Diary 349: Causes of cancer

Is there a single cause for cancer?

It has been recognised that breast cancer is caused by multiple factors.

How about gene?

One instance of genetic predisposition is the BRCA1 and BRCA2 breast cancer genes, where wwomen who carry one of these genes may be at a higher risk of developing breast cancer than women who do not have the gene.

But, take note. Less than 5% of all breast cancer is due to the mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene – which means at least 95% of breast cancer out there is caused by a multiple of other factors (Dr Nor Ashkin Mokhtar 2011).

Source: Dr Nor Ashkin Mokhtar, “What causes cancer?”, Star2F4life, Sunday star 12, June 2011.

What are other multiple factors?

I can think of polluted working and living environment.

I can think of one’s conflict and poor relation with others.

I can think of one’s consumption of too much acidic foods.

I can think of one’s direct killing of various forms of life.

I can think of one’s lack of exercise.