How do you get Cancer?

Question

ok well i have been hearing lots of people that have cancer, and im just wondering how do you get it?

Answer 1

Cancer is caused when normal cells change so that they grow in an uncontrolled way. The uncontrolled growth causes a tumour to form. If not treated, the tumour can cause problems by invading normal tissues nearby or by causing pressure on other body structures.

Nobody knows what causes this to happen, though many people, usually those who have never had or studied cancer, have a pet theory.

Some cancers have known risk factors; smoking is linked to lung cancer, and sun exposure to skin cancer. The number one risk for many cancers is getting older.

Some cancers can be due to a hereditary factor – 5 – 10% of breast cancer cases are, for example.

You can eat a healthy diet, exercise, not smoke... all that good stuff, and still get cancer.

A healthy diet, which some answerers have mentioned, is always a good idea, and you'll feel better if you eat properly, but don't rely on it to prevent cancer - cancer doesn't discriminate.

Answer 2

All normal cells have two systems to prevent cancer - tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes. If one system goes wrong you still have the other to prevent cells dividing out of control and causing cancer. When both go wrong the cell starts to divide uncontrollably and you get the start cancer.The system goes wrong when the genetic message for that gene is corrupted; this can be caused by a carcinogen like UV light or tobacco smoke. Some people are born with one gene already corrupted, that's why cancer can run in families. But, you also get a DNA repair system which can re-write faulty bits in your DNA, and your immune system can also recognise faulty cells and cause them to self-destruct (called apoptosis) So cancer is actually more common than you might think...just sometimes the body stops it before it gets too far.

Answer 3

By sitting on a public toilet seat. No wait... that's pregnancy. Nevermind.

You generally will get cancer through hereditary genes followed by your lifestyle. Certain things such as the kinds of food you eat can contribute to getting different types of cancer as will other things like smoking etc. Also, where you live may have higher toxicity levels than somewhere else and may also contribute to cancer cells forming. However it's primarily heredity. So take a good look at the 'ol family tree and see if you have any family history of cancers. If so, get checked out and let the physician know that there is a family history.

Answer 4

Actually we are all born with cancer. It could trigger itself at any time. There are risk factors of course, but everyone of us can get it. It's simply cells gone crazy and will not stop growing when they should. The end result is a tumor which keeps on growing. Once that trigger is set off the process has begun in your body. An example of a non-cancerous tumor would be a wart.

Answer 5

Cancer can seem to run in families so this suggests a familial tendency. The usual causes are chronic mechanical cellular irritation and chemical cellular irritation that cause cellular mutation. Heavy drinking can cause stomach, pancreatic and liver cancers. Alcohol is a chemical irritant. Smoking can cause stomach and lung cancers. Cigarette smokle is both a chemcical and mechanical irritant. Repeated sunburns can result in skin cancer. Burns are both a chemical and mechanical irritant. Most any cancer you can think of will have its basis in chemical or mechanical irritation and sometimes both. Some cancers like breast and testicular are hormone based in addition to being familial.

So you can expose yourself to chronic chemcal and mechanial irritation or come from a family ith a history of cancer. That's how you get it.

Answer 6

Sorry to hear your news. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but you need the facts, not to be fluffed around. There is absolutely no cure for your aunt at this point treatment will only prolong the inevitable and she will have to decide where she wants the side effects or to enjoy wat time she has left. I have never heard of anybody surviving once it is in the liver. I no you need to have hope but at some point you need to see reality and face what is in front of you with no denial. I know i sound harsh but i have lived it and no only too well. My Mum (who is 60) was diagnosed in May this year with kidney cancer. It was an awful shock as she was so healthy and happy. When it was diagnosed it had already spread to the liver and lung. She past away sept 7. Your aunty's cancer has already spread to two parts of her body, without treatment it will continue to spread and form in other various parts of her body. In my Mums case the tumours became so big they protruded from her body. it travelled up her neck into her brain etc. It was the most awful thing to see your loved one slip away. I wish your family all the best. xx

Answer 7

It might be that some people are more susceptible to cancer. Using tobacco is one cause of cancer and heavy consumption of alcohol might be another way. Working around hazardous materials is yet another way.

Answer 8

lots of things

smoking cigarettes
genetics
being exposed to cancerous materials
the hpv virus can cause cervical cancer which causes other
suntanning
tanning beds they can cause melanoma and skin cancer
drinking alcohol can cause liver cancer


there is sooooooooo many different kinds of cancer one thing doesn't just cause them all

hope that helped for you

Answer 9

everyone has cancer cells that lie dormant in there body. what happens is something has to trigger them-smoking-diet- external things(the sun) etc.

Answer 10

staying in the sun to long without sun screen
smoking
passive smoking