Tag

For most people having cancer is a single experience and hopefully one that is overcome. The main reason for a cancer relapse is because an incomplete clearance of the cancer cells. Cancer cells that grow without limitation, so even if one cell survives then it can multiply and cause the cancer to recur. Relapse is either local or distant. The former occurs when cells appear in the same location; for example breast cancer reoccurring in the breast. The latter occurs when a relapse is a metastases; for example breast cancer appearing in the lung or liver. Cancer may reoccur in people who have continued exposure to adverse environmental risks such as smoking or people who may have a genetic predisposition to cancer. In both these settings where there is a continued underlying risk, then a cancer may reoccur or other cancers may develop.

Increasingly evidence suggests that lifestyles affect the risk of getting cancer. Many cancers are associated with lifestyles. A 2011 World Bank Report stressed the importance of controlling of tobacco use, harmful alcohol use, unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity, which all contribute to the cause cancer. Dealing with these four causes could substantially the human and economic burden that cancer imposes. The greatest impact would be made by the further extension of anti-tobacco measures. Michael Bloomberg, the mayor of New York City has overseen aggressive and effective measures to help reduce smoking and the consumption of unhealthy food and drink and to promote exercise.