Cancer Is Considered By Many A Primarily Genetic Disease

1cancer Is Considered By Many A Primarily Genetic Disease Howeverw

(1) Cancer is considered by many a primarily genetic disease. However, what role does a lifestyle choice, such as smoking or a high cholesterol diet, play in the development of cancer? Support your post through proper citations. (2) Explain how a chronic disease like COPD has seen an increase in mortality compared to the more common communicable diseases seen throughout the world especially in underdeveloped nations. Support your post through proper citations.

Paper For Above instruction

Cancer has long been perceived as a disease primarily rooted in genetic predisposition, with numerous cases linked directly to inherited mutations or familial patterns. However, contemporary research underscores the significant influence of lifestyle choices in the etiology of many cancers. Factors such as smoking, dietary habits, physical activity levels, and exposure to carcinogens considerably modulate cancer risk, often interacting with genetic susceptibility to influence disease onset and progression.

Smoking remains one of the most potent lifestyle factors associated with cancer. It is well-documented that cigarette smoke contains numerous carcinogens, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrosamines, which directly damage DNA and promote carcinogenesis. The World Health Organization (WHO) attributes approximately 22% of cancer deaths globally to tobacco use, emphasizing its critical role in cancers such as lung, laryngeal, mouth, and esophageal cancers (WHO, 2021). Notably, even passive smoking has been linked to increased risks of lung cancer among non-smokers, illustrating the pervasive impact of tobacco exposure.

Dietary choices, particularly diets high in saturated fats, red meat, and cholesterol, also contribute significantly to cancer risk. High cholesterol diets can lead to chronic inflammation, which has been implicated in the development of various cancers, including colorectal and gastric cancers (Coussens & Werb, 2002). Additionally, processed and red meats contain carcinogenic compounds such as heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons formed during cooking at high temperatures. Conversely, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which provide antioxidants and phytochemicals, have been associated with decreased cancer risk (World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research, 2018).

Beyond smoking and diet, physical inactivity and obesity—both lifestyle choices—are recognized as risk factors for multiple cancers, including breast and colon cancers (Colditz & Wei, 2012). Lack of exercise contributes to obesity, which promotes hormonal imbalances and chronic inflammation, further facilitating carcinogenesis. Therefore, lifestyle modifications—such as smoking cessation, dietary regulation, and engaging in regular physical activity—are critical components of cancer prevention strategies.

Turning to chronic respiratory diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exemplifies a condition with rising mortality rates, especially in underdeveloped countries. Unlike communicable diseases, whose prevalence has been substantially controlled through vaccines and sanitation efforts, COPD has seen an increase due to persistent exposure to risk factors like smoking and environmental pollutants. According to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD, 2020), COPD mortality has increased notably in developing nations, influenced by urbanization, industrialization, and increased tobacco use.

The transition from infectious to non-communicable diseases like COPD is driven by various socioeconomic factors. In many underdeveloped nations, limited access to healthcare, inadequate public health infrastructure, and a lack of awareness about risk factors contribute to late diagnoses and insufficient management of COPD. Moreover, exposure to indoor air pollution from biomass fuel and outdoor air pollution due to industrial emissions exacerbate lung damage, leading to higher mortality rates (World Health Organization, 2018).

The increase in COPD-related deaths has outpaced those from traditional infectious diseases such as tuberculosis or pneumonia in these regions. This shift reflects a broader epidemiological transition characterized by improved control of infectious diseases but a surge in non-communicable, lifestyle-related diseases. Public health interventions focusing on reducing tobacco use, improving air quality, and enhancing healthcare access are vital to curbing the rising burden of COPD in underdeveloped nations.

In conclusion, while genetics significantly influence cancer development, lifestyle choices such as smoking and diet play a substantial role in modulating individual risk. Similarly, increased mortality from chronic diseases like COPD in underdeveloped nations highlights the importance of addressing environmental and behavioral factors. Public health policies targeting lifestyle modification and environmental improvements are essential for reducing the global burden of these preventable conditions.

References

• Coussens, L., & Werb, Z. (2002). Inflammation and cancer. Nature, 420(6917), 860-867.
• Colditz, G. A., & Wei, E. (2012). Culture of physical activity and cancer risk: An evolutionary perspective. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 21(4), 521-524.
• Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). (2020). Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of COPD. GOLD Reports.
• World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research. (2018). Diet, nutrition, physical activity and cancer: a global perspective.
• World Health Organization. (2018). Ambient air pollution: A global assessment of exposure and burden of disease.
• World Health Organization. (2021). Tobacco fact sheet. WHO.