Is Cancer Always Genetic? What Increases the Risk?

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Is Cancer Always Genetic? What Increases the Risk?

Many people fear cancer because they think, "It runs in my family." But the truth is:

Only 5% to 10% of all cancers are inherited. That means most cancers are caused by lifestyle, environment, and random changes inside your body, not just genes.

Let’s understand how cancer starts, what raises your risk, and how you can protect yourself.

 

What Is Cancer?

Cancer is not one disease — it's a group of diseases where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and can spread to other parts of the body.

In a healthy body --- Cells grow, divide, do their job, and die when no longer needed.

In cancer:

  • Cells ignore the stop signals, continue multiplying, and form tumors (except in blood cancers like leukemia).
  • Some tumors are benign (non-cancerous), but malignant tumors can invade tissues and spread (called metastasis).

 

 Is Cancer Genetic?

We all carry genes that regulate cell growth. Some people inherit faulty versions of these genes, making cancer more likely.

These genes include:

  • BRCA1/2 (linked to breast and ovarian cancer)
  • APC (linked to colon cancer)
  • TP53 (linked to several cancers)

But even with these genes, cancer is not guaranteed. Environmental factors and lifestyle decide whether the disease will be triggered.

DYK?

  • Only 5–10% of breast cancers are caused by inherited BRCA mutations.
  • More than 90% of cancers are "sporadic", meaning caused by external or random internal factors.

 

What Increases Cancer Risk (Even Without Genes)?

1. Tobacco & Smoking

  • Contains over 70 known carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals)
  • Smoking doesn’t just cause lung cancer — it’s linked to mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, pancreas, and even stomach cancer

2. UV Radiation

  • UV rays from the sun damage DNA in skin cells
  • Damaged DNA can create mutations that lead to melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer

3. Unhealthy Diet & Obesity

  • Processed meats (like sausages and bacon) are classified as Group 1 carcinogens by WHO
  • Obesity increases estrogen and insulin levels, both of which can fuel cancers like breast, uterus, and colon

4. Alcohol

  • Alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical that can damage DNA
  • Increases risk of liver, mouth, throat, esophagus, colon, and breast cancer

5. Chemical Exposure

  • Regular exposure to asbestos, pesticides, plastics (like BPA), industrial smoke, and even hair dyes can trigger gene mutations

6. Chronic Stress & Poor Sleep

  • Stress increases cortisol, which can weaken the immune system
  • Poor sleep disrupts the body’s ability to repair damaged DNA at night

 

How Can You Lower Your Cancer Risk?

Eat More Plants

  • Vegetables and fruits have antioxidants that fight DNA damage
  • Fiber helps flush out toxins and lower hormone spikes

Quit Smoking

  • Even if you’ve smoked for years, quitting immediately starts repairing your body

Use Sunscreen

  • SPF 30 or higher blocks 97% of harmful UVB rays

Limit Alcohol

  • Go alcohol-free at least a few days a week

Stay Physically Active

  • Just 150 minutes of exercise a week reduces colon, breast, and uterine cancer risk

Get Screened

  • Mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies, and low-dose CTs (for smokers) catch cancer early

 

Prevention doesn’t guarantee immunity, but it significantly lowers your chances.

 

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