What Did I Do to Cause My Cancer?

This is a common question that many patients and their caregivers ask after a cancer diagnosis. It’s natural to wonder if a particular action, lifestyle choice, or omission could be to blame. However, the reality is that some factors are simply beyond our control, and the notion that cancer is somehow one’s fault only adds to the anxiety for patients, caregivers, and their families.

Understanding Cancer: A Complex Process

To grasp why cancer occurs, it's essential to understand how normal cells function. In a healthy body, cells grow, divide, and die in a controlled manner. The body’s defense mechanisms maintain this balance, ensuring that new cells form as needed while old cells are removed. Cancer develops when this process goes awry—when rogue cells bypass these control systems and begin to divide uncontrollably, leading to the formation of tumors.

What precisely triggers this shift is still largely a mystery. In truth, everyone is at some level of risk for developing cancer, and the exact causes of these triggers remain unknown. This uncertainty often leads to the question: "Can we influence the outcome?"

Modifiable vs. Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

Researchers have identified various risk factors that can contribute to cancer. These factors are generally classified into two categories: modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. It's crucial to understand that possessing a risk factor does not guarantee the development of cancer.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors: These are aspects beyond our control. For instance, aging is a significant risk factor, and as we age, the likelihood of developing certain types of cancer increases. Similarly, being of a specific gender or having a family history of cancer are factors we cannot change.

Modifiable Risk Factors: On the other hand, there are actions we can take to potentially reduce our cancer risk. This includes lifestyle choices like diet and exercise, which play a significant role in cancer prevention. Additionally, vaccines are available for certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer.

Taking Charge of Your Health

One of the most proactive steps you can take is to undergo regular screenings. For example, women over the age of 40 should consider regular breast screenings, and those over 25 should have a PAP smear or HPV test every 3 to 5 years, depending on individual circumstances.

Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. Regular check-ups, even when no symptoms are present, allow for cancer to be diagnosed at an earlier stage. This often results in less aggressive, more effective treatments with a higher potential for a cure.

Conclusion

It’s essential to remember that cancer isn’t always about something you did or didn’t do. Focusing on what you can control—maintaining a healthy lifestyle, engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and scheduling regular screenings—remains the best defense against cancer. Empower yourself with knowledge and take steps to manage your health proactively.

By doing so, you’re not just reducing your risk—you’re also fostering a mindset that prioritizes well-being and resilience.

Consult Dr. Monika Pansari

Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist (Breast and GYN Oncology):

M.B.B.S., MS (General Surgery - Gold Medalist)

DNB (Surgical Oncology), FIAGES

Fellowship in Breast and Gynaec Oncology (USA)