Cancer is a condition in which cells in a particular part of the body grow, proliferate and destroy without control. Sometimes it can spread to other organs directly, through the blood or lymph.
What causes cancer?
Various factors that can cause cancer:
Genetic Mutations: Some genetic changes (mutations) cause loss of control over cell growth and division. It can be due to defects in genes or can be caused by other stimuli.
Hereditary: Some types of cancer can be passed down through family lines. These can be passed from parents to children through genetic mutations.
Environmental Factors:
- Tobacco Use: Tobacco use is the leading cause of three major types of cancers, namely lung, mouth and throat cancers.
- Radiation: High levels of UV and other radiations can cause cancer.
- Chemicals: Various organic chemicals, industrial chemicals, and some drugs can cause cancer.
Lifestyle Factors:
- Dietary Habits: High consumption of foods high in fat and sugar, low fiber intake etc.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Lack of exercise leads to weight gain, which can lead to cancer.
- Alcohol Consumption: Consuming too much alcohol.
Infections: Some viral infections can cause cancer. For example, human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B and C viruses.
Immune Deficiency: Weakness of the immune system can lead to the development of certain types of cancer.
