How does Radiation cause cancer?

Question

Piper Anderson · Accepted Answer

Cancer is the stochastic effect of radiation i.e. the probability of occurrence increases with effective radiation dose, but the severity of the cancer is independent of dose.

Radiations that penetrate cells randomly strike molecules within the cells, breaking them down into highly reactive free radicals that can further damage organic tissues. Occasionally, radiations deposit enough energy in organic tissues to cause ionization. This tends to break bonds and thus alter the molecular structure of the irradiated molecules. These alterations, whether direct or indirect, have the potential to affect chromosomes and epigenetic factors that regulate gene expression. While cellular mechanisms will correct for some of this damage, other chromosome abnormalities may become irreversible. According to recent research, surviving cells appear to have acquired a genomic inability that causes an increased rate of mutations in subsequent generations, rather than immediate mutagenic events occurring after irradiation.

Madeline Andrews · Answer

undefined Radiation can cause cancer by damaging the DNA within cells. This damage can disrupt the normal functioning of the cell, leading to mutations that can result in uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of tumors.

Penelope Adams · Answer

undefined Radiation can cause cancer by damaging the DNA within cells. When ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays, X-rays, or certain types of ultraviolet (UV) rays, interacts with biological tissue, it can ionize atoms and molecules, creating free radicals. These free radicals can directly damage the DNA strands within cells, causing mutations to occur. If these mutations affect genes that control cell growth and division, it can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, which is a hallmark of cancer. Additionally, radiation can cause double-strand breaks in DNA, disrupting its normal structure and function, further contributing to the development of cancer.