Cancer Essay

Cancer can develop anywhere in the body. Cells grow abnormally and become cancerous because of environmental factors, such as smoking cigarettes and exposure to radiation; genetics, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and even just luck (Stern et al., 2004). Even though genetics play the primary role in the development of cancer, the environment in which one lives also contributes to the chances of getting cancer. Some of the environmental factors that influence the development of cancer include alcohol use, obesity, asbestos, HIV, and Down’s syndrome.

Cancer affects people of all ages. In infants and children, genetic abnormalities are generally the primary cause of cancer. Individuals over the age of 55 years old make up more than 80% of all cancers (Stern et al., 2004).

2.3 MYTHS ABOUT CANCER

According to Aronson (2010), cancer is a humiliating and punishing disease as its treatments often deny people of the organs that give them their gender-identity, their sense of wholeness, and beauty. After treatment, patients also often feel less than whole. For them, cancer is not just a physical disease but rather a state of mind and a reason for societal quarantine and judgment. It is not discussed freely or accepted objectively. Cancer is seen as a "taint" upon the family, just as HIV is viewed as a disease that needs to be hidden away.

There are many misconceptions across all ethnic and racial groups regarding cancer. Many believe that since no one in their family previously had cancer, then they would not get cancer. People also have a false impression that if they are healthy then they would not develop cancer (McGarvey & Brenin, 2005).

According to Frymark, there are three chief myths about cancer:

1. Although chemothera...

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...e. Among the members of the Solanaceae family, Solanumaculeastrumwas the most common plant used for the treatment of cancer (Koduru, Grierson & Afolayan, 2007).

Scientists these days are also investigating traditional medicine for anti-cancerous effects. A popular ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha, frequently known as “Indian Winter cherry” or “Indian Ginseng” is used in ayurvedic medicine in a way similar to that Panax ginseng used in traditional Chinese medicine. This herb is normally used for its wide range of health advantages. Withaferin A, which derived from this medicinal plant, it often used for its anti-tumorigenic activity against various cancer cells. Withaniasomnifera flowers are small and green and the roots are mostly used for medicinal purposes. It is cultivated in the drier regions of India such as Punjab and Rajasthan (Singh, Verma, Pandey & Gilca, 2011).