Cancer poses a major global burden, affecting approximately 8.8 million people worldwide. Cancer is the second leading cause of death accounting to one out of every six deaths globally. As per WHO reports, cancer-related deaths are estimated to be around 9.6 million in the year 2018. What Causes Cancer?
Cancer is caused when normal cells transform into tumor cells through a multistage process that generally progresses from a pre-cancerous lesion to a malignant tumor. These changes result from the interaction between genetic and external agents which include: physical carcinogens , like ultraviolet and ionizing radiation; chemical carcinogens , like asbestos, components of tobacco smoke, aflatoxin (a food contaminant), and arsenic (a drinking water contaminant); biological carcinogens , like infections from certain viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Aging is another fundamental factor for…
