Causes of Cancer and How to Prevent It
Cancer is a group of diseases in which cells grow uncontrollably and sometimes form tumors. The word “cancer” comes from the Greek words for malignant and neoplasm (abnormal growth). Cancer can be found in any part of the body and is usually characterized by rapid cell growth, the formation of tumors, and spread to other parts of the body. The cause of most cancers is still unknown, but certain factors are known to increase the risk of developing them, including:
Cells in healthy tissues normally divide at a set rate and die when they’re no longer needed. But sometimes changes (mutations) in the genes of a cell cause these controls to break down. Mutations may occur by chance when a cell is dividing or by inheriting damaged genetic material from parents. Over time, mutations in DNA allow a single cell to multiply uncontrollably and develop into a cancer.
Most cancers start in blood cells or in the bone marrow, but some start in tissue such as lungs or skin. A cancer cell often has a different shape and makes energy in a different way from normal cells, and it can be very hard to kill. Cancer cells also have many ways to escape the control of surrounding cells and to invade other parts of the body.
As cancer grows, it produces lots of enzymes that damage and destroy healthy cells and tissues. It also releases chemical signals that attract and recruit other cancer cells to it, which helps them grow and multiply even more rapidly. Over time, cancer can cause tissue inflammation, pain and a loss of feeling in parts of the body. It can also cause organ failure and death if it’s not treated.
Scientists are studying ways to prevent cancer, but so far they haven’t found a single cure for all types of cancer. However, they have found that many cancers are very common, and there are steps people can take to reduce their risk of getting them. These include:
Avoiding cancer-causing chemicals, such as those in tobacco and some dyes and perfumes. Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables. Limiting or avoiding red meat and processed foods. Drinking only modest amounts of alcohol — women should have no more than 1 drink per day, and men should have no more than 2 drinks daily. Regularly having screening tests to detect early signs of cancers that can be easily treated, such as the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine for cervical and testicular cancer, and hepatitis B and C (liver) vaccines.
People who have had cancer in the past are at increased risk of developing new cancers. But there’s hope that further advances in vaccines – and programs to administer them – will eventually help prevent many types of cancer. Having cancer screening tests at regular intervals is the single best way to protect against cancer.
Cancer is a group of diseases in which cells grow uncontrollably and sometimes form tumors. The word “cancer” comes from the Greek words for malignant and neoplasm (abnormal growth). Cancer can be found in any part of the body and is usually characterized by rapid cell growth, the formation of tumors, and spread to other parts of the body. The cause of most cancers is still unknown, but certain factors are known to increase the risk of developing them, including: Cells in healthy tissues normally divide at a set rate and die when they’re no longer needed. But sometimes changes (mutations) in the genes of a cell cause these controls to break down. Mutations may occur by chance when a cell is dividing or by inheriting damaged genetic material from parents. Over time, mutations in DNA allow a single cell to multiply uncontrollably and develop into a cancer. Most cancers start in blood cells or in the bone marrow, but some start in tissue such as lungs or skin. A cancer cell often has a different shape and makes energy in a different way from normal cells, and it can be very hard to kill. Cancer cells also have many ways to escape the control of surrounding cells and to invade other parts of the body. As cancer grows, it produces lots of enzymes that damage and destroy healthy cells and tissues. It also releases chemical signals that attract and recruit other cancer cells to it, which helps them grow and multiply even more rapidly. Over time, cancer can cause tissue inflammation, pain and a loss of feeling in parts of the body. It can also cause organ failure and death if it’s not treated. Scientists are studying ways to prevent cancer, but so far they haven’t found a single cure for all types of cancer. However, they have found that many cancers are very common, and there are steps people can take to reduce their risk of getting them. These include: Avoiding cancer-causing chemicals, such as those in tobacco and some dyes and perfumes. Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables. Limiting or avoiding red meat and processed foods. Drinking only modest amounts of alcohol — women should have no more than 1 drink per day, and men should have no more than 2 drinks daily. Regularly having screening tests to detect early signs of cancers that can be easily treated, such as the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine for cervical and testicular cancer, and hepatitis B and C (liver) vaccines. People who have had cancer in the past are at increased risk of developing new cancers. But there’s hope that further advances in vaccines – and programs to administer them – will eventually help prevent many types of cancer. Having cancer screening tests at regular intervals is the single best way to protect against cancer.