The Causes of Cancer
The causes of Cancer
The main cause of cancer is the mutation of DNA in the cell, so the cell breaks itself at a speed exceeding normal. Finally, there is accumulation of new cells that are not needed by the body. This new cell will continue to grow to maturity and then divide again, and so on. In addition, mutations also occur in genes responsible for repairing DNA damage. Normally, this gene serves to see what abnormalities occur in the cell's DNA, then correct them. Because the gene is mutated, this gene is not able to correct the abnormalities in the cell until the cells become malignant. There are several factors that can cause mutations in normal cells, and can come from within and outside the cell. Mutations derived from within cells are generally obtained genetically from the elderly. While the external cause of the cell, the most common is exposure by substances that can trigger mutations (mutagens). Some of the substances belonging to mutagenic groups include:
● Cigarette
● Radiation
● Chemicals
● Carcinogenic chemicals
● Hormones
Mutations due to external factors can also be caused by other factors such as obesity, chronic inflammation and lack of physical activity. In general, external factors are more risky to cause the cell to undergo mutation than by internal factors.
Risk factors that can increase a person's chances of getting cancer are as follows:
- Age. The development of cancer in a person can occur in a very long time, therefore most cancer patients are elderly people over the age of 65 years. However, cancer can also be experienced by anyone regardless of age.
- Family history. Genetic mutations can be inherited from parents. If a person has a family member who is a cancer patient, there is a possibility that the person is at risk of being exposed to the same condition. It is recommended for people who have a family history of cancer to undergo genetic testing to check for genetic mutations in that person.
- Chronic health conditions. Some chronic diseases can increase the risk of cancer. Such as ulcerative colitis can increase the risk of colon cancer in a person.
- Environment. Environmental factors can increase the risk of cancer in a person. Examples are harmful chemical compounds such as asbestos or benzene. Smoking also increases the risk of cancer, especially lung cancer.
- Infection. Some viruses can be a cause or an increased risk of cancer. Examples are hepatitis B and C viruses that can cause liver cancer. In addition, infection with HPV virus (human papilloma virus) in women can cause cervical cancer.
- Immune system disorders. Patients with immune system disorders or people with weak immune systems are more susceptible to cancer than healthy people. Immune system disorders can come from infections such as HIV / AIDS or drugs that suppress the immune system.
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