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Wait — Viruses Can Cause Cancer? Here’s the Deal
It’s not just radiation and chemicals you should worry about.
When we think about cancer, our minds often jump to genetics, lifestyle choices, or environmental factors. We put on sunblock when we go out in the sun, avoid smoking, and install radon detectors in our homes. If we have a family history of cancer, we tend to worry about an ache or pain (or mass) we detect in an unusual part of our body.
Don’t get me wrong. That’s all fine and good. But did you know that certain viruses can cause cancer? While not every infection leads to a malignancy, a handful of viruses have been scientifically linked to specific cancers. These viruses, known as “oncoviruses,” (onco- meaning “tumor” or “mass”) have sparked interest because of their unique mechanisms and potential for prevention through vaccines and other strategies.
As with any other virus, prevention is key. But let’s also talk about what you can do if you are exposed and infected. So let’s go one by one, and talk about these nasty little pieces of enveloped (or not) genetic material that hijack your cells and cause disease.