Cancer Risk Factors: Genetic, Lifestyle and Environmental Causes

General Risk Factors Associated with Cancer

Cancer is a multifactorial and complex disease that can affect nearly any part of the body. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious illness or even death. While a few types of cancer develop without a clear cause, numerous studies have been conducted to identify the potential risk factors that contribute to them.

Top Risk Factors Associated with Cancer

There are a few risk factors which cause an individual to get cancer. These risk factors may be genetic, environmental, lifestyle-related, or even happen due to a combination of many elements. By understanding such factors, one can make informed decisions to reduce their cancer risk. Cancer risk factors may play different roles in starting cancer and helping it grow. On the other hand, it is usually not possible to know the exact cause of cancer. But research has reflected certain risk factors may increase the risk of having cancer in an individual. These are known as risk factors. Cancer risk factors include exposure to chemicals or other substances, as well as certain behaviors. They also include things people cannot control, like age and family history. Here are a few risk factors:

Family History and Genetics

Family history and genetics play a major role as risk factors for developing cancer. Individuals who inherit certain types of gene mutations remain at an increased risk of getting particular types of cancers. For instance, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes lead to an increased risk of an individual developing cancerous cells in their ovaries and breasts. 

Even without any genetic mutation, having a close relative with cancer indicates a higher personal risk due to shared lifestyle and genetics.

 
Age of an Individual

The risk of cancer increases as people age. Most people with a cancer diagnosis are 50 or older. As the body ages, the ability to repair cellular damage decreases exponentially. Although cancer can also happen to younger individuals, older age remains a higher risk factor due to longer exposure to triggers and the natural wear and tear of cells. 

Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation is a normal physiological reaction that results in injured tissue to heal. An inflammatory process initiates when chemicals are released through the injured tissue. In response, white blood cells release further signalling substances that cause cells to divide and grow to re-develop tissue to help repair the injured area. Once the wound is healed, the inflammatory process stops. While chronic inflammation is a persistent, long-term inflammatory response that involves ongoing immune system activity, tissue damage, and unsuccessful repair, often lasting for months or years.

Lifestyle Choices

Certain types of lifestyle choices are linked to the development of cancer. Several people make negative lifestyle choices, such as using tobacco, being inactive, and eating diets high in processed foods. Indulging in all of such lifestyle choices leads to an increased risk of getting cancer. Hence, adopting good habits and lifestyle choices is ideal for effective cancer prevention. 

Environmental Exposures

Long-term exposure to certain types of environmental exposures can also increase the risk of cancer. One instance is radiation exposure. The UV (Ultraviolet) rays from the sun are a major cause of skin cancer. There are also other types of radiation, like medical radiation and radon gas, contributing to the development of cancerous cells in the body. Another instance is air pollution, which is associated with an association to increased risk of getting lung cancer.

Infection-Related Hazards

There are some bacteria and viruses which contribute to certain types of cancers. A few such infections that lead to cancer are HPV (Human Papillomavirus), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Helicobacter Pylori. By exercising safe sexual practices and getting proper medical treatment, one can reduce infection-related risks of cancer.

Hormonal Factors

Getting hormonal replacement therapies and hormonal factors in general also leads to a person getting cancer. Cancer development due to this reason primarily affects regions like sensitive tissues of the breast, prostate and uterus. For instance, long exposure to estrogen, either by early menstruation, hormone therapy, or late menopause, has been linked with an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Obesity 

Individuals with obesity may have a higher chance of getting several types of cancer such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrium cancer, oesophageal cancer, kidney cancer, pancreas cancer, and gallbladder cancer.

Radiation

Radiation of certain wavelengths, known as ionizing radiation, has enough energy to damage DNA which can increase the risk of cancer. Ionizing radiation includes radon, x-rays, gamma rays, and other forms of high-energy radiation.

Failure of the Immune System

People who have a weakened immune system, like those with AIDS/HIV or individuals who have immunosuppressive medications after getting organ transplants, are at an increased risk of developing cancerous cells. Having a weak immune system means that they are less able to detect and destroy the abnormal cells of the body before they turn cancerous. 

The risk factors of cancer are numerous and oftentimes related. While not all types of cancers are preventable, there are a lot of modifiable risk factors that can reduce the overall risk. For instance, lifestyle factors are adjustable in nature. Proper awareness of the threats and associated risks can help develop habits of effective cancer prevention.

Also Read:

→ Key Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease

→ Key Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

→ Key Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease

→ Key Risk Factors for Ischemic Heart Disease

→ Key Risk Factors for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease