The Roots of Cancer: Know Its Causes and Risk Factor

Understanding Cancer

Today, everyone is talking about rising cancer cases. Whether they smoke or not, others are equally at risk of having cancer. But when it comes to defeating it, cancer becomes unbeatable. It's critical to understand how cancer develops as a way to understand it better. By knowing the root cause, it becomes quite easy to fight the battle against it. Despite how simple it may seem, it is not. Even scientists are behind this question: How does cancer occur. Many theories and research have been done, but there is still no exact root cause for the occurrence of cancer. But still, science has solved this by indicating some circumstances that may be a cause or risk factor for cancer. Let's discuss them briefly.

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Major Causes and Risk Factors

1. Age: The older you get, the risk of getting cancer increases. Our body is capable of repairing the damage within cells, but as we age, this ability reduces with time. If the damage in cell buildup, it can grow out of control and develop into cancer. This is also because how longer we live, the more we become prone to genetic mutation and exposure to different factors that may elevate the risk of having cancer.

2. Family History: If you have a strain carrier in your family, your chances of getting cancer are increased. The risk of getting cancer may be increased by a family history of the disease. A mutation in the genetic line is transferred from one generation to another generation, not a cancer itself. Inherited mutations like BRCA1 OR BRCA2 indicate the risk of cancer, like breast and ovarian cancer (If multiple family members are affected).
Those who are genetically linked with Lynch syndrome are at a higher risk of getting cancer. The body's capacity to repair damaged DNA may be weakened by certain genetic alterations. These mutations lead to a significantly increased risk of certain cancers. It further causes uncontrolled cell growth and tumor development.

3. Infections: There are various infections that lead to different cancers. When an infection stays in the body for a long time, it can cause inflammation in the body. This damage and inflammation of tissue raises the risk of a mutation that leads to cancer. Several pathogens are linked to developing cancer.

The chronic infections that lead to the generation of cancer are listed below:
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) – Linked to cervical, anal, and throat cancers.
• Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) – Associated with liver cancer due to chronic liver inflammation.
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) – A bacterial infection of the stomach lining that can lead to gastric cancer and MALT lymphoma.
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) – Hodgkin lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and some stomach cancers.
• Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) – Linked to adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma

4. Smoking and Alcohol Consumption:
It is estimated that tobacco is responsible for approximately 92% of lung cancer cases in men and 62% in women. Tobacco smoking is not only harmful to those who are taking it, but also to those who are not taking it. The smoke is that harmful, it can damage your lungs badly, even if you are inhaling it indirectly. Smoke invades millions of harmful carcinogens in the body. These substances harm DNA and result in uncontrolled proliferation of cells. Smoking is associated with certain cancers, including Lung cancer, Mouth, throat, Bladder, and pancreatic cancers.
During alcohol consumption, toxic byproducts of alcohol metabolism damage DNA and inhibit its repair mechanisms. Additionally, alcohol raises estrogen levels in women, which may increase their risk of developing breast cancer. Alcohol use has been linked to colorectal, breast, and liver cancers.

5. Environmental Factors: Environmental factors play a significant role in causing cancer. According to research, these factors contribute to 80% to 90% of all cases. These factors also include lifestyle changes and stress that contribute a lot to cancer. Some of the environmental factors and their associated cancers are listed below:
• Tobacco: Tobacco is a highly toxic carcinogen that leads to lung cancer.
• Radiation: Direct exposure and radiation (UV, radon) from the sun is a major cause of skin and lung cancer.
• Chemical exposure: Harmful chemicals, like Asbestos exposure lead to Mesothelioma.
• Air pollution: Exposure to particulate matter from polluted air may enter our lungs via inhalation and cause lung cancer.
• Mining: Ore mining exposes various carcinogens that are present in mine environments, such as crystalline silica, asbestos, and radon. Their continued exposure in the body elevates the risk of certain cancers such as lung cancer, prostate, colon, bladder, leukemia, and stomach cancer.
• Polluted water: Water from industrial processing is full of harmful chemicals and carcinogens like arsenic, nitrates, and disinfection byproducts. Intake of such polluted water is associated with skin, kidney, colorectal, and bladder cancer.

