Key points:
- Some viruses or bacteria can induce the appearance of certain types of cancer.
- Currently, there are no studies that link the appearance of cancer with the heating of plastics in the microwave.
- Age, genetic inheritance, and lifestyle are determining factors in the appearance of some types of cancer.
Different ideas or fears arise around the word cancer, due to this, Dr. Alberto Serrano Olvera, oncologist at ABC Medical Center, will try to solve some concerns.
Can viruses or bacteria cause cancer?
In some cases, depending on the type of virus or bacteria, some cancer can be induced, being very specific cases such as cervical cancer that is related to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), some lymphomas related to the Epstein Barr virus, or stomach cancer that is produced by the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, the latter can cause gastritis and if not treated it could develop this type of cancer, among other cases.
Daily-use products and cancer
Dr. Serrano says that 20 or 30 years ago there was a belief that deodorants or antiperspirants caused cancer, but currently, the existing scientific information indicates that there is no correlation between these ideas.
Other daily activities that the American Cancer Association has indicated are not related to the presence of cancer are:
- Use of certain plastic containers to heat food in the microwave, noting that, to this day, no type of study has been performed on this trend to determine whether or not there is an influence of microwaves and the interaction with various materials.
- Another recurring myth is the use of cell phones, but the Association has indicated that, to this day, it has not been proven that these devices are capable of transforming cells and developing cancer.
Is cancer contagious?
A recurring question regarding cancer is whether it is a contagious disease. The reality is that cancer is not contagious, it is a disease acquired through different factors that can be age, heredity, family history, smoking, drinking, and obesity, among others.
A patient could increase the risk of developing cancer depending on the characteristics and conditions of their environment, but this is highly variable from person to person.
Something to remember, says Dr. Serrano, is that if you lead a healthier life, including a healthy diet, avoiding drinking alcohol in excess or smoking, exercising, and reducing exposure to certain polluting environments, you are more likely to be healthy and reduce the risk of cancer.
At ABC Medical Center’s Cancer Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
Dr. Juan Alberto Serrano Olvera – Medical Oncology
https://youtu.be/BebzjWM1XZM
