1/5 of Cancer Cases Are Caused by Germs! Watch Out for These 5 Kinds of Germs That May Cause Cancer
Many people think that cancer is caused by factors such as family health history, unhealthy diet, improper living habits and ageing. Yet, have you ever thought that cancer can be caused by hidden risks around you? According to research statistics, 1/5 of cancer cases are related to viruses and bacteria that could appear everywhere! Keep reading to find out which germs can cause cancer and their prevention!
Which germs can cause cancer?
Liver cancer – hepatitis B and C viruses
In liver cancer cases related to hepatitis B virus (HBV), 80% of HBV DNA integration into the cellular genes is detected. A lot of HBV causes genetic alteration in liver cancer cells, leading to activation of expression of proto-oncogene or inactivation of the tumour suppressor gene p53, hence the unregulated proliferation of cancer cells.
These statistics reveal a close relationship between HBV infection and liver cancer. It is also discovered that hepatitis B patients have a higher risk of liver cancer than healthy people by 98 times!
On the other hand, hepatitis C virus (HCV) may lead to liver cancer since HCV is an oncogenic virus and the infection may cause chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. When infected with HCV, it is estimated that 70% of the patients will develop chronic hepatitis and around 20% of them will develop cirrhosis 20 years later. Preliminary studies currently estimated that around 9.6% to 33.5% of HCV cirrhosis patients will develop liver cancer in 20 years.
How to prevent it?
Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and sexual contact. The best prevention today is receiving the hepatitis B vaccine. As hepatitis C is transmitted through body fluid, you should avoid sharing personal care items with others, such as razors, toothbrushes, towels and nail clippers.
Cervical cancer – human papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a small DNA virus that infects human skin and mucosal cells. HPV has more than 200 types, including 13 high-risk and 5 low-risk types, which are the culprits of cervical cancer. According to statistics, up to around 75% of women will be infected with HPV in their lifetime. After treatment, there is still a chance of chronic infection if the immune system fails to clear HPV from the body. Chronic infection coupled with hormonal changes and ageing can increase the risk of cervical cancer.
How to prevent it?
HPV is mainly transmitted via sexual contact. You are recommended to receive an HPV 9-in-1 vaccine to protect yourself against a wide range of HPV types and also receive a Pap smear regularly.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma and more – Epstein-Barr virus
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a very common human herpes virus. 90% of children, teenagers and adults have been infected with EBV, but 80% of them will develop antibodies. Yet, once infected with the virus, the person will carry the virus in a dormant state in B lymphocytes forever. When the immune system weakens, EBV will activate and cause infection.
When infected with EBV, two oncogenic proteins will be produced during protein synthesis – latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) and Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1). Existing research findings show that these two proteins can impair cell function, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and hence cancer.
EBV infection coupled with smoking, family health history and other factors can trigger nasopharyngeal carcinoma or other conditions. Lymphoma, gastric, lung, breast, and cervical cancer are related to EBV infection.
How to prevent it?
EBV mainly spreads through saliva. You should pay attention to oral hygiene and use serving chopsticks at gatherings.
Gastric cancer –Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified H. pylori as a group 1 carcinogen in 1994. H. pylori infection of the stomach will first cause gastritis and chronic active gastritis over time. Ongoing active inflammation can damage the epithelial cells of the stomach and accelerate cell regeneration to replace the damaged epithelial cells. If left untreated, it may cause atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia, and eventually gastric cancer.
How to prevent it?
H. pylori is transmitted through saliva. You should protect yourself from this bacterium during meals with family or friends by using clean and regularly disinfected utensils.
Liver cancer – aflatoxin
Aflatoxin is a kind of mycotoxin that is classified as a group 1 carcinogen by IARC. Evidence from epidemiological studies and animal tests shows that aflatoxin can increase the incidence of liver cancer when consumed in the human body. In particular, if chronic hepatitis patients are exposed to aflatoxin, their risk of liver cancer will significantly increase.
How to prevent it?
Aflatoxin enters the human body through the mouth, especially via foods contaminated with obvious moulds. You should buy rice, beans, wheat, grains and their products that are fresh and vacuum-packed. Store them in a cool and dry place away from moisture. Do not consume the food when you spot changes in its colour and smell.
If you suspect that you have signs of cancer, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible!
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