Cancer refers to an uncontrollable development of abnormal cells that can happen anywhere in the human body. These abnormal cells are then termed cancerous cells and can be tumor cells or malignant cells. Knowing the causes and diagnosis of cancer types can help you get proper treatment and consolidate your hopes for a full recovery.
Main causes and diagnosis of cancer
Cancer happens when there are mutations in the cell DNA. This DNA within cells is packaged into many individual genes, and each has instructions that dictate what the cell must do and how it can grow and divide. But if there are errors in these instructions, it will make the cell function abnormally and may become cancerous.
Gene mutations may happen for many reasons; it could be that you are born with such mutations that you might have inherited from parents. But, this only accounts for a tiny percentage of cancer cases.
While pinpointing the initiating event leading to a cancer type can be hard, there is research that identifies some key causes which either alone or together with the others have triggered cancers. Some of these are highlighted below:
- Chemical compounds
Toxic and chemical compound exposures such as exposure to nickel, benzene, asbestos, vinyl chloride, tobacco, cigarette smoke, benzidine, etc., can be harmful and may be responsible for the growth of cancer cells. - Radiation
Radon, uranium, UV rays of the sun, X-ray emitting sources and radiation from alpha, gamma sources, etc., can be responsible. - Pathogens
The EBV or Epstein Barr virus, HPV or Human Papillomavirus, hepatitis viruses, Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, Helicobacter pylori, etc., are possible agents. - Genetics
Many cancers have been related to human genes like ovarian, breast, prostate skin, melanoma, and colorectal cancers. The truth is that almost anyone can be exposed to risk factors and cancer-causing agents in their lives, but not all will develop cancers. Moreover, some people with genes linked to cancers may never have it in their lifetime. Research says that the more cancer-triggering materials an individual is exposed to during his lifetime, the higher are the chances of him getting cancers.
Studies even show that there are some dietary and lifestyle habits that increase the propensity of cancers. Interestingly, some people have heightened immune response systems that ensures that their bodies can get rid of cancerous cells automatically.
- Other risk factors
Other risk factors include consumption of red meat like lamb, pork, beef, and processed, cured, or smoked meats have been identified as high-risk agents for causing cancers. - Lifestyle
Lack of exercise and associated obesity, hormones, especially the ones for replacement therapy and inflammation, can be breeding ground for cancers.
Identification of key causes and diagnosis of cancer is done through:
- Physical examination
Here, the doctor will feel your body parts for tumors and lumps; he may look for changes in the size of organs or enlargement of organs. - Lab tests
These like blood tests and urine tests will help to detect abnormalities. - Imaging tests
These let the doctor examine the internal organs and bones without using any invasive procedure. They include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, X-rays and ultrasounds. - Biopsy
In this, the doctor will extract some cell samples for tests. The type of biopsy done will depend on the kind of cancer and where it is located. - Nuclear scan
This uses radioactive substances for taking images inside the body - Bone scan
This checks for damages to bones and abnormalities. - PET scan
This is a kind of nuclear scan making 3D pictures of the internal organs where glucose is being absorbed; cancer cells will always take up higher glucose than other cells. - Ultrasounds and X-rays
These help to detect cancerous tumors in the body.