Which organs in the human body are prone to cancer

Which organs in the human body are most susceptible to cancer? What are their characteristics that are easily overlooked? This newspaper specially invited Xu Zhijian, director of the Cancer Prevention Department of the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Song Qibin, director of the Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Center of the People's Hospital of Wuhan University, Li Zhong, secretary-general of the Cancer Branch of the Chinese Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and chief physician of the Hematology and Oncology Department of Beijing Dongzhimen Hospital, and many other experts to interpret them one by one.

Lungs: Cancer that can be contracted by both smokers and non-smokers

If you think that only smoking can cause lung cancer, you are wrong. As the most common malignant tumor, its incidence is widespread and its harm is unimaginable. Men, women, young and old may be "hit", and once discovered, it is often in the late stage. The lungs are an open organ and a "window" for communication between the human body and nature. All harmful substances in nature will first come into close contact with it. Therefore, staying away from tobacco, ventilating the house regularly, wearing a mask when going out, driving less, reducing exposure to kitchen fumes, and using environmentally friendly decoration materials can all keep lung cancer out of your home as soon as possible.

Liver: Cancer caused by drinking

Unlike other cancer "brothers", primary liver cancer rarely occurs. It is almost always caused by infection with hepatitis B or C virus, and long-term alcoholism leading to cirrhosis. A survey shows that nearly 40% of patients develop the disease due to alcoholism, so it is no exaggeration to say that liver cancer is caused by "drinking". The "aflatoxin" released from rotten grains and beans is also a cause of the disease. The key to preventing liver cancer is to control hepatitis B and limit alcohol consumption. In addition, the World Health Organization stated that eating more dairy products can reduce the incidence of liver cancer by 78%; eating fresh fruits every day can also reduce the risk of cancer by 52%.

Stomach: The cancer that is most afraid of is the lack of "time concept"

Going hungry one meal and full the next; having irregular meals; liking hot food; liking smoked, grilled, heavily-flavored, and pickled food; smoking and lack of sleep... If you have these habits, your chances of getting stomach cancer may be several times higher than that of an average person. The stomach is an organ that is accustomed to following a "schedule". Unhealthy and irregular living habits will provide a "good" soil for the development of gastric cancer. Studies have shown that Helicobacter pylori is also an important cause of gastric cancer, and it most often appears at the "shared dining" parties that people are overwhelmed with. Early gastric cancer is very hidden, so it is often confused with gastritis and peptic ulcer. Therefore, most gastric cancer patients are diagnosed in the middle or late stage.

Breast: Cancer that can be detected by yourself

"Breast cancer" can be said to be the cancer with the most feminine characteristics, and in recent years it has jumped to the top of the list of female cancers. There are many causes of this disease, among which women who have early menstruation, late menopause, late marriage and childbearing, obesity, a taste for high-fat and high-protein foods, and long-term use of estrogen are more at risk. Moreover, the patients are gradually getting younger, which is also related to the abuse of cosmetics, excessive use of health products, and excessive mental stress. Although breast cancer is threatening and difficult to cure, its natural course is usually long, so the best way to reduce mortality is early detection and early treatment. In the early stages, you can observe and touch to see if there are obvious asymmetries or irregular lumps in the breasts.

Kidney: Cancer that favors boys over girls

Since ancient times, the waist and kidneys have been inseparable. Perhaps few people know that low back pain is also a major sign of kidney cancer. By the time other signs of kidney cancer appear, such as hematuria or abdominal masses, it is often too late. Kidney cancer can occur at any age in adulthood and is more common in boys than girls. Studies have shown that the incidence rate in men is 2-3 times that in women. This may be related to the different physiological characteristics of men and women, the high pressure on men in modern society, the "rough" diet, and the more common smoking. Kidney cancer is often hidden, so people over 40 should have a kidney ultrasound every year.

Large intestine: cancer that is “blocked”

The intestines are the "gas station" and "sewer" of the human body. The food we eat is broken down and absorbed here, and the remaining residues are excreted from the body. If blockage occurs, stool will remain inside for a long time. Various toxins in the stool will be repeatedly absorbed by the intestines and irritate the intestinal wall, which may lead to cancer. People who are often constipated or have difficulty defecating may develop colon cancer, and their chances of developing the disease are several times higher than normal people. Blood in the stool is one of its early symptoms, but most people's first reaction is that it may be hemorrhoids, and self-misdiagnosis thus covers up the danger signals. The important thing to fight against colorectal cancer is to avoid eating high-fat, high-calorie foods for a long time, and eat more fiber-rich foods to keep the "sewer" unobstructed; if there are intestinal polyps, they should be removed as soon as possible.

Esophagus: Cancer that is eaten while it's hot

"Eat while hot" and "Drink while hot" are often heard at Chinese dinner tables, but in fact, they lay the hidden dangers of esophageal cancer. The esophageal mucosa is very fragile. Boiling water and overheated food can burn the esophageal mucosa, causing oral mucositis, esophagitis, etc. Over time, cancer may occur. In addition, people in many areas like to eat sauerkraut. Studies have shown that nitrosamines in sauerkraut are also an important cause of esophageal cancer. Therefore, do not eat moldy food, eat less or no sauerkraut, eat less hot food, do not eat too fast, and limit alcohol consumption to reduce irritation to the esophageal mucosa.

Pancreas: the most difficult cancer to treat

Although the pancreas located in the lower left abdomen is only two or three centimeters wide, it is the largest lymphatic organ in the human body. Therefore, pancreatic cancer is the most difficult to treat and is known as the "king of cancer." Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple, was diagnosed with this cancer. The pancreas is rich in blood vessels and is closely adjacent to organs such as the liver, gallbladder, stomach, and intestines. As many as five or six organs may be affected, making early detection difficult. Surgery is also difficult and risky. Abdominal pain or upper abdominal fullness and discomfort are the first symptoms. If you experience repeated "stomach pain" or even back pain, you should quickly have a blood test. Eating too much and loving sweets are catalysts for pancreatic diseases.

Lymph nodes: the most widespread cancer

In the human body, except for very few organs, lymphatic tissue is present throughout the body, so the location of lymphoma is the most widespread, and it often occurs in the neck at first. Some people believe that when people are between 20 and 40 years old, their lymphatic system is in an active state, so most of the people who get sick are young and middle-aged people. But in fact, lymphoma can occur at any age, and no one from children to the elderly is "immune". Lymphoma is a curable cancer. Its early symptoms are similar to those of a cold. After each shower, you can check your entire body in front of a mirror, focusing on the neck, armpits, groin and other parts to see if there is any unexplained enlargement of the lymph nodes.

Bladder: Cancer caused by “holding back”

When you feel the urge to urinate, you always hold it in until you can't hold it any longer before going to the toilet. If you develop this bad habit, you are likely to get bladder cancer. Moreover, once bladder cancer becomes present, it is often already in the middle or late stages when it is discovered. Don't underestimate the "power" of smoking. Studies have shown that various toxic substances in cigarettes can increase the concentration of carcinogens in urine. Many people have experienced intermittent hematuria, which disappears on its own after a short while and they ignore it. In fact, this is often a clear sign of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer mostly affects middle-aged and elderly people over 40 years old. Usually, you should drink more water to reduce irritation and damage to the bladder mucosa. Drinking yogurt every day can also reduce the incidence of bladder cancer.