The Big C
The Chinese in Malaysia are also more susceptible to Cancer as compared to the Malay and Indian race. Cancer risk also increases with age. It is projected that 10% of those age > 60 years will have cancer in Malaysia (based on an overview by researchers back in 2002).
Eventhough I do not have the most recent data, from my observation, if you live past 60 and is a Chinese, you are at risk of getting some form of cancer......females would be breasts and cervical and men, it can be lung and colon. Your risks can also double if you live till 80. Therefore, it came as a no-brainer when a population ages, the cancer stats will rise in tandem.
Prognosis is normally good if cancer of the breasts and cervical are detected early via mammography and pap smear, but detection is harder for internal organs such as pancrease, liver and lung which can be attributed to high costs for such cancer screenings here in Malaysia, ignorance and the fear of finding out such dreaded news.
Genes, environmental factors, food and lifestyle also affect your risk of cancer. It is understandably why a diet rich in antioxidants such as the beta-carotene (a pro-vitamin A commonly found in yellow to orange fruits), vitamin C, vitamin E (the old school vitamins) and others such as quercetin, lycopene and other plant flavonoids is recommended. Environmental factors such as pollution, chemical and toxic waste from industrial output and agriculture may also play a role in cancer development.
Common lifestyle that the 20's - 30's enjoy such as drinking and smoking could also lead to cancer (esp smoking and the high incidence of lung cancer).
So?.....since you can't change your race, then choose not to live past 80!!. It does look like a double-edge sword. You live longer, you'll end up with cancer (and it is a painful way to die) . But then again, who wants to have a short life?...sigh.....So it is best to try to eat better, exercise regularly and butt off cigarette smoking. Drinking should not be in excess and if you do drink, go for red wine instead (1 glass a day).
