Where Does Cancer Come From?

[10ClarionSt]

I suppose that is one of the basics of cancer research, but where does it originate? It's not as though it can be passed on, like an infection. Some will say it's in the genes, but how did it get there?

[237SJ]

It can come about from infection in some cases - think HPV

[vakayu]

I don't know the answer to your question but I always think a lot of dieases of today are called cancer which in days gone by would have been something else or simply unknown!

[kvalidir]

It was explained to me as our cells replace themselves hundreds of times throughout our lives. Each time they copy information from their predecessor rather like making a photocopy. If you then photocopy that photocopy and photocopy that photocopy it then begins to risk more and more errors. cancer is an 'error' cell which grows abnormally. Some people have a predisposition to cancer because some genes are turned on such as in HNPCC which my family are screened for regularly, but essentially cancer is your own cells gone awry.

[237SJ]

Not all cancers are genetic either. The cellular turnover that goes haywire in cancer can be caused by carcinogens. For example, smoking causes permanent damage to the DNA. That`s why people can die of lung cancer years and years after they gave up smoking.

[Sqad]

\\\\Some will say it's in the genes, but how did it get there?\\\

What is the origin of life itself?

I don't know.........do you?

For reasons best known to themselves, innocent cells suddenly " go mad" or revert to their most primitive type and then multiply......uncontrollably multiple......CANCER.

Who or what pushes the trigger? That is what cancer research is all about.