External factors catalyzing the development of tumours or providing protection against them

Czech version

Authors: J. Fiala ¹; J. Vorlíček ²; Z. Mechl ³; Z. Adam ³
Authors‘ workplace: Ústav preventivního lékařství Lékařské fakulty MU Brno, přednostka prof. MUDr. Zuzana Derflerová Brázdová, DrSc. ¹; Masarykův onkologický ústav Brno, ředitel prof. MUDr. Jiří Vorlíček, CSc. ²; Interní hematoonkologická klinika Lékařské fakulty MU a FN Brno, pracoviště Bohunice, přednosta prof. MUDr. Jiří Mayer, CSc. ³
Published in: Vnitř Lék 2011; 57(3): 261-284
Category: 60th birthday of prof. Mudr. Jiřího Vítovce, CSc, FESC

Overview

The number of malignant diseases increases and the question is why. Why is there an increasing incidence of certain cancers and why an increasing number of people dies from them? We do not have a clear answer to these questions. We just know that a development of cancer depends on certain internal predispositions as well as external conditions. We are unable to change our genetic predisposition but we are able, to some extent, influence the intensity of external factors. This paper summarizes information on the effects of external environment on the development of malignant diseases.

Key words:
malignant diseases – carcinogens – physical activity – smoking – human papillomavirus

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