Cancer is among the largest killers today. The disease is characterized by uncontrolled or malignant cell growth. There are different causes and therefore different types of cancer.
Tobacco is one of the major causes of cancer. A significant number of people are dying every year from cancers associated with tobacco. Cigarette smoke generally contains a significant amount of oxidants, which promotes the development of cancerous cells (Falvo 460). Smoking mostly causes cancers in organs of the respiratory system. Tobacco can also lead to stomach or esophageal cancers. Second hand smoke, too, increases the risks of getting cancer.
Ultraviolet rays from the sun can also lead to development of cancer. The rays usually damage the skin hence increasing the risks of one developing skin cancer. This is however determined by the length of exposure to the sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended for one to limit the time in the sun.
Ionizing radiation can also lead to the cell damage which results to cancer. These rays can emanate from radioactive fallout, radon gases, outer space, x-rays among other sources (Sullivan and Krieger 412). Fallouts results from accidents from the nuclear plants. It can also result from the use of atomic weapons. Radon, which is a radioactive gas, is mostly common in the mines.
Certain chemicals can lead to the development of cancer. For instance, asbestos, benzidine, nickel, vinyl chloride and cadmium can cause cancer (Sullivan and Krieger 300). In addition, chemicals found in some foods, such as artificial sweeteners, and fluoride, may increase the risk of one developing cancer. The risk of developing cancer is also associated with family history. Some types of cancers are more prevalent in some families than in others. These include the prostrate cancer, melanoma and colon cancers. Furthermore, cancer can result from a series of gene mutations. A normal cell may become cancerous after a number of changes in its genes.
In sum, causes of cancer range from exposure to certain radiations and chemicals to defects in genetic materials. However, the risk of getting the disease can be reduced by using preventive materials in nuclear plants, avoiding exposure to radio active rays and reducing the length of time spent in the sun.
Works Cited
Falvo, Donna R. Medical and psychosocial aspects of chronic illness and disability. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2005.
Sullivan, John and Gary R. Krieger. Clinical environmental health and toxic exposures. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001.
