There are a lot of positive and progressive things in the medical industry. We are now in the age where vaccines can save us from life threatening diseases, STDs can be easily avoided, surgery isn’t as dangerous as they were before and there are a lot more effective medication and treatment. Though, with all this progress in medicine you’ll be surprised in the increased number of cancer related deaths there are in the past decades. The number of, cancer rates has increased by 20 to 50 percent, depending on the country and illness in the past half millennium. In terms that there has been so much progress in cancer prevention, medication and treatment; it is incredibly hard to believe that the number has increased this way. Well, it seems like most of the reasons why this is occurring is due to our generation and the different shift in economy and lifestyle. We’ve compiled some of the reasons why cancer rates are higher and what you can do to reduce the chances of acquiring them.
Obesity Rates
Obesity rates are at an all-time high. A few decades ago the problem with obesity was minimal and mostly affect people in higher statures. Now, more and more people are affected by obesity from children to adults. This is believed to be due to the financial crisis, lack of exercise and weight control. Going to a grocery store you are most likely to purchase 10 pieces of high fat and sodium ramen noodles than a piece of vegetables. This may not be the best excuse, but for some that live within a budget. They would do anything to prolong meals than to shell out for something healthy. A dollar burger a date is much worth a proper meal that cost about $15. Besides the problems with consumerism and fast food. There is also a huge lack of exercise. Unless being forced to exercise, most people are not willing to get on moving. Weight management is also a big factor. We as a nation is not aware of how much calories to intake, which food are bad and how many minutes of exercise a day can help manage weight. Obesity is associated with colon, esophageal, pancreatic, kidney and thyroid cancer. The best way we can reduce obesity rates is to educate ourselves, our home and our neighborhood about healthy eating, the importance of exercise and weight management programs.
Age
Sixty percent of all confirmed cancer diagnosis are from people over the age of 55. This number is expected to blow up in the near future. This is due to the increase in mortality rate in the world. Fifty years ago life expectancy is estimated to live for 60 years. Now, the life expectancy has increased to 73 to 79. The increase in the median age has also increased the numbers of cancer diagnosis. People tend to live a lot longer than a few decades ago increasing the chances of acquiring cancer.
Estrogen Levels
The first birth control pill was introduced to the open market in the early 1960s. It was a high estrogen oral contraceptive that was approved by the FDA. In the 1940s estrogen was ill advised due to complication such as infertility abnormal blood clotting and cancer. Today, there are a lot of pills or female targeted contraceptives that can increase estrogen levels to dangerous amounts. This is why it is so important for women to consult their doctors before undergoing any type of contraceptive. Ask about safer alternatives and which ones that won’t have too many side effects.
All Kinds of Stress
Besides normal mental stress, our body also undergoes emotional stress, malnutrition, poor digestion and environmental stress. Our body is able to adapt to different stress depending on its condition. If we are not able to sleep enough, get enough nutrition and have the right amount of calories. Our body will start to break down. Continued bombarding of stressors to the body will make you more susceptible to numerous diseases such as heart disorders, mental illness and cancer. Cells have to be nourished to be able to fight off stress. The only way we can keep it nourished is to have balanced hormones, eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, reduce stressors and so on.
On a positive note, due to the amazing advancement in technology and medicine. You are more likely to survive cancer diagnosis and continue living a healthy life than any point in history. There are millions of cancer survivors today that are alive due to the beauty of medicine. Though, this does not mean you can let yourself go. Prevention is always key to living a high quality of life.
