Cancer and Biology Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cancer and Biology - Research Paper Example The presence of cancer in the body leads to the damage of the body cells that undergo unrestrained division to form tumors. Consequently, tumors correspond to lumps of tissue. It is only in the case of leukemia that cancer does not allow division of the cell as the normal function of the blood. The growth of the tumors leads to the interference of circulatory, digestive and the nervous systems. Tumors also release hormones that change the functions of the body. However, not all tumors are dangerous in nature. Tumors that do not grow and move can be beneficial to the body (Ruddon, 2007). The dangers and malignancy of tumors occur in either of the two conditions. The initial condition is apparent when a cancerous cell uses the lymph system and blood to move throughout the body. As the cell moves, it destroys the healthy tissues of the body. This procedure is called invasion. The second condition is when the cancerous cell manages to undergo division and growth. As this happens, the cel l will make fresh blood vessels to feed itself in a process denoted as angiogenesis. Metastasization occurs when the tumor manages to extend to other body parts and grow. As a result, it will invade and destroy additional healthy tissues of the body. ... This can stop the growth tumors in the secondary states (Bozzone, 2007). Causes of cancer Cancer results from the uncontrollable growth cells that are not fatal. Ordinary cells follow the normal path of growth, division, and death. The demise of cells in a planned way is called apoptosis. The breaks down of this program lead to the formation of cancer. It is clear that cancer cells do not undergo programmed deaths as other regular cells. They instead keep up with growth and continue to grow. This culminates in the formation of a network of abnormal cells whose growth is out of control. However, most of the causes of cancer come from external interventions. The main causes of cancer are related with the environmental risk factors like radiations. When one exposes himself to radiations of high levels such as x-rays and therapies, the normal body cells are damaged. This increases the dangers of acquiring leukemia, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and stomach cancer. Besides, the ultraviol et radiation that originates from the sun culminates in skin cancer that damages the melanoma. The harmful rays from the sun can cause early aging and skin damages (Bozzone, 2007). The other causes of cancer are viruses, chemicals, tobacco, alcohol, and poor diet. Viruses such as human papillomaviruses (HPV), Epstein Barr virus, hepatitis B and C are responsible for causing infectious mononucleosis that increases the risks of acquiring cancer. Additionally, diseases that affect the immune body system of the body such as AIDS make the body vulnerable to cancers. As such, chemicals such as asbestos, radon, nickel, uranium, pesticides, and the benzene also enhance the risks of acquiring