Causes of Cancer
Genetic mutations and environmental factors that interfere with normal cell growth and division are the two main causes of cancer. Uncontrolled proliferation of cells is the result of these abnormalities.
a. Genetic Factors: Inherited mutations are one of the main genetic elements that contribute to the development of cancer. While TP53 mutations are connected to Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a disorder linked to a number of cancers, BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, which are passed down from parents to their children, dramatically increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. A family history of cancer can also increase a person's risk because families share genetic predispositions.
b. Environmental and Life Style Factors: The risk of cancer is greatly influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors. Because tobacco contains dangerous compounds like benzene, it is a major cause of lung, oral, throat, and other cancers. Particularly when mixed with tobacco, alcohol raises the risk of malignancies of the mouth, throat, liver, and breast. Cancers including breast, colon, and prostate are associated with unhealthy diets, such as those that are heavy in fat or poor in fiber, and with the use of processed or red meats. Because obesity causes inflammation and hormones that encourage the formation of tumors, it raises the risk of cancer. Because it contributes to obesity and associated malignancies, physical inactivity increases the risk even more.
c. Radiation Exposure: One important risk factor for cancer is radiation exposure. One of the main causes of skin malignancies, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, is ultraviolet (UV) exposure from sunshine or tanning beds. Cancers like leukemia, thyroid, and breast cancer are associated with ionizing radiation, which can be obtained through X-rays, gamma rays, or contact with radioactive materials. The chance of getting cancer is significantly increased by prolonged or intense exposure, such as that which occurs following nuclear accidents.
d. Harmonal Factors: As hormones like estrogen and testosterone encourage cell division, which can result in abnormal cell growth, hormonal factors can affect the risk of cancer. For instance, long-term usage of hormone replacement therapy has been linked to a higher risk of uterine and breast malignancies, highlighting the part that hormonal imbalances or extended exposure play in the development of cancer.
