Cancer is a disease that strikes fear in millions of people. In fact, cancer is not a single disease, but a group of more than a hundred diseases that affect the cells of the body. It is a natural process for the cells in our body to die and new ones to form as we age. But for some reason, cancer is a condition in which this control goes wrong, and old cells do not die, and new cells multiply uncontrollably, forming unnecessary lumps of flesh (tumors). Here are the 5 main reasons that disrupt this natural structure of cells:
DNA Mutations: The growth and function of cells is controlled by the DNA inside them. Due to damage to DNA (mutations), the correct messages given to the cells are disrupted. As a result, the cells grow continuously without dying and become cancer cells. Some people inherit these faulty genes from their parents (for example, the BRCA genes that cause breast cancer).
Smoking and substance use (Carcinogens): The most important and preventable cause of cancer is smoking. Cigarette smoke contains more than sixty deadly chemicals called carcinogens. These cause cancer by directly damaging the DNA of cells in the lungs, throat, mouth, and bladder. Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause liver and colon cancers.
Harmful radiation (Radiation): Prolonged exposure to strong ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight can damage skin cells and cause skin cancer (Skin Cancer/Melanoma). In addition, excessive exposure to ionizing radiation from X-rays and CT scans, and inhalation of radon gas can increase the risk of cancer.
Certain types of viruses and bacteria (Oncogenic Infections): Some chronic infections can cause changes in cells and lead to cancer. For example, human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer in women, hepatitis B and C viruses, which cause liver cancer, and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which causes stomach cancer, are examples of this.
Bad lifestyle and chemicals: Excessive consumption of processed meats with preservatives and junk foods containing trans fats increases the risk of colon cancer. In addition, obesity can lead to cancer by altering the body’s estrogen and insulin hormones. Inhaling chemicals such as asbestos and benzene used in factories is also dangerous.
