Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Identifying What Causes Cancer

By Allan Tan

What causes cancer? The causes of cancer can be described in two dimensions, the factors that make someone susceptible to cancer and the carcinogen that triggered the cancer.

A carcinogen is something that is known to increase someones risk of cancer. Tobacco smoke and sun damage are well known carcinogens.

There are numerous types of cancer. A carcinogen may trigger a specific type of cancer and may not increase the risk of other types of cancer. For example, tobacco smoke may cause lung cancer, but it does not cause prostate cancer or skin cancer.

Certain factors increase the risk of the carcinogens ability to cause cancer. Genetics can increase someones risk of developing cancer. People in some families with a strong history of cancer are more susceptible to cancer than people from families in which cancer is rare or nonexistent.

Aging increases someones risk of cancer. The risks of some types of cancer have a significantly strong correlation with age. Experts say that everyone would get some specific cancers if people lived long enough.

Poor diet, alcohol use, and lack of exercise are thought to contribute to the development of some cancers. Eating more fruit and vegetables is often considered a way to reduce cancer risk.

A weak immune system can increase someones risk of cancer. People who weakened immune systems or take medication to suppress the immune system can be susceptible to some types of cancer.

Some types of cancer can be caused by a viral infection. The viral infection can cause changes in the cells that can lead to cancer. Some types of cancer that can be caused by viral infections are stomach cancer and cervical cancer.

Sometimes, the cancer can be caused by an accidental change in the structure of new cells during cell division. The changes in the new cells may be harmless or can lead to cancer.

Some of these factors cannot be changed by the person with these risks. A person cannot change their genetic risk of cancer. But, some of these factors, such as following a healthy lifestyle and avoiding excess sun exposure, can be changed and reduce the risk of some cancers.

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