Why Does Cancer Occur?
Cancer can have many different exact causes. Cancer is brought on by various reasons, like many other illnesses. Here are several well-known cancer causes.
1. The genetics of you
You might have genetic alterations that increase your chance of getting certain cancers if you have a family history of a particular form of cancer. Cancers, including breast and colon cancer, frequently run in families. Although 5 to 10% of all cancers are directly caused by inherited genetic abnormalities, having an inherited genetic mutation does not guarantee that you will develop cancer later in life.
Can you do anything?
Talk to your doctor if there is a lot of cancer in your family history. A genetic test may be helpful to determine whether you have inherited genetic alterations that could raise your chance of developing cancer. However, not everyone should take these tests. Consult your doctor for advice.
2. Smoking
There are at least 69 known carcinogens in tobacco smoke (cancer-causing agents). Smoking raises your risk of developing cancers, including lung and oral cancer, as well as stomach, kidney, and bladder cancer. Smoking tobacco is harmful to your health. Studies show that smoking one to four cigarettes a day can cause health issues.
The health effects of secondhand smoke are comparable. About 90% of a cigarette’s smoke is emitted into the air when it is lighted and becomes secondhand smoke. Even if you don’t smoke, inhaling someone else’s smoke can make you more likely to develop lung cancer.
Can you do anything?
Stop smoking. If giving up immediately seems intimidating, consider reducing your daily cigarette intake. Smoking cigarettes makes you sick and puts your loved ones at a higher risk of developing lung cancer. Hire a specialist to assist you with quitting or enlist the aid of your loved ones and friends.
3. Sun and UV Radiation
Although many mistakenly believe that a tanned appearance indicates good health, regular contact with ultraviolet (UV) radiation can harm your skin and raise your risk of developing skin cancer. UV radiation and artificial sources like tanning beds can be found in the sun.
Your skin reacts to too much UV light by getting a sunburn. Fair-skinned people are more likely to develop skin cancer than people with darker skin tones. Because melanin, a pigment that shields the skin from UV rays, is less abundant in fair skin, this occurs.
Can you do anything?
Avoid overexposure to the sun and prevent sunburns. Whenever possible, stay in the shade. Apply sunscreen to exposed areas of your body when you’re outside in the sun with an SPF of at least 15. Put on sunglasses with UV protection and a hat with a wide brim. Always abide by the safety guidelines if you are subjected to UV radiation from artificial sources at work.
4. Radiation Intake
We are exposed to radiation every day, both natural and artificial. Medical imaging techniques like X-rays and CT scans can also emit radiation. The body’s cells may potentially change if they are exposed to radiation in excess. Your risk of getting cancer could go up as a result.
To help your doctor diagnose your medical condition, an X-ray or CT scan may occasionally be required. While cumulative radiation exposure from various sources can increase over time, a single test is unlikely to raise your risk of developing cancer.
Can you do anything?
By taking precautions, such as donning a lead apron, you can reduce the radiation you are exposed to during these imaging tests. Inform your doctor of your worries.
5. Former Cancer Treatments
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy, two modern cancer therapies, have extended the lives of many cancer patients. They might, however, also make you more likely to develop another cancer.
This is uncommon, though, and shouldn’t impact your choice to receive the proper care. Cancer you currently have must be treated first. The best course of treatment for some cancers may involve radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Can you do anything?
Inform your doctor of your worries. Following cancer treatment, it’s critical to receive rehabilitation and follow-up care.
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