Define Etiological Risk Factors in Cancer?

Cancer risks are climbing because of increasingly sedentary lifestyles and diets which are high in fat and sugar although low in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. In developing nations, the risk is mounting because of rapid growth of the urban poor who move from rural areas into vast cities. That migration results in a loss of traditional agriculture and dietary habits, plus an increased utilization of processed foods and drinks has long been known.

Obesity is yet another major part of the growing cancer threat. People are being constantly exposed to many risk factors. First of all we have to remember that etiological or risk factors will be different for different types of cancer. In general, the basic cause of cancers is the loss of control over normal reproduction of cells. There are several factors contributing to this loss of cell control. They are genetic factors, environmental factors, dietary factors, carcinogens, radiation, oncogenic viruses, and others including stress factors. Let us learn more about these etiological risk factors in cancer.