Never Drank Alcohol, Never Smoked, but Still Got Cancer. How is This Possible?

To understand cancer better, we need to understand the cells in the human body.

The Lifecycle of Cells

Every day, 330 billion cells of our body die and are replaced.

Dedication in Fighting Cancer

When Yuvraj Singh got cancer, when Sanjay Dutt got cancer, he was exercising even while getting chemotherapy. It is necessary to have this level of dedication to beat cancer.

Preventable Cancer Cases

Around 42% of the cancer cases globally are preventable.
And these are the 5 things you need to do if you want to avoid cancer.

Introduction

Hello, friends! Cancer is probably the most feared disease in the world.

Misconceptions About Cancer

Rani’s line was part of a comedy scene, but many people actually think this way.
Some know someone who never touched alcohol or cigarettes but still got cancer, while others witness heavy drinkers and smokers never contracting it.

The Truth About Cancer

Friends, the truth is that cancer is a complex topic.
Drinking alcohol increases the risk of seven types of cancer, while smoking raises the risk of 16 types. However, there are more than 200 types of cancer, and alcohol and smoking are just two of the many causes.

Understanding the Root Causes

What are the reasons which you can eliminate to reduce the risk of getting cancer? How does this disease work exactly, and why is it so harmful to humans?

Chirag’s Story: Thalassemia and Cancer

A young child named Chirag underwent a routine checkup, revealing a low haemoglobin level. This led to a diagnosis of Thalassemia Major.

The Link Between Thalassemia and Cancer

Thalassemia is an inherited disease, but it can increase cancer risk. A 2015 Taiwanese study showed that Thalassemia patients are 52% more likely to get cancer.

Stem Cells and Cancer

To understand cancer, it is important to understand stem cells because they have a significant link to this disease.

What Are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are cells that create other cells. They can evolve into various types of cells and replicate themselves.

The Role of Stem Cells in Regeneration

Stem cells are responsible for replacing billions of cells daily, ensuring the body regenerates and functions optimally.

The Uniqueness of the Liver

Our liver is a unique organ that can regenerate, much like a lizard’s tail. If you cut off 90% of the liver, it can grow back.

Impact of Alcohol on the Liver

Drinking alcohol has the worst effect on the liver and significantly increases the risk of liver cancer.

Other Factors Damaging the Liver

Unhealthy diets, obesity, and indiscriminate use of herbal products can also cause liver damage.

Regeneration Rates of Cells

Different types of cells in the body regenerate at varying rates. For instance, fat cells take 10 years to completely replace.

Can Brain Cells Regenerate?

There has been a long-standing debate on whether brain cells regenerate. Most neurons are believed to form by birth.

1. Cell Regeneration

• Neurons: Limited regeneration, primarily in the hippocampus (memory and emotions) and the olfactory bulb (smelling). Most brain cells remain constant.
• Other Limited Regeneration Areas: Spinal cord, heart, and joints have minimal regenerative capacity, making injuries or diseases in these regions potentially fatal.
• Rapid Regeneration Examples:
  • Skin Cells: Shed 500 million daily, complete regeneration in 4 weeks.
  • Intestinal Lining: Regenerates in 5–7 days.
  • Red Blood Cells: 2–3 million produced per second, lifespan of 120 days.
• Stem Cells: Key to repair and self-renewal, crucial for regeneration across various tissues.

2. Gene Mutations and Cell Growth

• Gene Mutation: Changes in cellular DNA can disrupt normal growth.
• Body’s Defense Mechanisms:
  • P53 Tumor Suppressor Gene: Acts as a repair mechanism.
  • Apoptosis: Programmed cell death for damaged or old cells.
  • Repair Genes: Fix damaged DNA.
• Cancer: Arises when these mechanisms fail, leading to uncontrollable cell growth. Cancer cells can spread (metastasis), disrupting normal bodily functions.

3. Cancer Treatments

• Chemotherapy: Uses powerful chemicals to target fast-dividing cells, including cancer and healthy cells.
  • Side Effects:
    • Hair loss (affects hair follicle cells).
    • Digestive issues (damages intestinal lining).
    • Decreased bone marrow activity, leading to:
      • Anemia: Reduced red blood cells.
      • Bleeding: Due to low platelets.
      • Weakened Immunity: Fewer white blood cells.
  • Patient Care: Balanced nutrition, hygiene, exercise, and stress management are vital.

4. Stem Cell Transplant

• Purpose: Restores healthy blood cells after chemotherapy.
• Types:
  • Autologous Transplant: Patient’s own stem cells are harvested, preserved, and reinfused.
  • Allogeneic Transplant: Stem cells from a donor with matching HLA typing.
• Challenges:
  • Matching HLA typing is rare (1 in 100,000 globally).
  • Stem cell registries like DKMS help connect donors with recipients.

5. Real-Life Impact

• Case Study: Roman Semenskiy, a donor whose swab sample led to a match, exemplifies the significance of stem cell registries in saving lives.

Stem Cell Donation: A Life-Saving Act
Stem cell donation is a straightforward and impactful process that can save lives. Roman’s story demonstrates how one act of kindness transformed Chirag’s life. Stem cells, found in bone marrow and peripheral blood, regenerate naturally after donation. The PBSC (Peripheral Blood Stem Cell) Method involves separating stem cells from blood using a machine, with the rest of the blood returned to the donor’s body. The entire procedure is safe, takes 3-4 hours, and is akin to platelet donation.

Registering for Stem Cell Donation

• Visit the DKMS website via the link in the description.
• Fill out the online form with your details.
• Receive a free swab kit and take a cheek swab sample following the instructions.
• Return the sample using the provided envelope for HLA typing, which determines compatibility with blood cancer patients.
• If a match is found, you’ll be contacted for donation. Participation is voluntary, and all costs are covered by DKMS.

Causes of Gene Damage and Cancer
Cancer arises from gene damage, primarily due to:

1. Inherited Mutations: Passed down from parents or developed during embryonic stages, accounting for 5-10% of cases.
2. Aging: With age, gene damage accumulates, making cancer more common in older adults (especially those aged 80-90).
3. Lifestyle Factors: Responsible for 42% of preventable cases, including smoking, alcohol use, obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity.

Preventing Cancer Through Lifestyle Changes

• Avoid smoking and alcohol: These are significant contributors to cancer cases globally.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is linked to 7.8% of cases.
• Protect against UV radiation: Use sunscreen and avoid sun exposure during peak hours.
• Adopt a balanced diet: Focus on fresh, natural foods and avoid processed or packaged items.
• Stay active: Incorporate cardio, strength training, and stretching into your routine.

Environmental and Viral Factors

• Limit exposure to carcinogens like pesticides, benzene, and asbestos.
• Vaccinate against cancer-causing viruses (e.g., Hepatitis B, HPV).
• Reduce exposure to air pollution where possible.

Call to Action
This September, Blood Cancer Awareness Month, take a step to save lives. Register with DKMS to join the global fight against blood cancer. By spreading awareness and encouraging others, you can offer hope and support to millions.

For a Long, Healthy Life
Discover the habits of the world’s longest-living individuals and learn how to incorporate them into your lifestyle in the linked video: World’s Oldest Humans.