How Does Cancer Start?

Cancer can occur in many areas of the body and behaves differently depending on its type and origin. Cancer consists of more than 100 different diseases, all characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Cancer is a major health problem in North America, striking an estimated 1.4 million people a year and rising. It strikes men, women and children in every country of the world and it is the second leading cause of death in the United States.

Every organ in the human body, the lungs, breast, colon, and brain, consists of specialized cells that execute particular functions, such as transport of oxygen, digestion of foods and nutrients, excretion of body wastes, reproduction, etc. In order for each organ to function as it should, exhausted or injured cells must be replaced or repaired. Normal and healthy cells have a code of conduct which dictates when they divide, grow, maintain, or execute a particular function. In healthy adult organs, an equal number of cells are produced in the body each day to replace dead or damaged cells.

In contrast, cancerous cells disregard this code of conduct, causing an imbalance between the number of new cells produced and the number of old cells that die and should be shed. This imbalance eventually leads to an overgrowth of cells that can cause damage in the body. Cancerous cells don't necessarily grow faster than normal cells, but they live longer and can divide more often during their lifetime than normal noncancerous cells. As a result, cancer cells accumulate and compete for nutrients, space, and territory with normal healthy cells.

Cancers that seem to run in families may be hereditary or may signify similar family environmental exposure to substances that cause cell damage. The lifestyle we lead also has a lot to do with cancer development.

Cancer risk factors:

• Smoking: According to the American Cancer Society, one out of every three cancer deaths in the U.S. is directly linked to tobacco. Other than lung cancer, smoking is also a major factor in causing cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, pancreas, and bladder. It is said that every cigarette you smoke, you are giving up 15 minutes of your life!
• Environmental exposure: Air pollution caused by industrial plant emissions and automobile exhaust fumes have been linked to cancer formation. Secondhand smoke is the strongest link to air-pollution cancers. Exposure to radioactive emissions from radon in uranium is known to be responsible for the increased risk of lung cancer. Recently, concern has been focused on radon exposure in homes due to airtight insulation; radon can enter the home from the soil, the water, or from building materials.
• Water pollution: Drinking water contains complex mixtures of known and suspected carcinogens including asbestos, metals, radioactive substances, and industrial chemicals. Even the process of treating water may in turn create small quantities of chemicals linked to cancer.
• Alcohol consumption: Excessive and regular consumption of alcoholic beverages increases the risk of cancer, particularly of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. An increased incidence of liver cancer has been documented among people with cirrhosis caused by excessive alcohol consumption and alcoholism.
• Diet: Deep-fried, processed foods, high sodium, high fat, high sugar is the norm among most Americans diet today. It is clear that what we eat, or don't eat, have profound effects on the chances of developing cancer. An estimate that death rates from all cancers in this country could be reduced by more than 33% with practical changes in our dietary habits. Eating at least 8-10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day is the highly recommended.
• Sun exposure: Skin cancer is on the rise because of our love of the sun and a well-tanned body. Use sunscreen to help prevent skin cancers caused by either the direct rays of the sun or the results of tanning salons.

Change bad habits and live healthfully. Quit smoking. Eat foods that help build your body's defenses against cancer. Take vitamin and mineral supplements. And most importantly, see your physician for regular testing and health screenings.

About 70% of the bodies' weight is water. It is the very thing the body needs most. Water is accountable for many body functions. Drinking enough clean and fresh water not only improves your overall health and well-being, it may also prevent you from many ailments and sicknesses. Give your body the quality water it deserves and in turn, it will serve you with the optimal health and appearance you have always desired. For the best possible water for your health, right from the faucet, for pennies per gallon, please visit http://drinkingwatersafety.fitnessguide101.com/best-water-for-optimal-health After all, who wants to fill 70% of their bodies' weight with impurities, toxins and chemical treated water?

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