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Fewer than 10% of all cancers are directly inherited from parents and infections directly cause only around 15% of the cancers. Thus, the majority of cancers, i.e. around 75%, happen due to uncertain causes.
While the process of cancer formation is not yet fully understood, cancer scientists agree that the development of cancer is a stepwise process. The main steps in the development of cancer are described below.
But, as we grow old in age abnormalities and imperfections develop in this process. During cell division, some of the DNA is lost. The DNA is also damaged due to the consumption of harmful substances like tobacco, alcohol, and other pollutants. Abnormal conditions like obesity and diabetes also damage the process. Some viruses and radiation can also damage this process. Improper diet, with too little plant-based foods such as cereal, vegetables and fruits and too many sugars, red meat, and processed meat contributes towards the development of cancer.
Cells with faulty DNA should be ordinarily cleared and neutralized by the body's defense and repair mechanisms. In people with a normal immune system, this works well.
But in those people who have weaker immune systems, and in those people in whom the immune system is already burdened by many diseases, the immune system fails in its above duty. The presence of chronic diseases and chronic inflammation in the body makes the body weak and prone to oxidation led to the damage.
Cancer cells can shield themselves from the immune system by special means, such as by reducing their need for oxygen and production of acidic microenvironment which makes immune cells ineffective. The cancer cells can block the security checkpoints of the immune system by playing with the body's signaling system.
Cells with faulty DNA that have escaped from the immune system start dividing to reproduce. They further develop a higher level of abnormalities. This cycle repeats with further division and its ultimate result is a highly abnormal form of cells that we call cancer.
Cancer cells keep on growing without break and increase in size, number, and location. These deprive the normal body parts of nutrition. These control the body by recruiting normal cells to their service by forming a tumor microenvironment in the body.
Gatekeeper genes control the multiplication of cells. Caretaker genes repair DNA damage. Landscaper genes help a cell to control other cells. The development of cancer in the body has been regarded as, the collective failure of gatekeeper, caretaker, and landscaper genes.
As the cancer cells and their growth spreads over the rest of the body, the person loses the normal structures and processes and finally succumbs to death.
An epi(c)genetic war: Pathogens, cancer and human genome
Hallmarks of Cancer: The Next Generation
Checkpoint Blockade in Cancer Immunotherapy
About the author: Dr. Naval Asija is a licensed MBBS Physician from India. MBBS is the equivalent of the MD degree offered by international medical schools. He is based in Delhi, India, and works as a medical writer, editor, and consultant. He supports medical researches as an author's editor, medical communication companies involved in medico-marketing activities, and medical technology companies in improving their products. He can be contacted via his LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/navalasija/
Disclaimer: The content provided here is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice. If you consider taking any action based on the above information, we recommend that it should be first confirmed with your doctor. Our detailed disclaimer statement can be read at our homepage
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| Image by PDPics from Pixabay |
Cell & DNA Damage
Our body is made from small units called cells. Cells are routinely born by the division of existing cells, they grow and die. This process usually operates in our bodies without flaws. The DNA and genes of our cells regulate this process.But, as we grow old in age abnormalities and imperfections develop in this process. During cell division, some of the DNA is lost. The DNA is also damaged due to the consumption of harmful substances like tobacco, alcohol, and other pollutants. Abnormal conditions like obesity and diabetes also damage the process. Some viruses and radiation can also damage this process. Improper diet, with too little plant-based foods such as cereal, vegetables and fruits and too many sugars, red meat, and processed meat contributes towards the development of cancer.
Faulty DNA Repair and Improper Immune System Response
Cells with faulty DNA should be ordinarily cleared and neutralized by the body's defense and repair mechanisms. In people with a normal immune system, this works well.
But in those people who have weaker immune systems, and in those people in whom the immune system is already burdened by many diseases, the immune system fails in its above duty. The presence of chronic diseases and chronic inflammation in the body makes the body weak and prone to oxidation led to the damage.
Cancer cells can shield themselves from the immune system by special means, such as by reducing their need for oxygen and production of acidic microenvironment which makes immune cells ineffective. The cancer cells can block the security checkpoints of the immune system by playing with the body's signaling system.
Selection, Propagation, And Spread of Cancer
Cells with faulty DNA that have escaped from the immune system start dividing to reproduce. They further develop a higher level of abnormalities. This cycle repeats with further division and its ultimate result is a highly abnormal form of cells that we call cancer.
Cancer cells keep on growing without break and increase in size, number, and location. These deprive the normal body parts of nutrition. These control the body by recruiting normal cells to their service by forming a tumor microenvironment in the body.
Gatekeeper genes control the multiplication of cells. Caretaker genes repair DNA damage. Landscaper genes help a cell to control other cells. The development of cancer in the body has been regarded as, the collective failure of gatekeeper, caretaker, and landscaper genes.
As the cancer cells and their growth spreads over the rest of the body, the person loses the normal structures and processes and finally succumbs to death.
References:
Epistemology of the origin of cancer: a new paradigmAn epi(c)genetic war: Pathogens, cancer and human genome
Hallmarks of Cancer: The Next Generation
Checkpoint Blockade in Cancer Immunotherapy
About the author: Dr. Naval Asija is a licensed MBBS Physician from India. MBBS is the equivalent of the MD degree offered by international medical schools. He is based in Delhi, India, and works as a medical writer, editor, and consultant. He supports medical researches as an author's editor, medical communication companies involved in medico-marketing activities, and medical technology companies in improving their products. He can be contacted via his LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/navalasija/
Nice blog sir.
ReplyDeleteThank You.
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