While it is hard to pinpoint a single cause for cancer especially in adults, repetitive exposure to carcinogens and genetic risk factors can contribute to the development of this disease. Read on to know more about a few risk factors.
- Your lifestyle: Consuming a high-fat diet, exposing yourself to toxic chemicals, and smoking are certain lifestyle choices that make you more prone to developing cancer.
- Genetics: Your genetic factors can also contribute to the development of this disease. However, it is unclear if cancer due to genetic factors is caused as a result of exposure to chemicals near one’s residence, due to a genetic mutation, a combination of multiple factors, or simply by chance. That said, it is always possible that different forms of cancer may be present within the family itself.
- Exposure to certain viruses: Exposure to certain kinds of viruses like HIV (which causes AIDS) and the Epstein-Barr virus can increase the risk of a person developing certain types of childhood cancers like Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A reason for this could be because the virus alters the cell, and these alterations eventually lead to the cell becoming a cancerous cell which then reproduces more of its kind.
- Environmental factors: Studies have found a link between childhood cancers and things like fertilizers, pesticides, and power lines. It is, however, unknown if the disease is caused due to prenatal or infant exposure to these agents or whether it is a complete coincidence.
- Exposure to radiation and chemotherapy: In some cases, it has been found that children who were exposed to radiation and chemotherapy at an early age may develop cancer later on in their lives. It is possible that these strong cancer treatments could alter the cells or the immune system of the child, due to which a second malignancy appears later on in life.
While all of the above-mentioned factors may not be in your control, you can limit your exposure to known carcinogens to reduce your risk of developing the disease. So, essentially, this would mean quitting tobacco use, eating a healthy diet, limiting the intake of alcohol, and making sure you are physically fit, among other things. Ensure that you also speak to your doctor about any concerns you may have about your chances of developing the disease if this is a concern for you.
