top 10 Cancer causes?
Here are the main causes and risk factors of cancer explained clearly:
Major Causes of Cancer
1. Genetic Mutations
Cancer begins when DNA in cells gets damaged or changes.
These mutations can be:
-
Inherited (from parents)
-
Acquired (due to lifestyle or environment)
Lifestyle-Related Causes
2. Tobacco Use
Smoking is the number one preventable cause of cancer, especially lung, throat, and mouth cancers.
3. Poor Diet
A diet high in:
-
Processed foods
-
Red meat
-
Sugary foods
and low in fruits/vegetables increases cancer risk.
4. Alcohol Consumption
Heavy drinking can cause:
-
Liver cancer
-
Breast cancer
-
Mouth and throat cancers
5. Obesity & Lack of Exercise
Being overweight increases risks of breast, colon, kidney, and other cancers.
Environmental & External Causes
6. Radiation Exposure
-
UV radiation (sun, tanning beds) causes skin cancer.
-
Ionizing radiation (X-rays, radon gas) can also increase risk.
7. Chemicals & Carcinogens
Long-term exposure to certain chemicals raises cancer risk, such as:
-
Asbestos
-
Arsenic
-
Benzene
-
Pesticides
-
Industrial chemicals
Infections That Cause Cancer
8. Viruses & Bacteria
Some infections directly increase cancer risk:
-
HPV → cervical, throat cancer
-
Hepatitis B & C → liver cancer
-
H. pylori → stomach cancer
-
HIV → increases risk of lymphomas and Kaposi sarcoma
Biological Factors
9. Hormones
Hormonal imbalances or long-term hormone therapy can raise risk of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers.
10. Age
Cancer risk increases with age because cells accumulate more damage over time.
What's Your Reaction?