What Causes Cancer?

Cancer is a disease, caused by uncontrolled growth of cells. Genetic changes, known as mutations, are what cause this uncontrolled growth. Genetic changes in cells are the basis for sporadic cancers, while the causes of inherited cancers are relatively rare. The majority of cancers are attributed to lifestyle or environmental exposures.

Mismatch-repair genes

Cancer can cause by mutations in the mismatch-repair genes. The mismatch repair pathway corrects errors in DNA during genetic recombination, and it is vital for DNA replication. When this process is disrupted, a mutation accumulates throughout the genome. These mutations give cancer cells an advantage over other cells. In addition to their role in carcinogenesis, the mismatch repair proteins also perform other important functions.

The MMR system consists of several specific DNA mismatch repair enzymes. Usually, the MMR system depends on four key genes, which are mutL homologue 1 (MLH1), PMS2, and MSH2. The MSH2/MSH6 heterodimer is responsible for binding to DNA mismatch errors and for conformational changes, resulting in the excision of the DNA chain from the mismatch site.

The researchers found that MSH1 mutation carriers had a 41% risk of developing colorectal cancer by age 70. Those with mutations in the other two mismatch-repair genes had a 12% risk.

Mutations in DNA

One of the biggest mysteries in cancer is how the disease develops. While DNA mutations are a potential cause, the precise mechanism that causes cancer is still unclear. Some researchers have hypothesized that the process is influenced by driver genes, which are genetic changes that drive the transition from normalcy to malignancy.

To determine which mutations cause cancer, scientists compare DNA from tumors to healthy tissue. These samples are nearly identical and can be used to narrow down the site of the mutation. However, the difficulty of obtaining healthy tissue from patients has made it difficult to perform this test. However, researchers have made it possible to collect the DNA of cancer patients.

Mutations in DNA cause cancer because they alter the structure of the cell. They can affect a single nucleotide or the entire chromosome. These changes can be detrimental for protein production. One type of mutation, called a nonsense mutation, causes premature protein synthesis. Another type, known as a missense mutation, results in an incorrect amino acid in the protein.

Exposure to certain germs

There are many causes of cancer, including exposure to certain germs and viruses. Exposure to such agents weakens the immune system, which in turn causes the growth of cancerous cells. It also weakens the body’s ability to fight off other infections. Certain types of infections also trigger chronic inflammation, which can lead to cancer. Fortunately, most of these infections are preventable with vaccines or lifestyle changes. For example, you can avoid contracting HBV and HCV by getting vaccinated and avoiding unprotected sex with people who have these infections. Another way to lower your risk of being exposed to these germs is to avoid sharing needles or other medical equipment with people who have these infections.

The theory that bacterial infection is a cause of cancer goes back more than 100 years. One of the most influential scientists on the subject is Dr. William B. Coley, who is known as the Father of Cancer Immunotherapy. Many people get cancer from exposure to certain viruses and bacteria. Infection with certain strains of the hepatitis virus, for example, can lead to liver cancer. Similarly, exposure to certain strains of the HPV virus during sexual contact can lead to cervical cancer, penile and anal cancers, and several types of head and neck cancers.

Excessive body weight

Excess body weight is a known risk factor for cancer. It is also one of the most modifiable risk factors for cancer, contributing to 8% of cancer cases. It ranks second only to tobacco use among the preventable causes of cancer. A new study has found that being overweight increases your risk of developing cancer by two-fourths.

Overweight and obesity can lead to cancer in different ways. For example, excess fat can make your body less sensitive to insulin, which can promote cell division. It can also increase the production of sex steroid hormones, linked to breast and endometrial cancer. This is why it is important to maintain a healthy body weight by reducing unhealthy foods and increasing your physical activity.

The link between excess body weight and cancer is complex and varies among types of cancer. Some researchers suggest that it involves chronic inflammation and increased insulin levels. The connection between overweight and cancer varies depending on the type of cancer and where it occurs.

Smoking

Cigarette smoking is one of the biggest causes of cancer. The chemicals in tobacco smoke get into the lungs and damage DNA, causing cells to grow out of control and develop cancer. Smokers also inhale other chemicals that make them sticky. Moreover, these chemicals are harmful to your immune system.

Researchers have long suspected that tobacco smoke causes cancer, and they have now found out why. Cigarette smoke contains around 70 different carcinogens. These chemicals cause cancer after long-term exposure. They damage the lungs, which is why the tar that remains after incomplete burning of cigarettes is so harmful. They also encourage tumors and make them expand.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has found that smoking increases the risk of many types of cancer, including esophagus and bladder cancer. It has also been associated with cancer in the cervix and pancreas. Smokers are also more likely to develop leukemia and kidney cancer.

Drinking

Alcohol consumption is, known to increase the risk of cancer. Studies have shown that drinking alcohol can damage DNA and affect hormone production. These factors are key to the development of cancer. Therefore, it is important to minimize alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of developing cancer. This study was published in the Lancet Oncology.

The study showed that excessive alcohol consumption increased the risk of developing cancer of the head and neck. Specifically, the mouth, pharynx, and larynx are at risk. Two to three drinks a day can double the risk of developing these cancers. In addition, the risks increase when alcohol is mixed with tobacco. Drinking alcohol also increases the risk of cancer of the oesophagus.

The effects of alcohol on gastrointestinal cancers are less clear because of differences in study designs. Also, scientists don’t know the exact mechanism underlying alcohol cocarcinogenesis. Nevertheless, RR estimates for the highest levels of alcohol consumption range from 1.1 to 1.3. While these are low estimates, they could be due to confounding factors and residual bias.

Drugs

Although there are many factors that affect a person’s cancer risk, substance abuse is a significant contributor. Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs can reduce the immune system, increase inflammation, and cause cancer. In fact, substance abuse accounts for about 30% of cancer deaths worldwide. Depending on the specific type, these substances are responsible for various forms of cancer. Additionally, illicit drugs  often mix with cutting agents known to cause cancer.

Alcohol, tobacco, and amphetamines are all known to increase a person’s risk of cancer. These substances may also cause other health problems. In addition to increasing the risk of cancer, the chronic misuse of any of these substances can lead to a range of other health problems, including cardiovascular disease and other diseases.

Cancer is a devastating disease that weakens the body and damages the mental and spiritual well-being. One of the most common symptoms is pain, caused by the cancer itself, as well as by treatment. Fortunately, pain management and prescription medications can ease the pain. But prescription medications, including opioids, can be addictive if not used properly.

Unprotected sex

Unprotected sex can increase the risk of cancer. Researchers found that those who had more than ten sexual partners had a significantly higher risk. This is true for both men and women. Compared to virgins, women who had more than ten partners had two to four times the risk of developing cancer.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer in women. It spreads from person to person through sex, and is very common. Most people will get the virus at some point in their lives. Most people do not experience any symptoms, but some people can develop cervical cancer as a result of it.

Vaccination against HPV is effective in reducing the risk of HPV-related cancers. HPV vaccination is most effective when given before sexual activity.