Cancer Causes and Risk Factors

Cancer refers to numerous diseases that vary in complexity and affect numerous areas of the body. It develops as a result of abnormal cell growth and destroys healthy tissue within the body. Several risk factors and causes of cancer have been identified which may help to reduce the risk of developing the disease. Find out more about the causes and risk factors associated with this disease.

Gene Mutations

Mutations or changes within the DNA of a cell are the primary cause of cancer. A cell's DNA is responsible for determining how the cell divides and grows. When there is an error that negatively affects this normal process, cells become cancerous. These types of gene mutations can cause a cell to grow rapidly and causes genes to miss DNA errors.

Tobacco

It has been estimated that smoking accounts for 30 percent of all cancer deaths. Tobacco smoke contains numerous harmful chemicals and additives, including tar, formaldehyde, benzene, arsenic and ammonia. It is these types of substances that damage DNA and cause changes to genes, resulting in rapid cell growth that is out of control. These dangerous chemicals enter the body through inhalation of tobacco smoke and affect both smokers and non-smokers.

Genetics

Heredity influences the risk of this disease as a result of a gene mutation that has been passed down from a parent to a child. Although not every person who inherits a cancerous gene mutation will develop the disease, it certainly increases their risk.

Alcohol

Excessive alcohol use significantly raises the risk of cancers of the breast, liver, esophagus, throat and mouth. While it is not clear what role alcohol plays in the development of this disease, it is believed that alcohol acts as an irritant to tissues within the mouth and throat, which can cause changes in DNA. Alcohol can also reduce the ability of the body to absorb folate and causes an increase in estrogen levels.

Sun Exposure

Excessive sun exposure on skin that is unprotected causes changes to the skin. It is the abnormal growth of skin cells that encourages the growth of tumors, which may be precancerous, cancerous or benign. Frequent exposure to ultraviolet light, obtained through natural sunlight or tanning beds increases the risk of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Being Overweight

Researchers have shown that there is a link between cancer and being overweight. The bodies of overweight individuals produce increased amounts of insulin and estrogen, which are two hormones that have been implicated in the growth of cancer cells.

The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).

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