Cancer risk

Cancer Risk Factors

What is a Risk?

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Risk refers to the possibility of an event occurring. “Cancer risk” is often used to describe the likelihood of a person developing cancer. Research into cancer risk factors has helped improve the health of many people. For example, when scientists discovered that smoking increases the risk of lung cancer, anti-smoking campaigns were launched, helping to save many lives.

It is essential for individuals to understand their personal cancer risk. Knowing your personal risk factors can help you make decisions about your health and habits, potentially reducing your likelihood of getting cancer and increasing the chances of early detection. Cancer is most easily treated when caught early.

What are Common Cancer Risk Factors?

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Anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer is considered a risk factor. Most risk factors do not directly cause cancer. Having a risk factor doesn’t necessarily mean that someone will develop cancer. Many people with several risk factors may never get cancer, while some individuals without any known risk factors may still develop it.

Common Cancer Risk Factors:

1. Age

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If you are diagnosed with cancer after the age of 65, you are not alone. In fact, most cancer diagnoses and cancer survivors are people aged 65 or older. While age is a factor, your overall health is more critical than your age when considering treatment options.

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2. Family Health History

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It’s important to share your family’s health history with your doctor, especially if you or family members have had cancer. If a close relative has had cancer, the likelihood of other family members developing cancer increases. Hereditary cancer refers to cancers caused by specific genetic mutations that can be passed from one generation to the next. This is also known as familial cancer. However, not all cancers are hereditary. Most cancers result from genetic mutations that occur during a person’s lifetime, known as acquired mutations.
A cancer may be considered hereditary if:
• Multiple relatives on one side of the family have had cancer, especially at a young age.
• A person in the family has had multiple cancers in different organs.

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3. Tobacco

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Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic, and over 65 of these are known to cause cancer. Given the presence of so many carcinogens (cancer-causing substances), it is no surprise that smoking is a major cause of many types of cancer. Cigarette smoke doesn’t only cause cancer through direct exposure to carcinogens; it also weakens the body’s ability to fight cancer by affecting the normal function of organs.
Although smoking mainly causes lung cancer, it also increases the risk of bladder cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, throat cancer, liver cancer, oral cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer. The risk of cancer increases depending on how many cigarettes a person smokes per day and how many years they have smoked.
Smoking pipes, cigars, and bidis also contribute to cancer, though the risk is lower than with cigarettes. Chewing tobacco, like pan, khaini, and gutka, causes cancers in the mouth and esophagus, while smoked tobacco mainly affects organs like the lungs.

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4. Obesity

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Obesity means having more fat in your body compared to muscle, bone, and other tissues. Excessive weight increases the risk of certain cancers and can also increase the risk of cancer recurrence after treatment.
Researchers have found several reasons for this:
• Excess fat raises levels of insulin and insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which may promote certain cancers.
• Fat tissue produces more estrogen, which can contribute to cancers such as breast cancer.
• Obesity is associated with increased inflammation, which increases cancer risk.
• Fat cells may interfere with the body’s ability to regulate cancer cell growth.
Cancers associated with obesity include:
• Breast cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Gallbladder cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Head and neck cancers
• Esophageal cancer

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5. Alcohol

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Alcohol has been consistently shown to be a cancer risk factor. The type of alcohol (wine, beer, or spirits) doesn’t matter. Like smoking, alcohol is a modifiable cancer risk factor. Alcohol is primarily linked to cancers of the head, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon. The more alcohol consumed, the higher the risk of these cancers.
How does alcohol increase cancer risk?
• Ethanol: The alcohol in beer, wine, and spirits is ethanol. When the body breaks down ethanol, it converts to acetaldehyde, a carcinogen (a chemical known to cause cancer in humans) that can damage DNA and proteins.
• Oxidative stress: Alcohol can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), or free radicals, which can damage cells if not neutralized by antioxidants.
• Irritation: Alcohol acts as an irritant. It can damage the healthy cells of the mouth and throat, and as those cells regenerate, DNA changes may occur, potentially leading to cancer.
• Estrogen hormone: Alcohol increases the production of estrogen, which may contribute to breast cancer.
• Interference with nutrient absorption: Alcohol can reduce the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients (like vitamins A, C, D, E, folate, and carotenoids), which are important for maintaining health.

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6. Viral Infections

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Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Hepatitis Viruses:
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a common virus that spreads through skin contact. There are over 150 types or strains of HPV. Most HPV infections do not cause symptoms or health problems, and a person may not even know they have it. However, certain types of HPV can cause cancer or abnormal growths, known as precancerous lesions.
Low-risk HPV strains do not cause cancer, but others are classified as high-risk HPV. Often, the body’s immune system can clear the infection, but in some individuals, the infection persists and gradually causes changes in cells, leading to precancerous lesions.
Cancers caused by HPV include:
• Cervical cancer: Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. 70% of HPV-related cervical cancers are caused by HPV-16 or HPV-18. Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer in HPV-positive women.
• Oral cancer: HPV can cause cancers in the mouth and throat. These cancers are increasing.
• Other cancers: Anal, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers can also be caused by HPV.

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7. Certain Chemicals

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• Aflatoxins
• Aristolochic Acids
• Arsenic
• Asbestos
• Benzene
• Benzidine
• Beryllium
• 1,3-Butadiene
• Cadmium
• Coal Tar and Coal-Tar Pitch
• Coke-Oven Emissions
• Crystalline Silica (respirable size)
• Erionite
• Ethylene Oxide
• Formaldehyde
• Hexavalent Chromium Compounds
• Indoor Emissions from the Household Combustion of Coal
• Mineral Oils: Untreated and Mildly Treated
• Nickel Compounds
• Radon
• Secondhand Tobacco Smoke (Environmental Tobacco Smoke)
• Soot
• Strong Inorganic Acid Mists Containing Sulfuric Acid
• Thorium
• Trichloroethylene
• Vinyl Chloride
• Wood Dust

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8. Radiation

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Some risk factors, such as exposure to radiation, cannot be completely avoided. However, other risk factors can be moderated or reduced. The type of risk factor, the amount and frequency of exposure, and the timing of exposure all play a role in determining the risk of developing cancer.

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