Why Cancer Occurs

How does cancer start?

Many of the errors in the genetic material remain without consequences because they are repaired or the cells die. However, if a cell manages to continue dividing despite damage, cancer can develop. This means that tumor cells proliferate uncontrollably and grow into healthy tissue. The risk of such errors in cell division, and thus the risk of cancer, increases with age

Cancer in the family – are cancers "inherited"?

When we talk about genetics, we're not talking about parents passing something on to their children – we're talking about mutations that have developed in the cells. In most cancers, genetic changes only occur later in life and are not inherited. Approximately 5% of all cancers are hereditary, including some types of cancer, such as breast or colon cancer – they can also be caused or promoted by inherited genetic changes.

Lifestyle and Environment

Lifestyle factors play an important role in many types of cancer: smoking, alcohol, an unhealthy diet, obesity, constant stress, lack of exercise, and UV radiation all contribute to the development of tumors. It is estimated that approximately one-third of cancers are attributable to these risk factors. Environmental factors such as polluted air, radiation, fine dust, chemicals such as asbestos, as well as viruses such as the HP virus also play a role in the development of cancer.

Cancer risks are not always avoidable

Even with a healthy lifestyle and minimizing harmful environmental influences, cancer cannot always be prevented. Many factors usually contribute to the development of cancer. On the other hand, not everyone exposed to these risk factors automatically develops cancer.

What goes wrong when a tumor develops?

The body's immune system recognizes foreign substances. This is not as easy with cancer cells as it is with bacteria, for example, because cancer cells arise from healthy cells and are very similar to them. In addition, some tumor cells develop evasive strategies against the immune system's guards, for example, by making themselves "invisible" to the immune system or by inhibiting immune cells. This allows tumor cells to evade the immune system's defenses.

What is the difference between a malignant and a benign tumor?

A malignant tumor differs from a benign tumor in that it invades other tissues, destroys surrounding tissue, and can develop secondary tumors (metastases). Benign tumors are generally not life-threatening, but some can develop into malignant tumors over time.

Are screening tests useful?

Absolutely! Some types of cancer can be detected early. And the earlier the disease is detected and treated, the higher the chances of recovery or a long life of good quality with the disease. This is especially true for common indications such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and skin cancer.

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