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

After Cancer I Started Concentrating on the NOW

Pranay Rangra, 35 from Mumbai, is a Stage 2 Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor shares the psycho-social aspects of life after cancer, how cancer has changed his life. And his future plans, including making a documentary on South Africa. We spoke to Pranay Rangra on a wide range of topics during the webinar Living Better After Cancer: Adapting to the New Reality. Here are some of the points we spoke about. How did you deal with work colleagues and friends visiting I was very clear…
Photography For Therapy And Self Esteem

On World Photography Day, we share how photography has provided therapeutic benefit to cancer patients of all ages, helped increased self esteem and self confidence and stimulated emotions and intellect of the visually impaired. Geetha Paniker, a breast cancer survivor, shares her views on how various forms of creating art, and even photography, can heal both the mind and the body. I truly believe that photography is an incredibly powerful therapy to heal oneself. It is a passion that…
"I Am Hopeful Of A Cure For This Rare Tumor"

Rima Roy is a young woman of 22 and suffers from a rare condition of Giant Cell Tumors in the Sacram. She shares the emotional toll the diagnosis took on her and how she has come to terms with this rare condition. Describe yourself, Rima I am a warrior in the battlefield of rare disease since I was 19 When were you diagnosed? 19/04/2016. X-ray of the Lumbo- Sacral Spines AP/ LAT views revealed Transitional vertibrae: D12 having rudimentary ribs & L5 sacralized. Then on 14/03/2018 the…
Faith And Support Are Important When A Family Member Is Affected By Cancer

Dipanwita Mukherjee was a small girl when her father Bibhuti Bhusan Chakraverty was diagnosed with throat cancer. This is his story, how he overcame his condition and also how he reached out to many others to alleviate their pain. A recent Bengali film, Kontho, based on Mr Chakraverty’s life and struggles has also brought the story back in focus. When was your father diagnosed with throat cancer? My father, late Bibhuti Bhusan Chakraverty was detected with throat cancer in the year 1972. He was…
The Importance Of The Doctor-Patient Relationship

The patient-doctor relationship is crucial for better outcomes for patients. Find out what some of our patient contributors have to say about their relationship with their doctors. Usha Jerome, on the factors of her win over Colorectal Cancer Two things are important. Firstly, the doctors should not hide the truth and must explain the exact stage of cancer and the way forward. Secondly, we must believe in and trust our doctors. My team of doctors and nurses were amazing. I…
Webinar: Living Better After Cancer - Young Adults Adapting To A New Reality

An insightful panel discussion with two cancer winners and a Psycho Oncologist who talk about the various aspects of cancer survivorship especially among young adults. The latest in our ‘Living Better’ series of Live Q&A sessions looks at the psycho-social aspects of young adults who have to deal with cancer. This session covers how cancer re-defines identity, how it affects relationships and friendships, equations at work and perspectives in life. Listen to an insightful and…
Helping Children Cope with Cancer

The integration of psycho-oncology into cancer care has significantly helped alleviate emotional and psychological distress for both patients and caregivers. Savita Goswami, psycho-oncologist at Tata Memorial Hospital, discusses some of the psychotherapeutic intervention techniques used in paediatric cancer care. In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on psychosocial interventions in paediatric oncology care. What does it really entail? In the last two decades, great work has…
Love, Courage And Drawing Cartoons Helped Me Cope With Childhood Cancer!

Shweta Chawre, animator and graphic designer, who was diagnosed with stage 2 osteosarcoma, an aggressive type of bone cancer, as a teenager, looks back over her life and celebrates her decade of survivorship with gratitude and optimism. It was the summer of 2008. I was 15 years old and had just completed my SSC board examinations. One day I developed a routine knee pain, nothing that signified a major health trouble. The pain was in my right knee. I was active in sports so we reckoned that the…
Webinar: Living Better After Cancer - For Young Adults Dealing with Cancer

Living Better After Cancer - Adapting to a new Reality. This webinar, part of our ‘Living Better’ series on lived experiences of cancer survivorship sessions looks at the psycho-social aspects of young adults who have to deal with cancer. This session covers how cancer re-defines identity, how it affects relationships and friendships, equations at work and perspectives in life. Listen to an insightful and interesting conversation with Psycho Oncologist Aneri Shah and Cancer survivors…
Can I Take Supplements During Cancer Treatment?

Cancer patients often self medicate with vitamins and mineral supplements and other dietary supplements during the course of cancer treatment. Dr. Shital Raval examines the commonly suggested supplements and herbs and the associated risks. During cancer treatment, eating right is extremely important in order to sustain the side-effects of cancer drugs as well as combat weight loss. Many patients find it difficult to eat, possibly due to loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, etc. or eat a well-…