Final answer:
Cancer can be caused by a combination of genetic mutations and exposure to certain environmental carcinogens such as UV radiation from the sun, nitrates in processed meats like hot dogs, and infections like HIV/AIDS.
Step-by-step explanation:
Various factors can cause cancer, a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth due to mutations in DNA. These mutations can be spontaneous or result from exposure to carcinogens, which include:
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, is a major cause of skin cancer.
- Nitrates and nitrites, often found in processed meats like hot dogs, can contribute to the formation of harmful compounds like nitrosamines that are associated with cancer.
- Genetic mutations, which can be inherited or caused by environmental factors, are the fundamental underlying cause of cancer.
- Certain infections such as HIV/AIDS can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of cancers such as Kaposi's sarcoma.
It is essential to understand that no single cause is responsible for all cancers, and not everyone exposed to these factors will develop the disease. The process of cancer development, known as carcinogenesis, involves a complex interplay between genetics and environmental triggers.