How do hormonal disorders contribute to cancer development?
Hormonal disorders contribute to cancer development through several mechanisms:
Cell proliferation: Hormones like estrogen and insulin can promote cell division and DNA replication, increasing the risk of mutations that can lead to cancer. Immune modulation: Certain hormones can suppress the immune system's ability to detect and destroy cancer cells. Hormone receptors: Many cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, have receptors for specific hormones that, when activated, can stimulate tumor growth.