6. Carcinogenic Chemicals: Carcinogenic chemicals are toxins responsible for causing cancer. They harm or alter DNA in ways that are undesired. Mutations brought on by this damage may turn healthy cells into cancerous ones.
Some carcinogens with associated cancers are listed below:
• Radon from radioactive decay in the environment leads to lung cancer.
• Tobacco Smoke causes lung, throat, mouth, larynx, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, kidney, cervix, stomach, and acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
• Asbestos is a fiber usually found in construction materials and automotive parts and is a major cause of Mesothelioma, lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, and ovarian cancer.
• Arsenic is extracted from industrial processes and some medical treatments and contaminates drinking water. Cancers of the liver, lungs, bladder, and skin may result from it.
• The primary applications for formaldehyde are in textiles, furniture, and building supplies. Its undesirable exposure to the body causes nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia.

How to Prevent Cancer

One long-term method of avoiding cancer is prevention. It is estimated that approximately 30–50% of all cancer cases are preventable. It needs some changes in lifestyle and routines, and you will be free away from the risk of having cancer. Some of the ways to prevent cancer are discussed here:
• Get proper screening
• Maintain healthy weight
• Avoid eating packaged food
• Protect the body from UV exposure
• Get timely vaccination for infection
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
• Perform regular exercise and physical activity
• Consultation from a genetic counselor (if there is a family history of cancer)

Also Read - The Role of Anticancer Drugs in Chemotherapy

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q-What is the exact Cause of the Cancer?
The exact cause of cancer is still unknown. However, various factors may be a risk factor for the occurrence of cancer.
Q-Is it possible to Cure Cancer?
Yes, by screening and proper diagnosis, cancer can be detected early. Then, it can be cured, possibly. Still, after treatment, it is advised to follow screening tests to prevent its reoccurrence.
Q-What role does Screening play in Cancer Treatment?
Early and timely screening of cancer led the detection at pre-stages. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment. In such a way, timely screening will help to get rid of cancer completely and improve & prolong their lives.
Q-Are all Cancers inherited?
No, not all types of cancer are inherited. According to research, it is estimated that only 5–10% of cancers are linked to inherited genetic mutations. Other cancer are caused due to environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and mutations over time.
Q-How can we remove Carcinogens from our bodies?
We can detoxify our body from carcinogens by using various means like proper diet, fasting, or physical activity.

Conclusion

Cancer is not only a disease, it is a phase that patients have to undergo. So it becomes important to deal with it strongly. We suggest if you have cancer in your bloodline, try for yearly cancer screening. In such a way, it will be possible to prevent it before occurring. There is no exact cause of cancer, but still cases are rising daily. Definitely, there is something we are missing out on. You never know what factor can be the cause. However, modern treatment has prolonged the lives of patients, and current ongoing research offers new hope and improved results when it comes to battling cancer. Magicine Pharma is a light of hope for cancer patients. It is an online pharmacy that offers a wide range of anticancer medicines worldwide. We also provide expert talks and counseling. We believe in the power of science, not in magic. So, just screen yourself on time and believe in the power of healing and science.

Reference:

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10886681/#:~:text=Infections%20are%20responsible%20for%20approximately,eradicate%20these%20infections%20%5B7%5D.
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/smoking-and-cancer/how-does-smoking-cause-cancer
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3521879/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6527045/#:~:text=In%20an%20Italian%20study%2C%20about%2025%20percent,attributable%20to%20smoking%20(Tavani%20et%20al%201994).&text=Approximately%2080%20percent%20of%20oral%20and%20pharyngeal,alcohol%20and%20tobacco%20use%20(Blot%20et%20al.
https://www.who.int/activities/preventing-cancer