Cancer Support - Causes and Risk Factors: Alcohol, Xenobiotics and Dysbiosis Flashcards
(12 cards)
How does alcohol increase cancer risk?
Alcohol is metabolised to acetaldehyde, a carcinogen that causes DNA damage and increases oestrogen levels.
Which cancers are associated with alcohol consumption?
Breast, pancreas, liver, and colon cancers.
What enzyme converts ethanol to acetaldehyde?
Alcohol dehydrogenase.
What are DNA adducts?
DNA segments altered by chemical binding, potentially leading to mutations if unrepaired.
How does smoking contribute to cancer?
It contains over 60 carcinogens and impairs detoxification, increasing DNA adducts and mutations.
Do e-cigarettes (vapes) contain carcinogens?
Yes — including formaldehyde and arsenic; associated with increased lung cancer risk.
What are xenobiotics?
Synthetic/environmental toxins like plastics, pesticides, and drug residues that accumulate and cause toxicity.
How do xenobiotics relate to cancer?
They have toxic, mutagenic effects and are clearly linked with cancer.
What is dysbiosis?
An imbalance in gut microbiota that promotes inflammation, immune disruption, and carcinogenic metabolite production.
Which microbes are associated with dysbiosis-linked cancer risk?
Fusobacterium nucleatum and Bacteroides fragilis.
How does dysbiosis increase cancer risk?
By altering immune responses, deregulating proliferation, and producing genotoxins.
Can dysbiosis in areas other than the gut increase cancer risk?
Yes — oral, skin, and vaginal dysbiosis are linked to cancers in those regions.
