The rise in cancer cases over the last century has raised questions about the origins of this complex and devastating disease. Many wonder if cancer existed in pre-industrial times before the proliferation of man-made chemicals that are often associated with its development. In this article, we will explore the history of cancer, its natural origins, and the influence of modern industrialization on its prevalence.
Time period of cancer
Indeed, cancer predated our ability to produce artificial “carcinogens,” or substances that cause cancer, by a significant margin. Regretfully, cancer is an inevitable aspect of existence. Even in the most remote places on Earth, cancer can strike any multicellular organism (yes, even sharks). Cancer can be caused by a variety of man-made toxins, but they are not the only ones. It is not a guarantee that you will never develop cancer to strictly protect yourself from all man-made carcinogens.
The leading cause of cancer death in the US is the use of tobacco, which is a naturally-occurring plant. Many carcinogens are natural. Public Domain Image, source: USDA.
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Cancer cell
To begin with, the term “cancer” is a general one that refers to hundreds of distinct diseases. All of these illnesses are characterised by the alteration of normal cells, which causes them to start reproducing abnormally and spread throughout the body, damaging it. Numerous different pathways can result in aberrant cell division. Cell DNA ultimately governs cell reproduction, just like it does in other biological processes. A cell is said to as mutated when its DNA is altered. Most mutations are not harmful. On the other hand, a mutation in a section of the DNA that regulates cell division may result in aberrant cell division and the division of the mutant into daughter cells. Any kind of mutation of DNA has the potential to cause cancer.
Cancer-causing agents include :
- Natural chemical carcinogens such as tobacco, alcohol, arsenic, and lead
- Natural biological carcinogens such as the hepatitis B virus, human papillomavirus, and helicobacter pylori
- Natural mechanical carcinogens such as asbestos
- Natural radiological carcinogens such as radon, cosmic rays, and solar radiation
These carcinogens were all around before people figured out how to make artificial substances. While exposure to naturally occurring carcinogens may be increased by human industrial activity, this does not alter the fact that these carcinogens are naturally occurring.
You could still develop cancer even if you were able to completely shield yourself from all known carcinogens, whether they were man-made or natural. Even in the absence of any dangerous substances, cancer can develop. A cell must replicate its DNA each time it divides into daughter cells. Even in the absence of carcinogens, copy mistakes can occur during DNA replication due to the random fluctuations inherent in all molecular movements.
Thus, DNA mutation occurs naturally throughout the process of cell division. Numerous mutations don’t hurt you. Even some favourable mutations contribute to evolution. But occasionally, mutations result in cancer. Even in the absence of man-made substances, cancer can occur due to the presence of naturally occurring carcinogens in the environment and the fact that mutation is a necessary component of cell reproduction. Although cancer is a natural occurrence, there are ways we may lower our risk: cut back on tobacco, alcohol, arsenic, radon, ionising radiation, and other carcinogens; eat a diet higher in fruits and vegetables; exercise frequently; get vaccinated; and wear sunscreen.
NOTES
Alcohol (ethanol) is a naturally occurring byproduct of yeasts fermenting sugar, it can be found anyplace yeast is present, including in overripe fruit and the sap of palm trees. Alcohol is found in beers and wines. Cancers of the mouth, throat, laryx, oesophagus, liver, colon/rectum, and breast have all been linked to alcohol consumption.
Arsenic: Several naturally occurring minerals include the chemical element arsenic. It is well recognised that natural arsenic can leak into groundwater and contaminate human drinking sources, particularly in areas of the world with high natural arsenic concentrations. Research has shown that arsenic can cause cancer in the skin, kidney, bladder, and lungs.
Asbestos :The tiny, robust, needle-like fibres that make up asbestos are found in this naturally occurring silicate material. The fibres in asbestos dust irritate and rupture lung cells when inhaled, resulting in chemical imbalances and scarring that may eventually cause cancer. Because asbestos can harm cells due to its hard, needle-like structure and small size rather than its chemical makeup, it is classified as a mechanical carcinogen rather than a chemical carcinogen. It is believed that all minerals with rough, tiny fibres resemble needles could cause cancer. Cancers of the ovaries, larynx, pleura, and lungs have all been linked to asbestos exposure.
Cosmic rays are high-energy particles emitted by distant supernovae outside of our solar system. Cosmic rays constantly rain down on the earth and have enough energy to ionize the atoms in biological cells, thereby potentially causing cancer. The earth’s atmosphere provides somewhat of a shield against cosmic rays. However, people who spend a lot of time on airplane flights do not benefit as much from atmospheric shielding and have increased exposure to cosmic rays and solar radiation
Helicobacter pylori: The stomach’s mucous layer is home to the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori. It’s been discovered that H. pylori causes stomach cancer.
Hepatitis B virus is a virus that affects humans who are exposed to infected bodily fluids. This virus has been found to cause liver cancer
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that has been found to cause about 70% of cervical cancer cases. Additionally, HPV has been found to cause cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, oropharynx, and anus
Lead :A chemical element called lead can be found naturally in soil, plants, minerals, and animals. Since lead is a stable, solid metal under normal circumstances, the most common ways that people get exposed to lead are through food or breathing in. Lung and stomach cancers are probably caused by lead, albeit this is not confirmed yet.
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