Cancer is a serious health problem that is increasing rapidly all over the world today and is frightening to hear about. Scientifically speaking, it is a condition in which the natural birth and death process of cells in our body is disrupted. Instead of old and damaged cells being destroyed, cells divide uncontrollably and tumors or cancerous cells are formed in the body. Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind this:
DNA Mutations: The basic scientific cause of cancer is damage to the DNA inside cells. When mutations occur in the genes that control cell growth (Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes), cells start to grow uncontrollably instead of destroying themselves. About 5 to 10 percent of cancers are inherited from parents (gene mutations – for example, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that cause breast cancer).
Tobacco and Alcohol Use: Tobacco use is responsible for 30 percent of cancer deaths worldwide. About seventy chemicals in tobacco, such as nicotine and benzene, are directly carcinogenic (carcinogens). This leads to cancer of the lungs, mouth, and throat. Excessive alcohol consumption damages liver cells and increases the risk of cancer of the liver, colon, and breasts.
Obesity & Ultra-Processed Foods: A major cause of cancer in young people today is poor diet. Preservative-laden packaged foods, processed meats (Sausages, Bacon – which contain Nitrosamines that cause ulcers/cancer), overly fried and charred dishes, and artificial sweeteners cause chronic inflammation in the body. Obesity and lack of exercise increase the levels of estrogen and insulin hormones in the body, increasing the risk of cancer.
Dangerous radiation and chemicals (Radiation & Chemicals): Some deadly elements in the atmosphere and workplaces can cause cancer. Strong ultraviolet rays from sunlight (UV Rays) that fall on the skin for a long time can damage the DNA in the skin and cause skin cancer. Along with this, excessive ionizing radiation through X-rays and CT scans, and continuous inhalation of industrial chemicals such as asbestos, arsenic, and benzene can also lead to cancer.
Certain viral and bacterial infections: Some chronic infections can change the cells in the body. For example, human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer in women, hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses, which cause liver cancer, and H. pylori bacteria, which causes stomach ulcers and later gastric cancer, are examples of this.
