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What Causes Tumors?

Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Tumors can be benign, pre-malignant, or malignant, and caused by several different factors. Malignant ones are cancerous, while benign are not.

When cells are formed, they have the ability to differentiate. When cells begin splitting in a mother’s womb, they program themselves for specific jobs. Some become heart cells, some become the brain, and so forth, until the body is fully formed. Cells also have the ability to self-regulate. When new cells are needed, they know how to produce more and to stop when no more cells are needed.

Smoking increases the chance of developing a tumor.
Smoking increases the chance of developing a tumor.

When cells continue to be created, this can cause tumors. Tumor cells cannot differentiate or self-regulate, but continue to grow until they are discovered. Tumors begin to apply pressure to surrounding body parts and nerves, causing health problems. This is especially true of those in the brain.

No one is sure exactly what causes tumors to begin growing. There are, however, several things that can increase a person’s risk of developing one. Some of these risk factors are environmental. Exposure to radiation or toxic substances can increase the risk, as can sun damage.

A propensity for tumors can be inherited.
A propensity for tumors can be inherited.

There are several behavioral risk factors for tumors. Smoking, alcohol, and drug are all risky behaviors that increase the chance of developing them. An inactive lifestyle and obesity are also risk factors. There are also several foods that may cause tumors. These include artificial sweeteners, grilled foods, sugar (in large quantities), hydrogenated oils, and processed foods.

Sun damage can increase tumor risk.
Sun damage can increase tumor risk.

Some causes are inherited. A strong family history of tumors increases the chance that a person from that family will develop a tumor. The location where they develop is also thought to have a genetic basis in some people. For example, if your mother, grandmother, and sister all had breast cancer, there is a very good chance that you will develop breast cancer as well.

Some tumors may require surgical removal.
Some tumors may require surgical removal.

There are no definite ways to prevent all types of tumors. However, a little prevention can reduce the risk in drastic ways. Exercising and eating a well-balanced diet are two of the best ways to reduce the risk. Avoiding tanning booths and sun damage can also help to prevent their formation. Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, which contain antioxidants, are another great way to prevent tumors.

Brain tumors can be problematic even if they are benign.
Brain tumors can be problematic even if they are benign.

The rate of people killed by cancer increases each year. By being aware of what can increase a persons risk for developing tumors, it may be possible to reverse this trend. While the reason they form is not known, knowing how to decrease the chances of developing one is one of the best health moves a person can make.

Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal WiseGEEK writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal WiseGEEK writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon239044

I love the article; it's concise and to the point. My only issue is that you say several things can cause cancer and yet not why. I would think each thing would have it's own reason. I hate to burst your bubble but without knowing how these things cause a tumor, then you are just potentially breeding ignorance.

It would have been really innovative if you explained why these things cause cancer in the same concise, to the point manner.

Personally, I don't think you can, because there is no proof of any of this. The truth is, unhealthy people with weaker systems tend to do more drugs, drinking, and unhealthy eating so of course, they will get tumors more often.

I think the only factor to avoid getting a tumor is to stay healthy so your immune system can do what it needs to do without being distracted by processing bad food and poisons.

Albona

@anon76090 - I'm sorry to hear about this diagnosis. It really depends on the type of tumor you have. You should get regular checkups with doctors to find out what your next course of action should be. The key is to be as proactive about treating this tumor with the help of doctors as you possibly can. I hope this helps.

krisl

I think that cancer and tumor rates are going to continue to increase significantly in the modern world. The human body has never been exposed to as many carcinogens as it is today. Many foods that have become culturally ingrained into many societies are increasingly processed as their creators look for ways to save money on production.

Pollution, and the toxins that accompany it, only continues to grow as industry continues to replace natural production methods. The ozone layer is deteriorating (also leading to increased risks of cancer). Humans are faced with the risk of cancer at every turn it seems. So the most we can do to help ourselves avoid cancer is to eat as many healthy, natural foods as we can, get as much exercise as possible, and avoid excessive unprotected exposure to the sun.

anon76090

This is Qualin Heath a 15 year old in Dallas texas. I think i could be diagnosed with a tumor. how can I prevent it?

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    • Smoking increases the chance of developing a tumor.
      By: Gresei
      Smoking increases the chance of developing a tumor.
    • A propensity for tumors can be inherited.
      By: Edler von Rabenstein
      A propensity for tumors can be inherited.
    • Sun damage can increase tumor risk.
      By: Maridav
      Sun damage can increase tumor risk.
    • Some tumors may require surgical removal.
      By: llhedgehogll
      Some tumors may require surgical removal.
    • Brain tumors can be problematic even if they are benign.
      By: Tryfonov
      Brain tumors can be problematic even if they are benign.