Cancer occurs more frequently as we get older. Damage to our genes and cells are more likely as we age and our immune system is not as effective at spotting these errors, so they go unchecked, allowing cancerous cells to take hold. Another reason is that exposure to certain cancer causing substances builds up over a lifetime. Certain cancers can run in families such as breast cancer and for several there is an environmental component, such as exposure to asbestos can cause certain lung cancers and UV light skin cancer. Our lifestyles can have a big impact – we are probably all familiar with the link between smoking and lunch cancer, but excess alcohol, not eating a balanced diet, being overweight and not taking sufficient exercise can all increase our risk of various cancers – but it can take many years for these to take effect.
Treatment depends on the type of cancer and whether it has spread, but usually includes one or a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery.