I Used to Think Cancer Was Just Bad Luck

A few years ago, I thought cancer was something that “just happens” — maybe due to genetics, maybe from smoking, or maybe just... bad luck. But after digging deeper, I realized how much of what we think we know about cancer is shaped by myths or incomplete info. It turns out, the truth is both simpler and more empowering than I expected.

Cancer doesn’t start overnight. It begins with small cellular changes, usually triggered by DNA mutations. These mutations can be caused by external factors (like smoking or exposure to toxins), internal factors (like chronic inflammation), or even aging. And here’s the part that surprised me most: not all mutations are inherited. In fact, the majority are acquired throughout our lives.

One article that explained this really clearly is from AskDocDoc — you can check it out here:
https://askdocdoc.com/articles/709-how-does-cancer-occur-understanding-the-basics

That article helped me understand how cancer is usually the result of several “hits” to a cell’s DNA, not just a single unlucky mutation. It’s a process, not a lightning strike. I also stumbled upon a LinkedIn post that really challenged the idea that cancer is purely random:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/askdocdoc_contrary-to-popular-belief-cancer-doesn-activity-7349460216209448961-RpK1?

Visual learners might appreciate this Pinterest graphic that breaks down the “multi-hit” concept in a super simple way:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/928445279435859878

Another important point I didn’t fully grasp until recently is how lifestyle impacts cancer risk. I came across an Instagram post that outlined just how many types of cancer are linked to habits we can change — like diet, tobacco use, and physical activity:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DL-PxUBhzdA/

What really blew my mind, though, was learning about the role of chronic inflammation. There’s this tweet I bookmarked a while ago that explains how inflammation creates an environment where cancer cells thrive:
https://twitter.com/AskDoctors24/status/1943694439408357398

And if you think early screening doesn’t matter, think again. I read a Facebook post about someone who caught their cancer early through routine testing, and it made all the difference in treatment:
https://www.facebook.com/122099392514743210/posts/122132527106743210

After learning all this, I don’t feel scared anymore — I feel informed. Understanding how cancer begins doesn’t make it less serious, but it makes it less mysterious. And it gives us power: to change our habits, to ask better questions at the doctor’s office, and to look out for our loved ones.