Question

how does reproduction contribute to tumor development?

how does sun exposure and sunbeds contribute to tumor development?

how does indoor/outdoor air pollution contribute to tumor development?

Answer 1

1- Cancer caused by germline mutations can be passed on during reproduction. These are comparatively less common. A germline mutation occurs in a sperm or egg cell and can be passed directly from parent to the child at the time of conception. As the embryo grows, this mutation passes on to all the other cells of the body by mitosis, which eventually may lead to formation of a tumor.

2- The ultraviolet radiation in the sun rays is a mutagen and too much exposure to it damages the DNA. When significant amount of such DNA damage build up over time, it can cause abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells leading to tumor formation.

3- Outdoor pollutants are more harmful as compared to indoor pollutants. The outdoor pollutants include large amounts of dust, particulate matter, solvents, metals, diesel-exhaust, etc. many of which are potent carcinogens. If the air we breathe continues to remain of such poor quality, these pollutants build up in the body and cause mutations, which further lead to tumor development.