One in Six Cancers Caused by Infection

Data emerging from the Lancet Infectious Disease reveal that infections account for one in six cancers worldwide. The incidence for 27 different cancers in 184 countries was found to be caused by four main types of infections. It is now estimated that 1.9 million cases of cancer per year can be effectively treated but most importantly prevented through lifestyle modification.

The economic burden of cancer is now a billion dollar industry with expensive cancer preventive services coupled with risky and experimental screening and treatment techniques. The economic cost goes far beyond money out of pocket – consider the cost of time, effort by patients and their families that are undergoing cancer treatment. Also consider the loss of productivity personally and professionally due to cancer-related disability and premature death.

Cancer Causing Infections

The four types of infections found to produce the highest incidence of preventable cancer include human papillomavirus (HPV), helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and hepatitis B and C. Nearly 1.9 million cases of cervical, liver and stomach cancers can be linked to one of the four.

Cancer is not commonly thought of as a communicable disease but the new evidence suggests that prevention and awareness campaigns are needed to expose the truth. The new found preventable nature of cancer must be combated through limiting exposure to known risk factors.

The highest rates of cancer are found in developing countries in people younger than 50 years where medical services may be underserved. Public health campaigns on how to prevent cancer will go further than waiting till cancer develops and one relies on medical services. Proactive versus reactive intervention is needed to save millions of lives.

Cancer of the cervix accounted for 50% of the infection-related cancers in women. More than 80% of the cancers in men were liver and stomach cancers.

Naturally Prevent HPV

HPV is a sexually transmitted disease which causes cervical cancer and genital warts. The disease is largely due to promiscuous lifestyles. It is known that the number of sexual partners plays a significant determining factor in the development of the condition.

Tips

• Restrain the number of partners.
• Practice safe sex – use a condom.
• Remain faithful to one person.

Naturally Prevent H. pylori

It is estimated that 50% of the world’s population have the H. pylori living in their stomach or digestive system, in most cases without knowing. H. pylori is one of the bacteria that live in your mouth and cause gingivitis. This bacterium is commonly transmitted by kissing.

Tips

• Eat Raspberries, blueberries and Strawberries – contains ellagic acid that destroys H. pylori.
• Eat Broccoli – contains sulforphane that has antimicrobial and anticancer properties.
• Eat Cinnamon – found to work as well as an antibiotic for H. pylori.

Naturally Prevent Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B enters the body through blood-to-blood contact and causes liver damage. In many parts of the world, hepatitis B infects up to 10% of the population. It can be transmitted several ways that include sexual contact, sharing needles, unsanitary medical, piercing or tattoo equipment and a child can be infected through the birthing process.

Tips

• Do not use needles or inject drugs.
• Do not share personal care items that may have blood on them. (razors, toothbrushes)
• Consider the risks if you are thinking about tattooing, body piercing, or acupuncture.
• Practice safe sex and use condoms correctly.

Cancer is a condition that is commonly developed from exposure to common, everyday items that can get you sick. Follow the tips and reduce your risk today.