• Question: Could cancer become contagious?

    Asked by to Daren, Lynne, Phillip, Simon on 18 Jun 2014. This question was also asked by .
    • Photo: Daren Fearon

      Daren Fearon answered on 18 Jun 2014:

      Cancer is not usually contagious. Cancer is caused by mutations in human cells that cause them to grow uncontrollably and this can’t spread from person to person.

      However, some cancers can be caused by viruses such as the human papilloma virus (HPV) which can increase the risk of cervical cancer. Fortunately, we have a vaccine that can help prevent the spread of HPV.

      This website can answer your question in more detail http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancerbasics/is-cancer-contagious

    • Photo: Lynne Thomas

      Lynne Thomas answered on 18 Jun 2014:

      The cells in your body are constantly reproducing themselves and it is mistakes in this that causes cancers to grow. You can’t catch cancer from another person but sometimes a virus or other illness can trigger your body to start producing cancer cells.

    • Photo: anon

      anon answered on 18 Jun 2014:

      I didn’t know this until I asked people in my office after I’d read your question, but apparently there is a type of cancer that’s contagious, but you don’t need to worry because it’s not a problem for you unless you’re a Tasmanian Devil?

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