Table of Contents
Do you know what are the biological carcinogenic factors?
On the earth, there are a large number of microorganisms coexisting with humans, some of which are beneficial to humans, and the other is harmful to humans. Human pneumonia, gastritis, enteritis and other diseases are often caused by bacteria, viral hepatitis, mumps, measles and other diseases are often caused by viruses, diseases, schistosomiasis and other diseases are caused by parasites.
We briefly introduce the situation of biological carcinogenesis as follows:
Biological carcinogenic factors:Viruses
Virus researchers have found that many viruses are related to the occurrence of human cancer. Epstein Barr virus (often known as EB virus) is associated with malignant lymphoma, leukemia, infectious mononucleosis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma in African children. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is closely related to the occurrence of cervical cancer in women. Different types of papillomavirus are also associated with skin tumors, tongue cancer, laryngeal cancer, etc. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are associated with the formation of hepatocellular carcinoma. HIV often causes Kaposi sarcoma, lymphoma and leukemia.
Biological carcinogens:Mold (fungus)
Some molds have a very clear relationship with the occurrence of cancer. For example, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus versicolor can produce aflatoxin, which may cause human liver cancer. T-2 toxin produced by Fusarium can induce gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer and brain tumors in experimental animals. Penicillium producing griseofulvin can induce thyroid cancer or liver cancer in mice. The study also proved that several common molds in the food of Linzhou City, Henan Province, China, such as Fusarium moniliforme, Aspergillus versicolor, Alternaria alternata, Geotrichum candidum, etc., can promote the formation of nitrosamines in the food. Mycotoxins and nitrosamines play a synergistic role, which is closely related to the occurrence of esophageal cancer in local people.
Biological carcinogens:Bacteria – Helicobacter pylori (HP)
Some scientists believe that Helicobacter pylori infection is related to gastritis, gastric ulcer and gastric cancer. Killing Helicobacter with some antibiotics can reduce the incidence of gastritis and gastric cancer. Helicobacter pylori infection not only directly damages the gastric mucosa and changes the physiological function of gastric acid secretion, but also has evidence that the toxin of Helicobacter pylori can cause intracellular chromosome damage and DNA strand breakage. Many scholars believe that Helicobacter pylori is an important factor in the early stage of gastric cancer. Therefore, scientists advocate that antibiotic treatment for patients with symptomatic gastritis and gastric ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori can reduce the occurrence of gastric cancer.
Others
Some parasites in the body are related to certain cancers, such as the high incidence of colon and rectal cancer in Chinese patients with “schistosomiasis japonica”, and bladder cancer caused by “schistosomiasis aegypti” in the Middle East. Clonorchis sinensis (Clonorchis sinensis) infection may cause cholangiocarcinoma of the liver.
The formation of cancer is multifactorial and multistage. Studying and understanding its etiology will help us to prevent and treat it.
To reduce the harm caused by biological carcinogens, one can take the following measures:
- Vaccination: Vaccines can help prevent infections from viruses known to increase cancer risk, such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Safe Sex Practices: Using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners can reduce the risk of HPV and HIV infections, which are associated with certain types of cancer.
- Food Safety: Properly cooking food and avoiding raw or undercooked meats can help prevent infections from bacteria like Helicobacter pylori, which can increase the risk of stomach cancer.
- Avoiding Tobacco and Alcohol: Both tobacco and alcohol use are linked to various types of cancer. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can significantly reduce cancer risk.
- Regular Health Check-ups: Regular screenings can help detect infections or early signs of cancer, allowing for prompt treatment.
- Environmental Safety: Avoiding exposure to environmental carcinogens, such as certain chemicals and pollutants, can help reduce the risk of cancer.
- Personal Hygiene: Practicing good personal hygiene, such as washing hands frequently, can prevent the spread of infections that may lead to cancer.
By implementing these strategies, individuals can effectively reduce their exposure to and the potential harm from biological carcinogens.
