1. Genetic mutation is what leads to the mechanism of natural selection, and thu

Question

1. Genetic mutation is what leads to the mechanism of natural selection, and thus contributes directly to evolution, a necessary and useful process. The crossing over and randomization at fertilization also increases variation. Without the variation that results from mutations, natural selection would not occur, thus proving that genetic mutations are beneficial and crucial for life. However, cancer is a disease caused by mutation. Does this mean that cancer is inescapable for all humans if we simply live long enough?

2. We will be discussing mutation, natural selection, and cancer. We covered crossing over during our review of meiosis and how this process contributes to genetic diversity; mutations result in variation. These mutations can be considered beneficial or detrimental, which is something we have also covered. If cancer results from these genetic mutations, is the development of this disease inevitable? Are we able to detect and avoid this disease, or will it occur regardless?

Explanation / Answer

First of all both the questions are related to each and the answers could be given simply by yes or no.

1. Answer is cancer is not inescapable for all humans and with better approach towards it one can simply live longer.

2. Answer is Yes, one could check the development of cancer on early detection and in some cases even after later stage detection with proper therapy and medication.

However to better explain the query,

With respect to Query 1:

There are many factors which may cause cancer related gene mutation such as radiation, smoking, viruses, carcinogenic chemicals, hormones, and other factors, however the most prevalent precursor to cancer are aging, exposure to radiation or even sun, chemical and other carcinogens in minute or excess, viruses and bacteria, family history, inactivity. Usually general consideration is that people inherit genetic changes that cause cancer, however during lifetime there are some other factors which may cause an error that promote cells to divide or may be due to DNA damage caused by environmental factors.

So in present query the presumption that cancer is caused by mutation and is inescapable for all humans if we simply live long enough is improper or incorrect. As in ancient times people used to much longer life which in present day scenario is reduced almost to half, the main reason may be attributed to environmental factors and the habits of human being i.e., sedentary lifestyle, excess exposure to drugs and chemicals, exposure to pollutants and all.

So in order to prevent cancer and live longer in cases other than genetic mutation is simply to lead a healthy life by avoiding excess drug intake, trying the natural remedies to treat diseases and keeping a healthy life style, including food habits which include more green leafy vegetables and less process foods.

Therefore the mutation caused by physical factors like environment, food, chemical and drugs are certainly escapable in order to simply live a long and healthy life.

Now with respect to genetic mutation the best way to leave longer is to check the cancer by taking precautions, like early diagnosis, if there is genetic deposition of mutant genes in family than simply check yourself periodically for any genetic mutation that may be inherited, and on diagnosis follow proper treatment, as medical science has evolved a lot and early detection will definitely lead to a better healthy and lengthier life.

With respect to Query 2:

Answer to this query is same is query 1, however specifically, yes cancer results from genetic mutations however the development of this disease can be prevented or can be avoided by simply taking precautions.

So assuming mutation is non natural that is cause by environmental factors like, pollutants, chemical, carcinogens or sedentary lifestyle then it can be prevented by simply avoiding these factors i.e., by doing proper exercise and following a healthy life style, avoiding unnecessary popping of pills, avoiding pollution by simply wearing masks or preventing outdoor exposure during wee hours of the day, avoiding carcinogenic chemicals in processed foods or marketed products. Simply following natural and herbal diet good food habits can simply prevent the development of mutation and hence cancer.

Whereas if mutation is natural occurring to offspring or is completely hereditary, than early diagnosis and detection can prevent the prudence of cancer by proper treatment and medication. Also there are many cancer causing genes in body and they may remain inactive throughout a person life time, or may become active and result in cancer so its best to detect using cancer markers or other diagnostic approach and proceed for a treatment approach well in advance to avoid these disease. As it is well know that prevention is better than cure, so if you are good enough to know that there is a family history of cancer or related disease it is better to get regularly checked for the same as treatment can simply cause check to the growth of cancer causing cells and increase the life expectancy irrespective of the cause.

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