals in the colon. The American Cancer Society recommends that women limit their alcohol consumption to one drink per day. And men should limit their alcohol consumption to two drinks per day to minimize their cancer risk.
Lack of Physical Activity. According to the American Cancer Society, exercising for at least 30 minutes five days a week lowers your cancer risk significantly.
You do not require to run marathons. However, researchers showed that even little activity, such as working in the garden a few days a week, lowers the risk of lung cancer and other types of cancer.
Obesity. One of the leading causes of cancer in the US is obesity. Breast cancer, colon and rectal cancer, endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and kidney cancer are all increased risks. In addition, excess fat cells produce more estrogen and insulin, both of which aid in cancer progression.
You can lower your risks by achieving or maintaining a healthy body weight.
Diet. A plant-based diet rich in vegetables, whole fruit, whole grains, and protein from peas and beans is the most effective in lowering cancer risk. In addition, limit processed meats, red meat, sugar-sweetened drinks, and refined carbs.
The Bottom Line
In this article, you learned the causes of cancer in the US. Although the number of new cancer diagnoses in the Us is decreasing, over 1.7 million individuals will be diagnosed with cancer each year. However, thanks to earlier detection and better treatment, the cancer death rate have dropped by 27 percent in 25 years and continues to decline by 1.8 percent every year.
While it is impossible to avoid all cancer causes, you can greatly lower your risks by making lifestyle changes.
