Understanding Cancer Risk Factors and Survival Rates
What does cancer survival mean and which factors influence it?
Cancer survival rates give a statistical approximation of the number of people with the same cancer type and stage who are still alive during a period following their diagnosis and treatments, which varies according to the type of cancer
Survival rates are determined based on a 5-year or 3-year timeframe depending on the type of cancer being assessed. In less aggressive cancers a cut-off point of 5 years is used, while in more aggressive cancers, 3 years is the mark; always counting from the moment of the diagnosis.
What Does Cancer Survival Mean?
Cancer survival compares people who have the same cancer type and stage, with people from the general population without cancer.
Thus, if the 5-year survival of a specific type of cancer with a determined extension is 80%, this means that people who suffer from this cancer have, on average, an 80% chance of being alive at 5 (or 3) years after the diagnosis, compared to people without cancer.
In any case, patients should discuss their prognosis with the oncologist administering their unique treatments to obtain more accurate data, because they have an in-depth knowledge of each patient and her factors associated with a better or worse prognosis.
Speak to a Gynecological Oncologist about Your Risk Factors
Formation and Biography of Doctor Lucas Minig
- High surgical specialization.
- Patient-focused.
- State-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic technology.
- Research and clinical trials to offer the most innovative treatments.
What Are The Main Risk Factors Associated With Gynecologic Cancer Survival?
While there are common risk factors for all cancer types, these factors may vary depending on the origin of the cancer being treated.
The main risk factors associated with cancer survival can be classified into modifiable and non-modifiable factors.
Modifiable Risk Factors That Contribute To Cancer Development
Modifiable Risk Factors are factors that are within the patient’s control to mitigate through lifestyle choices, and have shown a statistically significant correlation to the development of cancers.
Tobacco Use & Smoking
Smoking is one of the main factors associated with an increase in the risk of developing cancer in humans due to the carcinogenic chemicals inhaled and absorbed into the body from cigarettes, cigars, and other forms of tobacco use.
The main types of cancer associated with tobacco use are lung, larynx, mouth, esophagus, throat, bladder, kidney, liver, stomach, pancreas, colon, rectum, and cervical, as well as acute myeloid leukemia.
Moreover, a passive smoker has a statistically higher cancer risk than a non-smoker, although smaller than an active smoker.
Diet & Poor Nutrition
In recent years, a vast number of scientific studies have been published observing a link between certain types of foods (artificial sweeteners, charred meat, processed meat, etc) with a modification in cancer survival rates.
The results of these epidemiological studies only demonstrated that some specific components of a person’s diet was associated with a change in the risk of cancer survival. However, this does not mean that the specific component in a person’s diet is solely responsible for an increase in the risk of developing cancer.
For example, there could be other associated factors in the study participants that, if different among participants, could be the cause of cancer. That being said, it is still advisable to follow a healthy, balanced diet over an unhealthy diet lacking important vitamins and minerals.
Moreover, being overweight is associated with an increase in the risk of developing breast, colon, rectum, uterus (endometrial), esophagus, kidney, páncreas, and gallbladder cancer. This is why it is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routinely, not only to prevent cancer but also to reduce the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease
Alcohol Consumption
The consumption of Alcohol on a regular basis has been linked to an increase in the risk of developing the following types of cancer: mouth, throat, esophagus, larynx, liver, and breast.
Additionally, the risk of developing cancer as a result of alcohol consumption is directly related to the amount of alcohol consumed.
Hormones & Contraceptives
Treatment with estrogen and progestin (female sexual hormones) can increase the risk of some types of cancer in women. In this sense, hormone replacement therapy during menopause can increase the risk of breast and endometrial (uterine) cancer when estrogen is used alone.
Oral contraceptives, broadly used worldwide, can increase the risk of breast and cervical cancer. But on the other hand, they are associated with a reduction in the risk of developing colon, endometrial, and ovarian cancer as well as certain types of leukemias and lymphomas.
Infectious Agents
There are various types of infections, viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, associated with cancer risks and survival rates. Infectious agents can increase the risk of developing cancer either by altering the normal growth of the cells, by causing chronic inflammation, or by debilitating the immune system which makes the body prone to the possibility of catching other infections. The most studied viruses associated with cancer are the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Chemical Exposure
It is well known that exposure to a number of once-common chemical substances (lead, asbestos, benzene, formaldehyde, and others) have been linked to an increased risk of developing cancer. Mitigating exposure to these chemicals and wearing the correct protective equipment if you work with chemicals is essential for maintaining good health.
Immunosuppression
Our natural immune system is the main mechanism the body has for defending itself from infectious agents and foreign toxic substances. Therefore, any condition which may suppress our immune system can increase the risk of developing cancer. The main factors contributing to compromised immunity include HIV or immunosuppressive medications administered after a transplant to prevent acute rejection of the organ.
Sunlight and UV Light Exposure
Ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure, be it through sunlight or artificial UV exposure through tanning beds can cause premature aging of the skin as well as damage to the skin that increases the risk of developing skin cancer. People with lighter skin tones have a higher risk and should avoid sun exposure between 10:00 in the morning and 4:00 p.m, and apply sunscreen regularly.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors That Contribute To Cancer Risk
Age
The statistical possibility of developing cancer increases progressively throughout life until it reaches a point of greatest incidence at 65 to 74 years of age. After that, its incidence diminishes gradually.
Genetics & Family History
Certain genetic indicators have been found to be linked to an individuals’ risk of developing certain cancers. For example, having a mutation in the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes are responsible for 20% to 10% of ovarian and breast cancer respectively. Knowing your family medical history, and informing your specialist is very important as it can indicate what aspects of your health should be followed more closely to improve early detection.
Patient Testimonials from Cancer Survivors
Doctor Lucas Minig Gynecologist Oncologist Specialist in cancer survivors in Valencia, Spain
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