Understanding cancer etiology and risk factors aids in adopting preventive strategies
Cancer, despite affecting individuals of all age groups, exhibits a higher probability of occurrence with advancing age. Often perceived as a malady striking without clear causation, the origins of cancer entail numerous unproven theories. While not all reasons are conclusively known, scientific studies have identified key contributing factors. Alongside heredity, which accounts for a mere 10% of cancer cases, research highlights three primary categories of influencers in cancer development: chemicals (e.g., from smoking, diet, inhalation…), radiation (e.g., x-rays, ultraviolet, radioactive substances…), and viral or bacterial agents (e.g., Human Papillomavirus, Epstein Barr Virus, hepatitis B…).
Substances capable of inducing cancer, termed “carcinogens,” trigger genetic alterations and prompt cellular proliferation. Typically, the process spans decades from exposure to a carcinogen to cancer manifestation. Given that carcinogen exposure underlies most cancer instances, risk reduction involves avoiding such agents whenever feasible. Notably, tobacco product usage stands implicated in one-third of all cancer-related fatalities. Despite repeated warnings by Surgeon Generals and the acknowledgment of smoking as a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, the tobacco industry continues to thrive. Eschewing tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, stands as the most effective lifestyle choice in cancer prevention.
Though often not life-threatening, skin cancer due to sunlight exposure emerges as the most prevalent form. While easily treatable, melanoma, a more severe sun-related skin cancer, poses a lethal threat. Despite frequent advisories to limit sun exposure, many persist in prolonged sun exposure. Yet, the risk of skin cancer significantly diminishes through protective clothing, sunscreen, or by minimizing direct sun exposure.
Preventive measures extend to averting exposure to viruses linked to cancers, notably the human papillomavirus (HPV), associated with cervical cancer. Practicing safe sex and limiting multiple sex partners remain crucial in preventing this sexually transmitted virus.
Certain carcinogens have evolved into occupational hazards for those routinely exposed to them, encompassing arsenic, asbestos, benzene, and various other substances. Consequently, workers in contact with these agents exhibit higher cancer incidence rates. Despite a nearly twofold increase in the likelihood of developing cancer over the last fifty years, it remains non-epidemic due, in part, to an aging population’s higher vulnerability to cancer.
Moreover, obesity escalates the risks of type II diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer. Around 40,000 cancer diagnoses annually in the U.S. stem from obesity, contributing to 15% to 20% of cancer-related fatalities. Studies explore the correlation between excess weight, hormone production from fat tissue, and cancer cell proliferation, underscoring how lifelong weight management influences cancer risk.
