Causes of Cancer | What Causes Cancer | Cancer Causes

Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases characterised by out-of-control cell growth. There are more than 100 different types of cancer. The cancer is named after the area of the body or organ where it originates.

Submitted by Dr S. Patel on 15 October 2015

What causes cancer?

Understanding the causes and risk factors can help in cancer prevention efforts and early detection strategies. Here are some common triggers:

Genetics - Genetic predisposition can increase the risk of certain cancers, especially in families with a history of the disease. Each cell in our body contains DNA, which controls its action. Any change or mutation to the DNA that damages the genes involved in cell division can lead to cancer. Cancer occurs when because of gene mutation, the cell is unable to correct DNA damage and unable to die.
Carcinogens: Carcinogens are cancer-causing substances that cause damage to the DNA of the cell. All forms of tobacco, natural or man-made radiation, asbestos, certain food and food additives are some of the carcinogens. The following foods and cooking methods have also been linked to cancer: barbecuing or grilling meat; charring and deep frying food; acrylamide in french fries and potato chips; microwave popcorn; artificial sweeteners and sodas; processed meat and fatty red meat; highly processed foods which are low in fiber.
Diet: Poor diet high in processed foods, red meat, and low in fruits, vegetables, and fiber may increase cancer risk.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese is linked to a higher risk of developing various cancers, including breast, colon, and prostate cancer.
Tobacco consumption: Chewing tobacco and smokeless tobacco contain carcinogens such as nitrosamines and nicotine, and both can cause cancer. Chewing tobacco increases the risk of mouth, throat, oesophagus, and pancreatic cancer, whereas smokeless tobacco can cause mouth, tongue, cheek, and lip cancer.
Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, liver, colon, and breast.
UV Radiation: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds increases the risk of skin cancer.
Pollution: Carcinogens in air, water, and soil, such as asbestos, benzene, and arsenic, can contribute to cancer development.
Occupational Exposures: Some occupations involving exposure to chemicals, radiation, or asbestos fibers increase the risk of cancer, such as asbestos-related mesothelioma and radiation-induced cancers among factory and plant workers.
Heredity: Cancer can be caused by genetic predisposition that is inherited from family members. Childhood retinoblastoma is the most striking example of the role of heredity.
Hormonal factors: Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women has been associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
Immune system: People who have a problem with their immune system are more likely to get some types of cancer. i.e., people who have had organ transplant and taken drugs to suppress their immune system.
Viruses: Some viruses are known to cause cancer. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) weakens the immune system and increase the risk of Kaposi’s sarcoma, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, anal cancer, and cervical cancer.
Certain cancers and viruses have been linked with each other.
- Kaposi’s sarcoma due to human herpes virus
- Cervical cancer due to human papilloma virus
- Primary liver cancer due to hepatitis B and C virus
- Lymphomas from Epstein-Barr virus

Risk factors for cancer

People of all ages can get cancer but the frequency of cancer increases with age. As people age, there are more cancer causing mutations in cell DNA.
Heredity and family history of cancer
Diet and lifestyle: Smoking, alcohol and consumption of more processed foods
Spending long hours in the sun or have workplace hazards like chemicals or radiation
Obesity is linked to increased risk in 13 different cancers as per various studies conducted.
1. Adenocarcinoma of Oesophagus
2. Breast Cancer in post-menopausal women
3. Colorectal Cancer
4. Gallbladder cancer
5. Gastric Cancer
6. Kidney Cancer
7. Liver Cancer
8. Meningioma - a usually benign brain tumour
9. Multiple Myeloma, a blood cancer
10. Ovarian Cancer
11. Pancreatic Cancer
12. Thyroid Cancer
13. Uterine Cancer

Learn cancer terms: https://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/cancer-terms-explained

Community

Cancer

Condition

Cancer

Stories

"My Son Has Been A Brave Boy!"

