Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

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Last Updated on January 7, 2021

3. What Causes Cancer?

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The exact cause of the cancer is unknown, but different factors may play a role in this process. Although genetic factors have been associated with some forms of cancer, less than 10% of cancers are hereditary.

Less than 10% of breast cancers are associated with mutated genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2. These two hereditary genes are responsible for about 50% of the hereditary forms of breast cancer.

Most forms of cancer are caused by genetic mutations of cells that occur during a person’s life, influenced by environmental factors such as tobacco use or exposure to radiation.

Environmental factors that can cause cancer include:

– Smoking: smoking causes lung cancer; It is also associated with a greater risk of cancer of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, bladder, and cervix.

– Chemicals: Exposure to industrial dyes, asbestos and benzene is associated with cancer.

– Ionizing radiation: the link between ionizing radiation and cancer has already been established, but it is unclear how much radiation could increase the risk of cancer.

– A virus: certain viruses, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, which is responsible for AIDS), are associated with a higher risk of liver cancer, lymphomas, and sarcomas. The human papillomavirus (HPV, which causes condyloma acuminata) is associated with an increased risk of oral, anal and cervical cancer.

– The sun’s rays: prolonged exposure (eg tanning) causes skin lesions and can lead to skin cancer.