Cancer factor: what can provoke cancer

The text is presented for informational purposes only. We urge you not to self-medicate. When the first symptoms appear, consult a doctor. Recommended reading: “Why not self-medicate?”. “Prevent” is the only desire at the thought of this disease. Cancer, or carcinoma, is terrible for the course of the disease, its consequences and … unpredictability. And if medicine has already reached certain heights in the diagnosis and treatment of certain types of cancer, scientists from leading research institutes in the world are still struggling over the list of causes of cancer. What is the difficulty?

The cells of our body are in continuous division, renewing tissues and ensuring the functioning of organs. Special genes determine the intensity of cell division and differentiation: this is how myocytes (muscle tissue cells), epithelial cells, fat cells, and so on appear. But what if this process becomes uncontrolled, and the cells themselves no longer correspond to the tissue in which they were “born”? This happens if proto-oncogenes (the ones that are responsible for cell division) mutate into an oncogene. As a result, carcinogenesis (oncogenesis) occurs – the process of the birth and growth of a malignant tumor, during which the “rebellious” cells turn into a malignant tumor.

Mutation of a proto-oncogene is the trigger for irreversible destruction of the body called “cancer”. And the sooner oncogenesis is detected, the higher the chances of stopping it will be. But what exactly caused this very first stage, and how to prevent it? Oncologists are not yet ready to name the specific causes of carcinoma. But they clearly point to risk factors that increase the likelihood of cancer. Among them there are those that a person cannot influence, unfortunately. There are also those that can be controlled, increasing your chances of avoiding a dangerous disease. There are also factors that are talked about a lot, but which have not yet been confirmed by doctors.

ancestral line

Heredity is one of those cancer risk factors that a person cannot influence. Therefore, information about frequent cases of the disease in close relatives in several generations should be a signal for regular screenings and increased attention to one’s health. In such a situation, it is difficult to prevent the disease, but it is important to identify the disease at an early stage and start treatment.

It is known that the most “inherited” (this factor is determined for 5-18% of cases) are breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

What characterizes the so-called “familial” cancer? In 1984, oncologists conducted a large-scale study in which scientists collected data on the health of more than 100 relatives of each participant. These data revealed the following features:

• cumulative effect when there are 3 or more affected people in the family line;
• the onset of the disease at an early age;
• the specific nature of the tumors, the high probability of developing bilateral or multifocal lesions.

However, speaking of the hereditary factor in the occurrence of cancer, it should be emphasized that the risk of getting sick with “bad genetics” does not mean that the disease will certainly be “family”. Simply put, even if there were cases of the disease in the family, the disease of a particular family member may not be “genetic”. The simplest example, if we consider the characteristic of “family accumulation”, is the influence of the environment on the generations of relatives, if the family lives for a long time in a zone of high background radiation or pollution with toxic substances.

Thus, taking into account cases of diseases in relatives, other risk factors should nevertheless be taken into account.

Checking the environment

Substances that enter our body through air, water and food have a direct effect on our body and, among other things, may increase the risk of cancer. This primarily concerns carcinogenic chemicals that pollute the environment. Living or a long stay in the zone of release of carcinogens definitely requires increased attention to health, regular visits to the doctor and strict adherence to prevention recommendations.

In the high-risk zone, of course, are people working in industries that somehow involve carcinogenic substances. Studies have proven a direct link between exposure to carcinogens and lung cancer, skin cancer, leukemia and other types of oncopathologies.

Another dangerous environmental factor that must be controlled is radiation. Paradoxically, the sun, which provides life on our planet, sometimes becomes the worst enemy, provoking all types of skin cancer, as well as some eye cancers. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been unambiguously recognized as carcinogenic, so the once fashionable bronze tan has irretrievably gone into the past, and the rational fashion for sunscreens has replaced it.

Environmental factors are fairly well identified, and their risks can be significantly reduced if, for example, you change your place of residence or work and monitor skin protection during sun exposure

Invisible enemies

When talking about environmental impact and the risks associated with it, it is worth paying attention to its smallest inhabitants: parasites, fungi, viruses and bacteria. It would seem, how is oncogenesis related and, for example, a fungus of the genus Candida, which causes such an unpleasant “female” disease as thrush? Or, for example, human papillomavirus and uterine cancer?

In fact, there is a connection, which means that there are high risks of getting cancer by picking up a banal parasite, fungus or virus. The fact is that, resisting uninvited guests, the body “turns on” the immune system, which puts all its resources into the fight. A decrease in immunity and poisoning of the body with toxins secreted by parasites can start the process of oncogenesis. Thus, microorganisms that cause various diseases become mutagens.

Doctors have already identified links between hepatitis B and C viruses and liver cancer, herpes viruses and, for example, lymphoma, sarcoma or nasopharyngeal cancer, Helicobacter pylori bacteria and stomach cancer.

All this suggests that a systematic, integrated approach to health is very important in cancer prevention. As well as the correct and systematic treatment of diseases, even if they seem insignificant (for example, like “seasonal” herpes).

Hostages of habits

If heredity, environment and various diseases are conditionally controllable factors (they exist independently of us, and it is not always possible to influence them fully), then habits and lifestyle are entirely in the hands of everyone.

The most obvious risk factor is smoking. In fact, cigarette smoke is a carcinogenic concentrate: about 73 harmful substances have been identified in it. Smoking accounts for up to 90% of all malignant lung diseases – and medical organizations are trying to convey this information to every smoker. Nevertheless, some people consciously give preference to a bad habit, while others inhale carcinogens involuntarily, being nearby.

A less radical, but also extremely important factor is nutrition. It has been proven that some types of food also contain carcinogens: nitrites and nitrates, trans fats and simple carbohydrates, benzapyrene and others. Well, the lack of useful substances, such as vitamins and minerals, and fiber contributes to a decrease in immunity, which also increases oncological risks. Improper nutrition, as we know, can lead to excess weight, and it, in turn, can provoke the development of malignant tumors of the stomach, intestines and other organs.

Striving for a healthy lifestyle with the rejection of bad habits, the correction of nutrition and movement patterns can become a kind of shield between you and cancer. And if you add to this regular examinations and respect for your health, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of the onset and development of cancer.

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