causes of cancer

around 500,000 people die each year from cancer. Cancer is currently the 2 largest cause of death behind cardiovascular disease. The risk of developing cancer is 50% or every one and two people. some of the risks of cancer are: growing older, tobacco, sunlight, ionizing radiation, certian chemicals, some viruses or bacteria, certian hormones, family history, alcohol, poor diet, lack of physical activity and being overweight. Most of these risk factors can be avoided.



growing older - we cannot avoid growing older, but most of the diagnosis of cancer are those who are over the age of 65, though children and those younger the 65 develop cancer.



tobacco - tobacco use is avoidable, every year around 180,000 people die from cancer related to tobacco use. Just being around tobacco smoke, such as secondhand smoke increases the risk. Those who smoke are at a higher risk of cancer of the: lung, larynx, mouth, kidney, throat, stomach and cervix. Those who use smokeless tobacco are at a higher risk of developing cancer of the mouth.



sunlight - sunlight from uv rays also increases the risks of cancer. uv rays come from sun, sunlamps and tanning booths. This can cause skin cancer. Though we cannot completely avoid uv rays, unless we never go outside, but we can help lower our risk by using sunscreen and wearing a hat.



ionizing radiation - ionizing radiation comes from radon gas and more commonly x-rays. The x-rays that the doctor gives you, produce only a small amount of ionizing radiation, which is not enough for a person to develop cancer.



some viruses and bacteria - the human papillomavirus (hpv) increase the risk of developing cervical cancer, hepatitis B and C viruses increase the risk of liver cancer, Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at a greater risk for lymphoma and a rare cancer called kaposi's sacroma and those with the epstein - barr virus are at greater risk for kaposi's sacroma.



Family history of cancer - Most cancers occur because of mutations in genes that happen over time and are passed on. Cancer to run in a family is usual, though some times such as: breast cancer, ovary, prostate and colon cancers sometimes run in families. Usually several cases of the same cancer in the same family is just a matter of chance. Just because your family has a history of a certian cancer, does not mean that you will develop the cancer.



Alcohol - having more then two drinks a day may increase the risk of developing cancers of the: mouth, throat, larynx, liver and breast. Risks are higher with those who both drink alcohol and use tobacco.



poor diet, lack of physical activity and being overweight - those who eat diet that is high in fat have increased risk for cancers of the colon, uterus and prostate. Those who do not get regular physical activity and/or are overweight have an increase risk for cancers of the breast, colon, kidneys and uterus. Risks can be decreased by eating a healthy diet that includes foods that are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals but eating whole-grain breads and cereals, eating enough fruits and vegatables everyday and limiting the amout of high fat foods (butter, whole milk, fried foods etc.). Also getting a moderate amount of physical activity for 30 minutes 5 times a week, will help to reduce body weight and keep you healthier.



As you see most of these risk factors can be avoided. Avoiding these things, or if you can't avoided them reducing your exposure to them will decrease your risks of developing cancer now or in the future.