To get a better understanding of what causes cancer, two factors must be considered. Cancer is caused by things that make someone prone to developing cancer and the effects of a carcinogen.
Things that cause cell damage that may cause the development of cancer are called carcinogens. Well known carcinogens include sun damage and tobacco smoke.
A carcinogen can increase the risk of certain types of cancer and not affect the risk of other types of cancer. Tobacco smoke can cause lung cancer, but does not cause breast cancer or skin cancer.
Certain factors increase the risk of the carcinogens ability to cause cancer. Genetics can increase someones risk of developing cancer. People in some families with a strong history of cancer are more susceptible to cancer than people from families in which cancer is rare or nonexistent.
Another risk factor for developing cancer is age. As people age, their risk of cancer increases. Some research indicates that some cancers would be much more common if people lived longer.
Poor diet, alcohol use, and lack of exercise are thought to contribute to the development of some cancers. Eating more fruit and vegetables is often considered a way to reduce cancer risk.
The immune system can affect the risk of cancer. A weakened immune system can increase a persons risk of certain cancers.
Some types of cancer can be caused by a viral infection. The viral infection can cause changes in the cells that can lead to cancer. Some types of cancer that can be caused by viral infections are stomach cancer and cervical cancer.
Sometimes, the cancer can be caused by an accidental change in the structure of new cells during cell division. The changes in the new cells may be harmless or can lead to cancer.
Some of these factors are not within the individuals control. However, some behavior changes such as quitting smoking can reduce the risk of cancer.
Things that cause cell damage that may cause the development of cancer are called carcinogens. Well known carcinogens include sun damage and tobacco smoke.
A carcinogen can increase the risk of certain types of cancer and not affect the risk of other types of cancer. Tobacco smoke can cause lung cancer, but does not cause breast cancer or skin cancer.
Certain factors increase the risk of the carcinogens ability to cause cancer. Genetics can increase someones risk of developing cancer. People in some families with a strong history of cancer are more susceptible to cancer than people from families in which cancer is rare or nonexistent.
Another risk factor for developing cancer is age. As people age, their risk of cancer increases. Some research indicates that some cancers would be much more common if people lived longer.
Poor diet, alcohol use, and lack of exercise are thought to contribute to the development of some cancers. Eating more fruit and vegetables is often considered a way to reduce cancer risk.
The immune system can affect the risk of cancer. A weakened immune system can increase a persons risk of certain cancers.
Some types of cancer can be caused by a viral infection. The viral infection can cause changes in the cells that can lead to cancer. Some types of cancer that can be caused by viral infections are stomach cancer and cervical cancer.
Sometimes, the cancer can be caused by an accidental change in the structure of new cells during cell division. The changes in the new cells may be harmless or can lead to cancer.
Some of these factors are not within the individuals control. However, some behavior changes such as quitting smoking can reduce the risk of cancer.
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