Are Viruses Risk Factors Of Cancer?
Hope Timm
How does viruses lead to cancer at all Levels of Structural Organization?
Viruses do not contain the materials necessary to function on their own. They are forced to invade a host cell so that they can thrive and reproduce. One way a virus can lead to cancer is if it invades a host cell and alters its genetic coding, causing a mutation.
What types of cancer is associated with viruses?
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or commonly known as 'mono' is associated with Lymphomas and Nasopharyngeal Cancer.
- Hepatits B virus (HBV) and Hepatits C (HVC) are associated with Cancer of the Cervix.
- Human T Lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and type 2 (HTLV-2) are associated with adult T-cell Leukemia and with hairy-cell Leukemia.
- Respectively and Human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) are associated with Kaposia Sarcoma.
Some Of the Viruses!
EBV
Epstein-Barr virus
HTLV-1
Human T Lymphotropic virus
HHV-8
Human Herpes virus
How can you prevent exposure or limit exposure to viruses?
To prevent or limit exposure to viruses you would pretty much have to put yourself into a bubble. You can prevent some of the viruses by getting vaccinated which doesn't always work. To prevent HHV-8 protected sex or abstinence is the best way. You can do things like always washing your hands, be careful what you put in your mouth, and being as healthy as possible.