Atharv, 7 was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone tumour). His mother Nisha Dubey shares how the young boy soldiers on positively after a rare surgery, coping with the challenges of chemotherapy with the support of family and friends. Nisha, tell us about Atharv's diagnosis? My son, Atharv was diagnosed 2 years ago (he was 5) with Osteosarcoma (bone tumor) in his proximal femur (thigh bone). What were the early symptoms? What made you go see a doctor? Once while watching TV, he suddenly…
Good Treatment For Breast Cancer Is Also Available In Tier 2 Cities

Dr Anand Mishra, Professor and Head of Department of Endocrine Surgery, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, organised a ramp walk for breast cancer survivors including men with breast cancer, to focus awareness on early detection and treatment of breast cancer. He shares his views on how he went about it as also his future plans. Please share with us your journey with breast cancer patients. I am working with breast cancer since my early days of a trainee senior resident doctor…
Risk Of Suicide In Cancer Patients

We often tell cancer patients to be positive. But they go through a lot of psychological emotions including suicide ideation. It is also important that we are aware of the high rate of suicide among cancer patients. Psycho-oncologist Bincy Mathew sheds light on the signs of suicide and what caregivers and healthcare professionals can do. According to a SEER database analysis, the suicide rate among the cancer population was found to be 60% higher than the general population or with any other…
Cancer Screening Guidelines in An Indian Context

Screening for Cancer is a crucial part of Cancer Prevention and Control. Yet, screening is not integrated into our routine medical health care for our mass population. Dr Gauravi Mishra, of the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai provides us with her expert guidance on advances and modifications in screening strategies for India including Genome Tests and Liquid Biopsy. And specific focus on Prostate Cancer. There have been recent changes in cancer screening. What are the current guidelines for…
Real Experiences Of The Side Effects Of Chemotherapy

Hair Loss is one of the more dreaded side effects of chemotherapy. But thats not the only side effect. Our contributors shared the other side effects they went through. Often the side effects were different in each cycle. Here is a compilation of the various side effects experienced by our contributors. There have been a few who had no major side effects apart from hair loss. This article can help other patients and their families be prepared for these side-effects. Click on the name to…
I Had To Live And Fight My Osteosarcoma For My Son

A diagnosis of Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) when she was 26 years old changed Neema's life forever. She talks of her challenging journey including multiple surgeries, amputation and more and the person who motivated her to fight the cancer. Please tell us a bit about your condition It was November of 1998 when I was just 26 years old. I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) of my knee. What were the early symptoms? What made you go see a doctor? I used to work at a Research lab where I…
My Brain Tumour Diagnosis Made Me Bold

When A Chitra, 38 from Bengaluru started having seizures, she was initially treated for epilepsy but was eventually diagnosed with Malignant Glioma, a type of brain tumour. She shares how she handled the gamut of treatment and the emotional distress with the support of her team of doctors, family and friends and employer. Chitra, please tell us a bit about your condition I was diagnosed with brain tumour called Anaplastic Astrocytoma Grade III. It is a rare, malignant tumour…
Why Cancer Patients Need Counselling

Ms.Bincy Mathew is a psycho-oncologist, currently working with HCMCT-Manipal Hospitals, New Delhi. She talks about the importance of counselling for cancer patients and their families who are dealing with their psycho-social issues. What is the role of Psycho-oncology or psychosocial oncology in Cancer care? It is not a myth that cancer brings a lot of emotional and psychological burden on patient’s and caregiver's lives. The fact is, most people are not prepared to face such unexpected…
Post Mastectomy Breast Prosthesis - Importance and Options

Dr. Rohini Patil, a gynaecologist and a 17 year breast cancer survivor from Nagpur was shocked at the lack of awareness about breast prosthesis after mastectomy. She decided to do something about it. Tell us a little about how Knitted Knockers Nagpur came into being. India is seeing an increase in the incidence of cancer, more worrisome is its increase incidence in the younger population. In India 1 in 22 women have a life time risk of getting diagnosed with Breast Cancer, this is…
Need for Holistic Management of Cancer Pain

Cancer pain can be treated and quality of life in a cancer patient can be enhanced by appropriate medications, emphasise Dr Mary Abraham, Pain & Palliative Care Physician, and Dr Vandana V Prakash, Clinical Psychologist. Despite increased attention to cancer pain, it still continues to be a major issue with cancer patients and survivors. Why is it so? There are many reasons why cancer pain is still a major issue with cancer patients and survivors. Firstly, there is a misconception and fear…