There are pesticides in so many types of foods and beverages, and I read that even things like air fresheners are considered toxic chemicals to the body. I don't eat red meat for health reasons, but are there so many chemicals in our environment that cancer is inevitable?
2006-09-12 09:51:15 · 6 answers · asked by advicemom 4 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues. The normal controls on cells routinely malfunction, but the immune system of the body (body's defense) is usually great at taking care of these unregulated cells. However, sometimes the body does not attack these cells as it should, and the cells grow and produce more cells. Then these cells invade tissues where they are not suppose to go (tumors and metastasis).
As we age, our immunity naturally decreases, which is one reason why as you get older your chance of getting cancer goes up. However, environment is not the only way to get cancer. Genetics also plays a part. Consider that even some very young children who may have been exposed to very little get cancer. And occasionally people who smoke heavily all of their lives never get cancer. Living in a bubble without exposure to the environment or chemicals is not going to make an immune system stronger. Also, some carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) are found in nature. Even the sun, the source of energy for almost all life on earth, causes cancer.
2006-09-12 10:04:23 · answer #1 · answered by Tiramysu 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nah, you might get hit by a car first.
Seriously, the chances of getting cancer do seem to be growing, but recent research is amazing. I read a study recently on (I believe!) boosts to the immune system that actually reversed the cancer in a subset of those tested. The sample size is so small (2 out of 17 saw highly positive results) that I don't think it's statistically relevant, but it's still very important.
So while the pollution casused by the technology of the modern world may be significantly increasing your chances of cancer (we can't *really* prove it because we don't have data on cancer from societies that couldn't diagnose it through technology), the chances of fighting it are getting better.
2006-09-12 10:06:09 · answer #2 · answered by cmc1217 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No we are not destined to get cancer. I wont say its a stupid question because its not, even though its in my nature. The thing is, alot of people will get cancer, but not everyone will get cancer in their lifetimes, and if they do get cancer, they dont neccesarily die from it.
2006-09-12 09:54:30 · answer #3 · answered by Bluefire 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you live long enough and something else hasn't got you first there is a good chance cancer will get you.
2006-09-12 09:53:26 · answer #4 · answered by SunFun 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know, but I always just assume that I will get it at some point.
2006-09-12 10:20:10 · answer #5 · answered by me 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pretty much
2006-09-12 09:57:23 · answer #6 · answered by Harry_Cox 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