BLOG 545 CAUSES OF CANCER

BLOG 545 CAUSES OF CANCER

Cancer. It's a word that carries weight because it’s a diagnosis that affects millions of lives. But what actually causes cancer? While cancer is a complex disease with many contributing factors, understanding its root causes is one of the most powerful tools we have in prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Having some background knowledge about what cancer actually is can help with understanding. Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. These cells can form tumors, invade surrounding tissues, and sometimes spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Normally, the body has checks and balances to keep cell growth in line. But when something goes wrong in that system, cancer can develop.

One of the primary causes of cancer is damage to DNA, the genetic code that tells cells how to function. These mutations can happen for several reasons. Some people are born with genetic mutations that increase their cancer risk (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2 for breast and ovarian cancer). Most cancers are caused by mutations that accumulate over a person’s lifetime, often due to environmental or lifestyle factors. Examples would be smoking, for instance, causes mutations in lung cells, increasing the risk of lung cancer over time.

Certain habits and choices are well known to increase cancer risk. These include tobacco use which is the leading preventable cause of cancer, linked to lung, throat, mouth, bladder, and many other cancers. Poor diet and obesity compounded with processed foods, excessive red meat, and high sugar intake are associated with several cancer types. Lack of physical activity contributes to weight gain and hormone imbalances that may trigger cancer growth. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancers of the liver, breast, esophagus, and more.

We live in a world filled with chemicals and substances that can be carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Examples include air pollution like diesel exhaust, asbestos, and radiation.

Some viruses, bacteria, and parasites are linked to specific cancers. These include Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which is linked to cervical, throat, and other cancers. Hepatitis B and C can lead to liver cancer. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is associated with stomach cancer. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is linked to certain lymphomas and nasopharyngeal cancer.

The risk of cancer increases as we age because we've had more time for mutations to accumulate in our cells. Hormonal factors can also play a role, especially in breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. For example, estrogen exposure is a known risk factor for breast cancer, particularly in people with early menstruation, late menopause, or hormone replacement therapy use.

People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for certain cancers. That’s because the immune system normally helps detect and destroy abnormal cells before they grow uncontrollably. While not all cancers can be prevented, understanding the causes helps empower us to make informed decisions and reduce our risk wherever possible. Cancer doesn’t happen overnight, and sometimes it strikes without clear cause. But knowledge is powerful and small choices made daily can have a big impact over time.