Is Cancer Random?

Random beams of color

 

Many people believe that the occurrence of cancer is solely due to things that the patient can control (i.e. diet, exercise, smoking).  However, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, cancer frequently occurs due to random errors made by dividing cells. It just happens by chance! The research shows that cancer can happen to anyone, even those with healthy lifestyles and those who avoidance risk factors.  This is especially true of childhood cancer, which is heavily dependent on dividing cells for the development of the child.  The researchers acknowledge the role of pre-existing genetic problems and environmental influences as two other key factors in cancer diagnosis, but point to their findings as especially important.  This is largely because these cell division mutations can occur in anyone.  This places a special significance on everyone getting tested for cancer early regardless of lifestyle and other factors. 

Image Credit
https://www.flickr.com/photos/blprnt/5363622277