FAQs on Cause of Cancer

Q- What causes cancer?

Ans- Though it is very difficult to pinpoint the definite cause. Certain substances, known as carcinogens, can definitely increase your chances of getting cancer. For instance, people who smoke or chew tobacco are more prone to mouth, throat and lung cancer, Contrary to popular opinion, beedi smoking is twice as dangerous as cigarettes. Continued irritation of tissues can lead to cancer. Pollution, preserved food, smoked and junk food are also contributory. Even certain viruses can cause cancer (EBV, Hepatitis B, HPV). Among-st other known causes are asbestos, arsenic, pitch, tar, ultraviolet rays.

 Q- Is cancer caused by a germ?

Ans- There is no scientific evidence that cancer is directly caused by a germ. Although certain viruses are known to cause cancer but they form < 2% of the cancer burden.

 Q- Does cancer come form a single bruise?

Ans- No. A single injury to soft tissue or bone does not give rise to cancer.

 Q- What is the relation of food to cancer?

Ans- High fat, low roughage western diet predisposes to colon cancer. Diet rich in animal fats also contributes to breast cancer. Green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits contain certain antioxidants which prevent cancer. Recently tomato, ginger and cabbage etc. have been found to have medicinal antioxidant property. Avoid junk food, smoked food and preserved food. Be vegetarian and prevent cancer!

 Q- Will irregularity in eating cause cancer of the stomach?

Ans- There is no scientific evidence that it will, since cancer of stomach may occur in people who eat most regularly.

 Q- Does eating hot food cause cancer?

Ans- There is little evidence that the temperature of food is an important factor in development of cancer. But recently too hot food has been correlated with food pipe cancer. Too spicy food may be related to stomach cancer as is evident from its high incidence in Southern parts of India.