12 causes of Cancer | Irradiation

12 causes of Cancer : Irradiation
Radiation is everywhere, be it from the sun, or from the electronic devices at our homes. But not all are harmful, and not all cause cancer. There are basically two types of radiations- ionizing and non ionizing. The ionizing radiation is the high frequency radiation which can potentially damage the DNA of the cells causing mutation. The Ionizing radiation is a known Carcinogen or cancer causing agent. The ionizing radiation includes the X rays , Atomic radiation, and high energy UV rays.

X rays-
Constant exposure to X rays causes certain cancers. This was a new finding when the X ray machine was still in its developing stage. The workers or technicians who manually held the X ray plates, developed certain Cancers , mostly affecting the skin of their hands.

avoid unnecessary X rays

Atomic Irradiation-
After the bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan, there was high incidence of Leukemia and thyroid cancer in the surviving population.
Also, the same was found after the accident in Chernobyl in 1986.

atomic irradiation in Japan

UV rays-
We discussed the role of UV rays in the previous article about Sunlight exposure.

Types of Cancers caused by ionizing radiation are-

• thyroid cancer
• leukemia
• multiple myeloma
• skin cancer
• breast cancer
• stomach cancer

Refer to the main article 12 causes of Cancer to see how Cancer develops.

Also read
5 reasons why you should study Oncology.
Cancer and surgery.
What is Radiation oncology?
What is Cancer-related fatigue?
What is psycho-oncology?
12 causes of cancer.
Cancer in 21st century.

12 causes of Cancer | Sunlight exposure

12 cause of Cancer : Sunlight exposure.

• The Ultra Violet or UV rays are responsible for most of the cases of Melanoma or skin cancer, especially in the western countries.
• Every person living on earth is more or less always exposed to sunlight. So why are only the people in the west mostly found to have skin cancers?
• There are 2 main reasons for this :

• The effect of sunlight exposure on the people is such that, it doesn't lead to more melanin production (like in dark skinned people), but it slowly alters the genetic constitution of the cells, and leads to mutations. A series of which results into skin cancer. 
• Increasing use of 'Tanning bed' which mainly emit UVA rays, which are responsible for causing Melanoma.

So, these are the 2 main causes of skin cancer which are again, preventable. And can be prevented by simple protective measures like covering the skin and use of a good sunscreen. Also, avoiding the use of 'Tanning beds' reduces the risk.

To know the mechanism of cause of Cancer, read 12 causes of Cancer.

Also read
5 reasons why you should study Oncology.
Cancer and surgery.
What is Radiation oncology?
What is Cancer-related fatigue?
What is psycho-oncology?
12 causes of cancer.
Cancer in 21st century.