April 15-21 is the 28th National Cancer Awareness Week, and this year's theme is "Cancer Early Action".
Today, the related topic #Cancer is not contagious but some carcinogenic factors can be contagious# has appeared on Weibo hot search. Let's talk about this topic today.
Image source: Weibo hot search entry homepage
The mechanism of cancer generation, growth, metastasis and spread is more complex, which is the result of the joint action of multiple factors. It is currently believed that under the influence of various factors, oncogenes produce mutations, resulting in unrestricted growth of cells. At the same time, under the action of a variety of factors, tumor suppressor genes are inactivated, cell proliferation and sleep disorders, and cannot be apoptosis normally.
Therefore, the occurrence of cancer is related to its own genetic mutations, and it is not directly transmitted.
But the carcinogenic factors of some cancers are contagious.
External factors known to increase the risk of cancer include chronic infection (including bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.), chemical pollution of the environment, ionizing radiation, familial genetic factors, and poor lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption.
Among them, viruses and bacteria closely related to cancer can be transmitted through a number of ways, and the human body will increase the risk of cancer after being infected with these pathogens. For example:
HPV viruses associated with cervical cancer, which can be sexually transmitted;
Hepatitis viruses (especially hepatitis B and C viruses) that are closely related to primary liver cancer can be transmitted through blood, sex, mother and child;
Helicobacter pylori, which is associated with stomach cancer, can be transmitted mainly through diet in early childhood ...
But fortunately, advances in medicine have given us the possibility to reduce these risks.
Image source: Figureworm Creative
For viruses that increase the risk of cancer, we can improve the body's immunity by vaccinating. At present, hpV vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine are very mature, and for high-risk groups, they should be vaccinated as soon as possible.
Hepatitis C has a more mature treatment plan.
For Helicobacter pylori infection, we can reduce infection in young children by dividing meals as much as possible and avoiding poor feeding habits. If an adult is found to have Helicobacter pylori infection, it can also be cured by "quadruple therapy".
High-risk groups that are already infected also have standardized screening checkups to help detect cancer in advance and deal with it as soon as possible.
In today's world of continuous advancement of medical technology, we do not need to "talk about cancer discoloration".
Maintaining good personal hygiene habits, a healthy lifestyle, vaccinations, and regular check-ups can keep cancer a little farther away from us.
The latest and hottest medical topic, today's hot discussion to give you an interpretation.
This article is reviewed by experts
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Curated by April | Executive Producer: Eric
Cover image source: Dr. Lilac design team