Cancer is a non-contagious disease, and the immune system destroys cancer cells as foreign bodies in the same way it rejects transplanted organs and tissues.
Dr. Vladislav Miljko, a molecular biologist, points out that cancer itself is not contagious, but a person can be infected with a virus that stimulates the development of a malignant tumor. For example, cervical cancer can be caused by the human papilloma virus, which is transmitted through sexual contact. It has been shown that 14 strains of HPV out of 130 have a high risk of cancer. However, in 25 percent of cases, the disease is not related to viral infection at all.
The expert advises at-risk groups to visit a doctor in a timely manner, to quickly diagnose pre-cancerous conditions and treat them successfully. In addition, children have now begun to be vaccinated against HPV, and with this vaccination there are hopes for a radical reduction in the death rate from cervical cancer.
People with hepatitis B and C (transmitted through sexual contact or blood) can develop liver cancer. Epstein-Barr virus (herpes virus type 4) can also lead to Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal cancer.
Chronic infection with certain bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori, causes a certain type of stomach cancer. These bacteria are detected in 65-92 percent of adults. If the immune system is unable to eliminate them, the toxins they produce destroy the mucous membrane in the stomach, and gastric juice causes its erosion, leading to inflammation and, in some cases, stomach ulcers. In advanced cases - cancer.
Meljko points out that in all cases, timely diagnosis and treatment will help complete recovery.