When aberrant cells with genetic abnormalities divide too quickly, cancer develops. Mutations may be inherited or acquired as a result of environmental causes.
What is cancer?
Cancer is a broad category of disorders that can spread to other tissues and organs when aberrant cells divide fast.
Tumors may develop from these quickly expanding cells. They could also interfere with the body’s normal processes.
One of the biggest causes of mortality worldwide is cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source estimates that in 2020, cancer will be responsible for about 1 in 6 fatalities. Every day, professionals are putting innovative cancer therapies to the test.
What causes cancer?
Mutations, or alterations to the DNA in your cells, are the primary cause of cancer. Mutations in the DNA can be inherited. In addition, they may develop later in life as a result of environmental factors.
These outside factors, often known as carcinogens, may consist of:
ultraviolet (UV) radiation and other physical carcinogens cigarette smoke, asbestos, alcohol, air pollution, tainted food, and drinking water are examples of mild chemical carcinogens.
biological cancer-causing agents such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites
According to the WHO Trusted Source, roughly 33% of cancer-related fatalities may be related to cigarette use, alcohol usage, having a high body mass index (BMI), eating few fruits and vegetables, and not exercising enough.
Risk factors
Your chances of getting cancer may rise if you have certain risk factors. These risk elements may consist of:
According to a 2017 assessment, unhealthy diets are characterized by starchy meals, refined carbohydrates like sugars and processed grains, red and processed meat, sugary drinks, salty snacks, and starchy foods. They also lack physical exercise.
exposure to radiation without protection exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun infection by certain viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis, H. pylori, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and hepatitis B and C