Factors Predisposing to Cancer

Is there any particular age, gender or any other environmental factor(s), which predisposes a person to development of cancer?

Cancer is relatively uncommon in younger age group and the risk increases with increasing age. Tumors, which occur in children, are Wilms' tumor of the kidney and Nerve tissue cancer. Certain blood cancers, bone cancers & cancers of the lymph glands also occur predominately in children.

Cancers of the lung, gastric system and prostate gland become more common with increasing age.

Cancer of the breast can occur at any age, but generally occurs after the age of 30 years.

Certain cancers are more common in men because of their habits. Other than the cancers with occurs in organs of one sex only, Lung and Laryngeal cancers, & cancers of the skin are more common in men. Many cancers predominantly occur in one sex for no apparent reason.

Cancer of the colon & cancer of the upper esophagus are more common in females.

Certain cancers are found to be more common in a particular geographical location. This may also be due to associated factor of climate race and habits of people residing in that location.

What are other factors, which predispose to cancer?
Many cancers occur in tissues, which have undergone an abnormal change. For example, repeated & prolonged exposure to sun can cause thickening of skin called hyperkeratosis, which predisposes to development of malignancy.

Similarly melanoma may arise in a pre existing mole or dark pigmented spot.

Chronic irritation of the lining of mouth and throat due to cigarette smoke, habit of chewing paan. , gutka, paan masala predispose to cancer.

Chronically inflamed issues and congenitally abnormal tissue. Like an undescended testis have an increased risk of undergoing ,malignant change.

Diet also has a role to play. It is established that a high fiber diet is protective against bowel cancer. It has a complex carbohydrate, glucan that has immuno stimulant properties.

Cancer of digestive system is more common in persons consuming lot of alcohol.

There have been studies suggesting that high intake of animal fat predisposes to stomach cancers. Some vitamins like vitamin A and C are said to have a protective role.

Places where there is deficiency of Iodine in local food & water supplies, have an increased incidence of thyroid enlargement i.e. goiter which shows increased incidence of thyroid cancer.

Also occupational exposure to radiation through X-rays, chemicals like asbestos predispose to lung cancer. Nickel workers having increased chance of cancer of the air passage behind and around the nose due to constant inhalation.