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What causes cancer?

Cancer occurs when the DNA of healthy cells in your body becomes damaged, causing the cells to multiply uncontrollably. The exact cause of this damage is unknown for many cancers. The various agents that cause damage to DNA are collectively called carcinogens. Carcinogens can be physical, such as radiation; chemical, such as cigarette smoke; or biological, such as certain viruses.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is cancer?

Cancer is a broad term that describes a large number of conditions where abnormal cells in your body start growing uncontrollably, and they can sometimes then invade and damage healthy tissues. Cancers are one of the leading causes of death in Australia. Certain cancers can …

How is cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis of cancer can be done by: 1) Screening for early detection: As cancer can often not show any symptoms in its early stages, population screening is done if it is able to identify the cancer at an early stage, if the test itself poses a low risk and is low …

How is cancer treated?

Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, different treatment options are available. The following list of treatments is general and may not relate to your specific type of cancer: 1) Surgery to remove tumors and affected lymph nodes is often the first line of …

Can cancer be prevented?

Some types of cancer can be prevented. for instance, a woman having the HPV vaccine before reaching the age of sexual maturity will prevent cervical cancer caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Most cancers cannot be prevented; however, you can reduce your risk …

Who can develop cancer?

Anyone can develop cancer, but some people are at higher risk. Risk factors for cancer include: older age; lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol overuse, poor diet and a lack of physical activity; genetics and family history; viruses and other pathogens (for …

What about alternative treatments for cancer?

Some people diagnosed with cancer seek out complementary and alternative therapies. None of these alternative therapies are known to cure cancer, but some can help people feel better when used together with conventional medical treatment. It is …

Are there different types of cancer?

There many different cancer types, which are based upon the cell or organ of origin: Carcinoma originates in cells lining the body cavities; sarcoma originates in cells of supportive tissue such as muscle, bone and fatty tissue; lymphoma originates in …

What increases the chances of developing cancer?

Risk factors for cancer include: older age; lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol overuse, poor diet and a lack of physical activity; genetics and family history; viruses and other pathogens (for example, hepatitis B and C viruses and …

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Diseases & conditions

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the name for cancers that arise in lung tissue. Abnormal cells can interfere with lung function and spread to other parts of the body. Smoking is a major risk factor, although non-smokers can also develop lung cancer.…
Diseases & conditions

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the name for cancers that arise in the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. Abnormal cells can form tumours in the ovaries and spread to other parts of the body.…
Diseases & conditions

Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of cancer that starts in the melanocyte cells of the skin, usually due to damage from UV light (sunlight). A new or changing mole may be a sign of a potential melanoma. Melanoma cells can spread to other parts of the body.…
Diseases & conditions

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is cancer that starts in the skin’s squamous cells due to damage from UV light (sunlight). SCC often appears like a red patch or sore. It can spread to other parts of the body, although this is rare.…
Diseases & conditions

Stomach cancer

Stomach cancer is the name for cancers that arise in the tissues of the stomach. Abnormal cells can form tumours and interfere with the function of the stomach. They may also spread to other parts of the body.…
Diseases & conditions

Mouth cancer

Mouth cancer, or oral cancer, is the name for cancers that arise in the tissues of the mouth, including the lips and the tongue. Abnormal cells can form a tumour (which can appear as a lump or ulcer) in the mouth and spread throughout the body.…

About this article

Author: Jonathan Meddings BMedLabSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Votes: 1504 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Lung cancer

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