Perspective, J Clin Exp Oncol Vol: 13 Issue: 6

Assessing Cancer Epidemiology, Mechanisms and their Global Effects

Mazhad Erminew^*

¹Department of Epidemiology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

*Corresponding Author: Mazhad Erminew,
Department of Epidemiology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
E-mail: mazhaderminew@ums.ir

Received date: 27 November, 2024, Manuscript No. JCEOG-24-156850;

Editor assigned date: 29 November, 2024, PreQC No. JCEOG-24-156850 (PQ);

Reviewed date: 13 December, 2024, QC No. JCEOG-24-156850;

Revised date: 20 December, 2024, Manuscript No. JCEOG-24-156850 (R);

Published date: 27 December, 2024, DOI: 10.4172/2324-9110.1000440.

Citation: Erminew M (2024) Assessing Cancer Epidemiology, Mechanisms and their Global Effects. J Clin Exp Oncol 13:6.

Description

Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, providing significant issues to public health systems. Understanding its epidemiology, underlying mechanisms and the farreaching effects is important to developing effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies. Cancer epidemiology involves studying the distribution, determinants and frequency of cancer in populations. This field provides vital information into how lifestyle, environment, genetics and other factors contribute to cancer development. Cancer incidence and mortality rates vary widely across the globe. According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases and 10 million deaths occurred in 2020. Lung, breast, colorectal, prostate and stomach cancers account for the majority of cases, with regional variations are caused by socioeconomic factors, healthcare access and cultural practices.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet and physical inactivity are among the leading modifiable risk factors. Environmental exposures, including air pollution, ultraviolet radiation and occupational hazards, also play significant roles. For example, tobacco use is the primary cause of lung cancer, while Ultra- Violet (UV) exposure is a major risk for melanoma. While many cancers are linked to external factors, genetic predisposition can significantly increase individual risk. Mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 are strongly associated with breast and ovarian cancers. Furthermore, infections like Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B and C viruses contribute to cervical and liver cancers respectively.

Cancer arises from the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells, resulting from complex interactions between genetic mutations and environmental influences. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for developing targeted therapies. Cancer begins with genetic alterations that disrupt normal cellular processes. These mutations can be inherited or acquired through environmental exposure. Mutated or overactive genes that drive cell division. Genes that prevent uncontrolled cell growth, such as TP53, often inactivated in cancer. Mutations in these genes, like BRCA1 and BRCA2 impair the ability to correct DNA damage. Cancer cells exploit various pathways to sustain growth and avoid normal regulatory mechanisms. For example, cancer cells stimulate blood vessel formation to secure oxygen and nutrients. Tumors develop strategies to prevent immune surveillance, allowing them to grow unchecked.

Cancer cells migrate to distant organs, a sign of advanced disease and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, can activate or silence genes without changing the underlying DNA sequence. These changes often occur early in cancer development and are reversible, providing potential targets for therapy. The impact of cancer extends far beyond individual patients, affecting families, communities, economies and healthcare systems worldwide. The impact of cancer on healthcare systems is significant. The cost of cancer care including diagnosis, treatment and palliative care continues to rise, particularly in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) where resources are limited. Disparities in access to care further increase outcomes, with poorer survival rates in LMICs compared to high-income countries.

Conclusion

Cancer epidemiology provides essential information into the advancements and causes of this complex disease, while understanding its mechanisms provides pathways for targeted treatment. The global effects of cancer promote the important of coordinated efforts in prevention, early detection and access to care. A thorough approach is needed to solve the many issues surrounding cancer that spans studies, healthcare policy and public awareness to reduce its burden and improve outcomes for individuals and communities worldwide.