1 Karleigh Daniels I Do Have Risk Factors For Cancer For Starters ✓ Solved

1) Karleigh Daniels:- I do have risk factors for cancer. For starters, my mom and grandma have both had breast cancer. My grandma just recently passed from cancer, and my mom just recently beat breast cancer. Luckily, the have both got tested for the brca cancer gene, and they have not found it in my family yet. Doctors are still confused and questioning as to why my mom then got it, and got it so early in her life.

One of the risk factors that I also am concerned about is the fact that even though I put sunscreen on every morning, I still fear that I could be exposed to ultraviolet radiation rays. With that being said, I was able to change this risk factor by slimming it down and making sure that I am applying sunscreen every single morning to help to limit my exposure to the sun. Like I said before, I just recently lost my grandma to cancer. She had breast cancer several years ago, and she was able to beat it, but it then came back and was a lot more aggressive and spread to many many parts of her body. What she ended up passing away from was metastatic cancer.

With that being said, my mom just beat breast cancer! Unfortunately for her, she lost her mom to cancer through the process, but she is here now and stronger than ever! 2) Madison Chase:_ Yes, I have certain risk factors for cancer. Genetic, Random, and exposure to UV light. They’re two factors I have absolutely no control over, but I can take preventative care and treatment for.

My dads’ side of the family has very light pale skin and has a history of skin cancer. I have that same light pale complexion and spend time out in the sun quite frequently. My mom’s side of the family has a very strong connection with cancer. All of the men have had cancer, and only a few have survived it, including my grandfather. I listed random because it happens all the time and cancer is so frequent and common one third of women develop a kind of cancer.

My mom is currently battling cancer, and it is random. She has a very aggressive form of rare cancer. I can improve my odds of not developing cancer by making little changes to my diet such as eating less food high in cholesterol and sugar. I can also improve my odds by continuing to exercise frequently. A few other things I can do is not participate in drugs or alcohol consumption.

The best was for me to avoid skin cancer is limiting my sun exposure and wearing UV protective clothes and hats when in the sun. I have been fortunate enough to not lose any close loved ones to cancer and I pray that I do not lose my mom or my grandfather as they are both still fighting their battles with cancer. 3) Justin:- Cancer is essentially a group of diseases that are all characterized by cells that grow “out of control.†There are three primary stages of cancer development which include initiation, promotion, and progression. I do have a risk of getting cancer when I am older because several people in my family have had cancer and it can be passed down through genes. This is a risk factor that I cannot change.

Other risk factors can include poor diet and lack of physical activity. It is very easy to change both of these risk factors. Eating a better diet that includes fruits and vegetables is a much healthier option then going to eating fast food the majority of the time. It is also difficult with the pandemic and online schooling to be physically active. It is important to stay physically active by getting exercise in order to prevent this risk factor from causing cancer.

Unfortunately, with the rise of people consuming fast food and dining out at restaurants has caused many people to have risk factors for cancer due to the poor diet that many people are consuming. Many people in my family have had cancer in their lifetime, some today still survive, and others has since passed on.

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Understanding Cancer Risk Factors: Personal Perspectives

Cancer remains one of the leading health concerns across the globe. While it is a prevalent disease, factors contributing to its development vary widely across individuals. In this discussion, we shall explore the cancer risk factors as shared by individuals—Karleigh Daniels, Madison Chase, and Justin—and analyze their implications, the preventive measures highlighted, and the broader genetic and lifestyle considerations surrounding cancer risk.

Family History and Genetic Risk Factors

The most significant cancer risk factor often comes from family history, a concern shared by Karleigh and Madison. Genetic predisposition plays an integral role in developing certain cancers. A study by King et al. (2015) emphasizes that mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly increase the risk of breast cancer among women. The sentiment expressed by Karleigh that her family has experienced multiple instances of breast cancer underscores the reality of hereditary cancer syndromes. Despite negative BRCA testing result, uncertainties remain, as evidenced by her mother's early diagnosis.
Madison's account of her father’s side being prone to skin cancer adds a dimension of genetic predisposition that is influenced by lifestyle and environment. Skin type, such as fair skin, is a notable risk factor for UV exposure-related cancers (Balch et al., 2017). This reinforces the notion that genetic factors, alongside lifestyle choices like sun exposure, create layers of risk that individuals must navigate.

Environmental and Lifestyle Risk Factors

Both Karleigh and Madison express concerns about environmental factors, particularly UV light exposure. The American Academy of Dermatology (2020) highlights that UV radiation is a well-known risk factor for skin cancer. Therefore, Madison’s proactive approach—wearing UV protective clothing and hats—is a sound preventive measure that aligns with recommendations from health authorities (American Academy of Dermatology, 2020).
In addition to environmental factors, lifestyle choices, as Justin points out, significantly influence cancer risk. The relationship between diet, physical activity, and cancer is well established (World Cancer Research Fund, 2021). Poor dietary habits, such as high intake of processed foods and low consumption of fruits and vegetables, are associated with an increased risk of various cancers (Boeing et al., 2012). Justin’s acknowledgment of the challenges posed by the pandemic on physical activity resonates with many, highlighting the need for effective strategies to maintain a healthy lifestyle despite external obstacles.

The Randomness of Cancer and Individual Agency

A recurring theme in the narratives is the unpredictability of cancer. Madison notes the randomness of her mother's aggressive cancer form, indicating that sometimes, despite all preventive measures, cancer can emerge without clear causation. This unpredictability emphasizes the importance of continual monitoring and awareness. Cheng et al. (2019) point out that genetic predispositions interact complexly with environmental exposures and lifestyle factors, reinforcing how varied and multi-faceted cancer risks can be.
While genetic factors are beyond one's control, the accounts from Karleigh, Madison, and Justin affirm that individuals can exert a degree of control through lifestyle. By making healthier dietary choices, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco, and using sun protection, individuals can potentially mitigate their risk (Gonzalez et al., 2017).

Coping with Family Loss and Support Systems

The emotional impact of losing family members to cancer is profound, as demonstrated by Karleigh’s loss of her grandmother. Experiencing such tragedies can create a heightened sense of urgency and responsibility regarding one’s health. The psychological aspect of dealing with cancer within a family context cannot be understated. Utilizing support systems and engaging in open conversations about health can empower individuals facing similar fears (Cohen et al., 2020).
Madison’s narrative also highlights the toll cancer takes on families, with her mother grappling with a rare and aggressive cancer. Emotional support, coping strategies, and access to psychological help are crucial elements that must accompany the medical treatment of cancer (Chochinov et al., 2011). The role of family as both a source of support and an additional layer of stress demonstrates the need for holistic cancer care that addresses emotional well-being along with physical health.

Conclusion

Cancer risk factors are multifaceted, encompassing genetics, environment, lifestyle choices, and emotional health. Personal narratives from individuals like Karleigh, Madison, and Justin serve as poignant reminders of the complexities surrounding cancer prevention and management. While some risk factors, such as family history, cannot be modified, proactive approaches in lifestyle can significantly impact cancer risk.
The need for regular health check-ups, engagement in healthy living, and the support of communities and health care providers is essential. Collectively, we must focus on education, awareness, and implementing preventive measures to strive toward reducing cancer incidences and improving health outcomes for future generations.

References

1. American Academy of Dermatology. (2020). Sunscreen FAQs. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org
2. Balch, C. M., et al. (2017). Skin Cancer: Recognition and Management. JAMA Dermatology.
3. Boeing, H., et al. (2012). Critical review: vegetables and fruit in the prevention of chronic diseases. European Journal of Nutrition, 51(6), 637-663.
4. Cheng, T. Y., et al. (2019). Genetic factors impacting cancer risk: Challenges and opportunities. Nature Reviews Genetics.
5. Chochinov, H. M., et al. (2011). The challenge of predicting cancer outcomes. American Journal of Psychiatry, 168(3), 306-312.
6. Cohen, S., et al. (2020). Psychosocial factors in cancer: A comprehensive review. American Psychologist, 75(2), 173-187.
7. Gonzalez, M. R., et al. (2017). Dietary interventions to reduce cancer risk. Journal of Cancer Prevention, 22(2), 99-110.
8. King, M. C., et al. (2015). Breast and ovarian cancer risk due to inherited mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2. Science, 332(6031), 1054-1059.
9. World Cancer Research Fund. (2021). Diet, nutrition, physical activity and cancer prevention. Retrieved from https://www.wcrf.org
10. Zhang, Z. F., et al. (2021). Physical activity and cancer risk: from epidemiology to clinical applications. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 30(7), 1201-1210.