What is Cancer?

Cancer is not a single disease. According to the National Cancer Institute, “Cancer is the name given to a collection of related diseases. In all types of cancer, some of the body’s cells begin to divide without stopping and spread into surrounding tissues”. The cancer cells grow beyond their usual boundaries and occasionally spread to other organs.

Known Factors in Cancer

Genetics vs Epigenetics

Fewer than 10% of human cancers result from known inherited genetic mutations. The vast majority of cancers arise from changes in genetic structures that occur during a person's lifetime. These changes can occur at the core DNA level (genetic), or they can affect the way the DNA is expressed, resulting in epigenetic changes that can be either protective or harmful, depending on what is driving that change. There are many environmental exposures, foods, and other lifestyle behaviors that can affect epigenetic changes to DNA, leading to biologic changes in the body.

Behavior Changes

It is estimated that up to 50% of adult cancer diagnoses are related to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. According to the American Institute of Cancer Research (AICR), lifestyle changes that can promote cancer include cigarette smoking, drug and alcohol use, radiation exposure, excess body weight and obesity, consummation of red and processed meat, consumption of processed foods, low consumption of vegetables and fruits, low dietary calcium, and physical inactivity. Environmental and chemical exposures can also increase cancer risk, as can certain occupational exposures.

Environmental Toxins

The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that there are over 40 chemicals found in the workplace that are listed as occupational carcinogens (cancer promoting). Additionally, there are several known infectious agents that contribute to about 12% of cancers worldwide.