The overgrowth of candida causes changes in the human body. One of the questions which are commonly asked is whether this type of fungus can cause cancer. It is important to look closely at all known facts in order to find the answer to this question.
What Is Known
The precise causes of most types of cancer are not yet known. Scientific evidence suggests that in some cases the mutation of healthy cells into cancerous ones is caused by specific genes. In others, such as skin cancer, cellular damage leading to tumor growth occurs due to ultraviolet radiation. Some types of viruses can also cause cancer. For instance, certain types of human papilloma viruses can cause cervical cancer in women and oral cancer in both women and men. So far, neither candida nor any other type of fungus has been directly linked to cancer.
The most important thing to note is that there is no clinical or research evidence showing that candida can cause any type of cancer. In fact, there have not been studies focused on this type of fungus in the field of cancer research. While there is no absolute certainty, it can be said that candida cannot cause cancer. If some link between the two is ever discovered, it will be made known to the public so that people will be able to take proactive measures for protection.
In general, candida is naturally present in the gastrointestinal tract of approximately three quarters of the human population. Infection caused by overgrowth of this fungus can occur in the mouth and in the vagina in women. It is typically due to pH disbalance. When it occurs, it is accompanies by a variety of symptoms and diagnosis is made with simple examination and tests. The medical treatment involving antifungal medication is completely effective. Given that these types of candida infections are completely cured in a short time, there are no reasons to believe that they can have a long-term damaging impact on the organs which they affect. There is no any kind of evidence that these infections may increase cancer risk even in people who suffer from them more often.
Overall Body Functioning
While candida cannot cause cancer, it may increase the risk of this condition by weakening the defensive forces of the body in the case of overgrowth. In there is gastrointestinal candida overgrowth, imbalance in the intestinal microflora can occur. When this disbalance continues for a long period of time, it can have adverse impact on all systems and functions of the body. This is because the cells will not get all of the nutrients that they require and can become exposed to harmful toxins. In this way, they will not be able to fight off the free radicals which cause cellular damage. Over time, damaged cells can turn into cancerous tumors.
While candida infections do not increase the risk of cancer, disbalance in the body caused by candida overgrowth may boost this risk. That is why it is important for everyone to stick to a healthy diet, to exercise and to use effective techniques for stress reduction and relaxation.