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Cancer Origins: Genetic Mutations, Environment, and Lifestyle
Cancer arises from accumulated genetic alterations that disrupt normal cell growth control.
Key Driver Categories
- Genetic mutations – inherited (germline, e.g., BRCA1/2, Lynch) or acquired (somatic) in oncogenes (RAS, MYC) and tumor suppressors (TP53, RB).
- Environmental carcinogens – ionizing radiation, UV, asbestos, benzene, aflatoxin, arsenic.
- Lifestyle factors – tobacco (30% of cancers), alcohol, obesity, physical inactivity, processed meat, low fruit/vegetable intake.
- Infections – HPV (cervical, oropharyngeal), HBV/HCV (liver), H. pylori (gastric), EBV (lymphoma).
- Chronic inflammation – IBD, hepatitis, pancreatitis.
Prevention
Up to 40% of cancers are preventable via tobacco avoidance, vaccination (HPV, HBV), healthy weight, limited alcohol, sun protection, and screening.
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