Curtis Swanson, COO at ClearCyte Diagnostics, on cancer causes

There are many unfounded articles out there that wrongly identify contributing factors to cancer. These articles sometimes go on about how peanut butter and cell phones are leading causes of cancer in the world.

Although there is always some speculation in what may or may not cause cancer, I have compiled a list of proven factors.

Tobacco Use

Cigarette smoking or tobacco use in general has proven to put individuals at risk of cancer. Although consumption of alcohol is acceptable in moderate levels, there is no acceptable amount of tobacco usage. “Smoking has been found to harm nearly every bodily organ and organ system in the body and diminishes a person’s overall health”. Secondhand smoke also falls in this category. Secondhand smoke refers to either smoke emitting from a burning tobacco product or smoke that is coming directly from a smoker smoking a tobacco product. Cancers from tobacco products include: Pancreatic, oral, kidney, bladder, stomach, and lung cancer.

Infections

Certain types of infections are able to cause cancer. Infections such as Human Papillomavirus or HPV have risk factors for cancers such as oropharynx, and cervical cancer. Hepatitis B and C will enable you to be more susceptible to liver cancer. There are some vaccines that prevent hepatitis B and certain types of HPV to reduce the risk of cancer from these infections.

Exposure to Radiation

Certain types of radiation are proven to make someone susceptible to types of cancer. Radiation from the sun, otherwise known as ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancers. Medical testing, such as CT scans have skyrocketed exposure to ionizing radiation to patients. Radon which is a odorless and colorless gas is in the air that we breathe every day. Radon is found in igneous rocks and soil and comes from the breakdown of uranium. There are acceptable levels of radon and they can be tested at home or anywhere with the proper equipment.

Genetics

Cancer can be be caused by our genetic makeup. Cancer caused by genetics makes up is considered to make up about 5 to 10 percent of all cancers. Cancer is a genetic mutation of cells which then reproduce and can be continually changing genetically thereafter. If these certain cells are contained within the reproductive cells of a person they can then be passed on to their offspring.
These are proven factors that pose a risk for someone to have cancer. There are plenty of other relatable factors that may cause someone to be prone to cancer but nothing that has been proven.

About the author

Curtis Swanson is the COO of ClearCyte Diagnostics, a cancer screening company in Bellevue dedicated to the international marketing of medical screening to a wide range of markets. Additionally, he has experience in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, accounting GAAP & FASB, and business operational management. Throughout his career, Curtis Swanson has proven himself as a leader, innovator, and developer.

Learn more about Curtis Swanson here.