Cancer¹ is a complex and devastating disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite decades of research and advancements in medical science, the exact causes of most types of cancer remain unknown. Doctors and scientists continue to work tirelessly to unravel the mysteries of this disease, but there is still much to learn. In this blog post, we will explore what we know and what we don't know about cancer.
What are the known causes of cancer?
While the exact causes of most types of cancer are still unknown, there are certain risk factors that have been identified. These risk factors increase the likelihood of developing cancer, but they do not guarantee that a person will develop the disease. Some of the known risk factors include:
- Tobacco² use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes increases the risk of developing lung, throat, and mouth cancers.
- Exposure to certain chemicals and substances: Prolonged exposure to asbestos, benzene, and other harmful chemicals can increase the risk of developing cancer.
- Family history: Some types of cancer, such as breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer, can run in families.
- Age: The risk of developing cancer increases with age.
What don't we know about cancer?
Despite extensive research, there are still many unanswered questions about cancer. Some of the key areas where our knowledge is limited include:
- The exact causes: While we know certain risk factors, we do not fully understand why some people develop cancer while others do not.
- Prevention: While there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of developing cancer, such as adopting a healthy lifestyle and avoiding known risk factors, there is no foolproof way to prevent the disease.
- Treatment: While there have been significant advancements in cancer treatment, there is still much to learn about how to effectively treat different types and stages of cancer.
- Early detection: Early detection is crucial for successful cancer treatment, but we still lack effective screening methods for some types of cancer.
What can we do?
While there is much that remains unknown about cancer, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk and support ongoing research efforts:
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption can help reduce the risk of developing cancer.
- Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest research and recommendations from trusted sources, such as the World Health Organization³ and Cancer Australia⁴.
- Support cancer research: Consider donating to organizations that fund cancer research or participating in clinical trials to help advance our understanding of this disease.
In conclusion, cancer is a complex disease with many unknowns. While we have made significant progress in understanding and treating cancer, there is still much work to be done. By supporting ongoing research efforts and taking steps to reduce our own risk, we can contribute to the fight against cancer and work towards a future where this devastating disease is better understood and more effectively treated.
How do viruses increase the risk of cancer?
Viruses have the ability to alter the genetic material of our cells, which can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and the development of cancer. When a virus infects a cell, it can insert its own genetic material into the cell's DNA. This can disrupt the normal functioning of the cell and cause it to divide and multiply uncontrollably, leading to the formation of a tumour.
Which viruses are associated with an increased risk of cancer?
There are several viruses that have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Some of the most well-known ones include:
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Human papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to the development of cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. It is estimated that HPV is responsible for about 5% of all cancers worldwide.
2. Hepatitis B and C viruses
Hepatitis B and C viruses can cause chronic liver infections, which can eventually lead to liver cancer. In fact, chronic hepatitis B and C infections are responsible for about 80% of all liver cancer cases.
3. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
EBV is a common virus that is associated with the development of several types of cancer, including Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
4. Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)
HTLV-1 is a virus that is associated with the development of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer.
5. Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)
HHV-8 is the virus that is responsible for Kaposi sarcoma, a type of cancer that primarily affects people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS.
Read more about these viruses and other cancer-causing viruses here⁵.
References:
1. What is Cancer? | Cancer Council
3. WHO Homepage
5. Viruses that Can Lead to Cancer | American Cancer Society