The true cause of cancer isn’t known. However, there are certain factors that increase the likelihood of cancer. These include genetics, lifestyle choices like smoking and eating red meat excessively, little to no exercise, and environmental factors. Some infections increase the risk of cancer. According to Cancer.org, infections lead to up to 20% of cancer cases globally, with percentages higher in the Global South.
Why do some infections increase the risk of cancer?
Cancer affects the body at a cellular level. Cancer mutates cells to convert them into cancer cells. These mutations alter the DNA in the cell. Additionally, proto-oncogenes—the genes that affect cell growth and division are also affected. When they start growing abnormally, they become oncogenes, or cancer-causing genes because they make cells grow when they shouldn’t. Changes to tumour suppressor genes can also lead to uncontrollable cell division.
Infections come into play because pathogens can also affect cells. Viruses can affect these genes that affect cell growth. Other infections cause prolonged inflammation. Ordinarily, inflammation is a beneficial process. It’s when the immune system recognises a harmful foreign object and begins healing. When inflammation continues long after the condition has been cleared, it leads to other illnesses and conditions, like cancer. Finally, infections can also suppress the body’s immunity which makes the body more vulnerable to cancer.
Infections that increase the risk of cancer
1. H. pylori
Helicobacter pylori is an infection that affects the stomach and small intestines. It causes pain and inflammation and can lead to peptic ulcers. It attacks the stomach lining which protects it from the stomach acids. H. pylori weakens this lining and can also stick to stomach cells. H. pylori increases the risk of stomach cancer. At least 800,000 people with gastrointestinal cancers attribute it to an H. pylori infection.
The infection happens when you eat food not cleaned or cooked safely. It also occurs when you drink water with the bacteria. To prevent it, make sure you wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet, before handling food, and before eating. Ensure you follow all food safety procedures when cooking and preparing food. Only drink safe and clean drinking water.
Health: H. Pylori – Symptoms, Treatment And Management
2. HPV
The human papillomavirus affects the genitals. Genital HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. There are different types of HPV. They each affect the skin on the penis, the vaginal lining, the vulva, the anus, the cervix, and the rectum. They can also affect the mouth and throat. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are at least 13 types that can lead to cervical cancer. HPV is responsible for 90% of anal and cervical cancer, 70% of vaginal and vulva cancers, and 60% of penile cancer. It’s also responsible for 60-70% of throat cancers. Smoking isn’t the only risk to that area. At least 10% of women with HPV infection in the cervix will develop cervical cancer.
Thankfully, there is an HPV vaccine which greatly reduces the risk of HPV-induced cancer. There’s no treatment for HPV. Most HPV infections don’t cause problems in the body and clear within two years. However, when they lead to warts, seek medical treatment to manage the symptoms. To prevent HPV infections, avoid unprotected sex, avoid genital contact with someone who has genital warts and an infection, get pap smears regularly, and get vaccinated if you’ve never been sexually active. However, it’s important to remember that the HPV vaccine is recommended for children from the age of 11 to adults when they’re 26. It’s not recommended for adults over 26 to get the vaccine. This is because it’s mostly effective for people who haven’t had sex yet and are completely unexposed to the virus. HPV: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment And Management
Cervical Cancer: Warning Signs, Symptoms And Risk Factors
3. Epstein-Barr virus
EBV is a member of the herpes family. It affects multiple parts of the body including the nerves, blood, and lungs. It’s most well-known for causing mononucleosis. It’s transmitted through saliva and other body fluids. EBV is known as herpesvirus 4. When you’re infected with the virus, it remains in your body forever.
EBV is responsible for thousands of lymphomas, and neck and head cancers. It takes up to four weeks to show symptoms but remains infectious. To prevent the spread of EBV, don’t share spoons, straws, forks, and other utensils that come into contact with the mouth. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently. Clean and disinfect items that you touch often regularly. Avoid spending intimate spaces with infected people.
Herpes: Types, Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
4. Hepatitis B and C
Hepatitis B causes liver infections. It’s transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected person, sharing needles with an infected person, and from a pregnant mother to a child. The Hepatitis B virus can be short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic). HBV is a leading cause of liver cancer. It can also lead to liver failure and cirrhosis. The HBV vaccine can reduce infections but patients with chronic hepatitis B may need a liver transplant. Other ways to prevent transmission of Hepatitis B is always to practise safe sex, use a sterile needle when taking drugs or avoid them altogether, and only get tattoos from reputable shops.
Hepatitis C is also a viral infection that affects the liver. The infection is also transmitted through blood. Approximately, 50 million people live with Hep C with one million new infections every year. There are about 150 million people worldwide with hepatitis B. It also increases the risk of liver cancer. Unfortunately, there isn’t yet a vaccine for hepatitis C. However, there are effective antiviral treatments for acute hepatitis C. There are also curative anti-viral pills that can cure chronic hepatitis C. You can prevent hepatitis C by avoiding contact with infected blood such as not exposing open wounds, practising safe sex, and using sterile needles.
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