Factors that influence the development of cancer

The factors that influence the development of cancer are numerous and can include a combination of external and internal factors. Cancers occur when cells in the body begin to grow and multiply uncontrollably, and these changes can be caused by a wide range of factors.
Some of the main factors that can influence the development of cancer:

1. Genetic factors:
   ⦁ Genes and Heredity: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing cancer due to inherited mutations in genes that control cell growth and division. Examples of inherited genetics include mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are linked to the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
   ⦁ DNA repair system: Some people may have defects in their DNA repair systems that can lead to the accumulation of mutations that cause cancer.
2. Environmental and external factors:
   ⦁ Air pollution and harmful substances: Exposure to hazardous chemicals in the environment, such as benzene, arsenic, and other toxic substances (e.g. in some industries), can increase the risk of developing cancer.
   ⦁ Smoking: Smoking is one of the main factors that cause cancer, especially cancer of the lungs, mouth, throat, larynx, and pancreas.
   ⦁ Alcohol use: Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with the risk of developing cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and breast cancer.
3. Viral and bacterial infections:
   ⦁ Viruses: Some viruses are linked to the development of cancer. For example, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to cervical cancer, and hepatitis B and hepatitis C can lead to liver cancer. Epstein-Barr virus is linked to lymphoma cancer.
   ⦁ Bacteria: Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that causes infection in the stomach and is linked to the development of stomach cancer.
4. Lifestyle factors and nutrition:
   ⦁ Unhealthy diet and obesity: Diets high in saturated fat, processed meat, and low in fruits and vegetables can increase the risk of bowel, stomach, and breast cancer. Overweight and obesity are also linked to stomach, pancreatic, kidney, and breast cancer.
   ⦁ Lack of physical activity: Being inactive can increase the risk of several types of cancer, including bowel and breast cancer.
   ⦁ Use of other substances (drugs): The use of certain substances, such as steroids and other drugs that affect the immune system, can increase the risk of some types of cancer.
5. Age and age progression:
   ⦁ Age is a major risk factor for many types of cancer. As you age, your body's cells become more likely to accumulate mutations that can lead to cancer. This is why most cases of cancer occur in individuals over the age of 50.
6. Hormonal factors:
   ⦁ Estrogen: Hormones can influence the development of some types of cancer, such as breast and ovarian cancer. Prolonged exposure to estrogen, for example, through the use of contraceptives or hormone therapy for long periods, can increase the risk of breast cancer.
   ⦁ Sex hormones: Factors such as delayed menopause or late pregnancy can affect the risk of breast cancer.
7. Family history:
   ⦁ Family and genetics: Some types of cancer are more common in individuals who have a family history of cancer, suggesting a genetic predisposition. Breast, colon, and prostate cancer are examples of cancers that often run in families.