Cancer is a disease that is caused by many factors and it is difficult to determine the cause and timing of the disease in each individual, making young, healthy people still at risk. Rates of cancer in people under 50, known as early-onset cancer, have been increasing worldwide since 1990, with men and women in their 40s accounting for the largest proportion of diagnoses.
In Vietnam, there are about 182,000 new cases of cancer and 122,000 deaths from the disease each year. The incidence rate in Vietnam is ranked 91st, but the mortality rate is ranked 50th out of a total of 185 countries, and the trend is for cancer to occur at a younger age. In addition to liver and lung cancer, hospitals are seeing many cases of breast, stomach, colon, and ovarian cancer in young people, diseases that were previously common in middle age.
Doctor Ha Hai Nam, Deputy Head of Abdominal Surgery Department I at Central Hospital K, explains that cancer starts from cells that grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors that can spread to other organs. The exact cause of many types of cancer has not been found, but research shows that it is caused by a combination of factors such as lifestyle, environment, habits, age, and genetics.
Factors that can contribute to the development of cancer include genetic mutations inherited or created during pregnancy, exposure to pollutants, consumption of processed foods with unknown origins, exposure to passive smoke, improper food storage leading to mold toxins, and physical agents like radiation and sunlight. Viruses and bacteria such as HP bacteria, HPV, and hepatitis B and C viruses can also stimulate cancer formation.
To reduce the risk of cancer, people are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, limit alcohol consumption, avoid smoking, and undergo regular screenings if there is a family history of cancer. Prevention methods also include vaccination to prevent infections that can lead to certain types of cancer.
While the factors that determine when and how someone gets cancer are unique to each individual, early detection and prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes. Some types of cancer have high cure rates if detected early, emphasizing the importance of regular screenings and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing cancer.