What Causes Cancer

What Causes Cancer



Cancer is considered as the overgrowth of abnormal cells in the body, which generally go on to invade other tissues and organs within the body. This uncontrolled growth if left untreated may be deadly in most instances. There are more than 100 different types of cancers which may be categorized into 5 different sections including: carcinoma, sarcoma, leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma and central nervous system cancers. There are many factors that are said to induce the development of cancers. Although some persons are more at risk of developing cancer, it is believed that any human can develop the disease even if he or she does not seem to have any of the related risk factors. A few of these risk factors are displayed below.



Genetic Factor:

Having a genetic factor may play a great role in developing the disease. Usually a genetic link can be detected when 1's family history is scrutinized. Having 1 or more relatives with the disease heightens the probability that a human may develop the disease specifically with hereditary cancers prefer breast cancer which may occur because of a mutated gene. Some people with a family history of the disease decide to undergo genetic counselling and testing to deduce their own risk. If it is discovered that the person has a copy of a mutated gene associated with the development of the disease then he or she is at a significantly greater risk of developing the disease. However it is possible to have a genetic predisposition for developing cancer without actually being plagued by the disease at any point in 1's lifetime.


Tobacco:

Smoking is a very unhealthy habit that not only increases an individual's risk for cancer but also other diseases prefer hypertension and heart disease. Tobacco in cigarettes and cigars is comprised of at least 250 harmful chemicals that have been discovered to have carcinogenic properties or otherwise known as cancer causing agents. 87% of lung cancer patients are recognized smokers. Smoking also seems to increase the risk for other types of cancer which includes cancers of the mouth, the cervix, the throat, the pancreas, the larynx, the bladder and kidneys. It is recommended that quitting an addictive smoking habit can significantly lower the risk for the disease.

Environmental Factors:

There are an assorted set pollutants and other toxic substances that most individuals may come in contact with on a regular basis. The exhaust from cars and other vehicles have been discovered to contain certain carcinogenic elements prefer carbon monoxide and 1,3-butadiene that circulate in the air frequently. Along with other air pollutants, the air we breathe can then probably hold cancer triggering particles. There are worse chemicals that may be discovered in the environment including asbestos, which is said to cause mesothelioma and lung cancer. Exposure to asbestos over a period of time generally triggers these types of cancers. Another harmful chemical is benzene which has been proven to have cancer causing effects. There are still many other chemicals that are being studied to establish whether or not they may induce cancer. This type of research is in the process and needed as it helps keep the public aware.

Sun Exposure:

The harmful UV rays from the sun have been discovered to have the downside of promoting cancerous growths on the skin cells or epidermis and dermis. As a result it is advised that people wear sun protection in the form of a sun block with at least an SPF of 15 to reduce the penetration of UV rays into the outer layers of the skin. Studies have also implied that having as little as 1 intense case of sun burn in childhood can lengthen 1's overall risk of developing skin cancer.