What is cancer, why does it occur, its types, symptoms, and remedies—today we will tell you all this so that the likelihood of this disease can be reduced. Though today we have found treatments for many diseases, cancer still remains one such illness, hearing which a sense of fear sets in. Do you know that in the United States, cancer is the second most common cause of death? Although the number of deaths due to this disease has certainly decreased compared to 20 years ago, thanks to early diagnosis and innovative treatments, which have significantly helped in cancer treatment. What is cancer, why does it happen, its types, symptoms, and measures—today we will tell you all these aspects to reduce the chances of this disease.
What Is Cancer?
In this disease, normal cells turn into cancer cells. Your genes send instructions to your cells about when to start growing and when to stop. Normal cells follow these instructions, but cancer cells do not. Due to cancer, cells grow uncontrollably. Cancer can occur in any part of the body.
Types Of Cancer
There are more than 100 types of cancer. Specialists classify them based on where they originate in the body and what type of tissue they affect. Mainly, cancer is divided into three categories:
- Solid Cancers: This is the most common type of cancer, found in about 80% to 90% of all cancer cases.
- Blood Cancers: These start in your blood cells or lymphatic system. Examples include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
- Mixed Cancers: This is a rare type, including two classifications or subtypes. Examples are carcinosarcoma and adenosquamous carcinoma.
Are Cancer Cases Very Common?
Cancer is the second most common cause of death worldwide. Researchers estimate that in 2024, over 2 million people living in America will be diagnosed with cancer, and more than 611,000 will die from the disease. About 1 in 4 people will develop cancer at some point in their lives.
The Most Common Cancers Include:
- Breast Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Blood Cancers
What Are The Symptoms Of Cancer?
Symptoms of cancer vary from person to person. They depend on the type of cancer and how advanced it is.
Common cancer symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Fever at night
- Loss of appetite
- Night sweats
- Persistent pain
- Weight loss
In some cases, cancer organ-specific additional symptoms may occur, such as:
- Blood in urine or stool
- Changes in the shape, color, or size of a mole
- Coughing up blood
- A new lump or swelling
Having these symptoms does not always mean you have cancer, but testing is necessary to determine the cause. Cancer is a complicated disease, and symptoms differ based on the type. It is also possible to have cancer for years without showing symptoms. Therefore, regular testing is very important.
What Causes Cancer?
Cancer is a genetic disorder, but it does not always get inherited from the family. It occurs due to changes in the genes that control how cells grow and divide. These genes begin producing abnormal cells that keep dividing and growing, disrupting normal bodily functions.
These cells form clusters or tumours. Cancer cells can be separate from the tumor and spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream, a process called metastasis.
For example, a tumour in your breast can spread to your lungs, making it difficult to breathe. In some blood cancers, the bone marrow begins producing abnormal blood cells that grow uncontrollably, eventually replacing normal blood cells.
Medical researchers have identified several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing cancer. Let’s look at them.
Risk Factors For Cancer
There is no single cause of cancer; rather, some factors can increase the likelihood of developing it, such as:
- Family History: Having close biological relatives (parents, siblings, grandparents) with cancer increases your risk of developing the disease.
- Smoking: Using cigarettes or e-cigarettes increases the risk of lung, esophageal, pancreatic, and mouth cancers.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to toxins like asbestos, pesticides, and radon in your environment can lead to cancer.
- Malnutrition: High-fat or high-sugar foods can increase the risk of developing various cancers. Lack of physical activity also raises this risk.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy: Women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may have a higher risk of breast and uterine cancers.
- Radiation Exposure: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun significantly increases the risk of skin cancer.
How Is Cancer Diagnosed?
Specialists begin with a complete physical examination. They ask about your family history and symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis, the following tests may be needed:
- Blood Tests for Cancer: Complete blood count (CBC), blood protein tests, and tumor marker tests can be included.
- Imaging Tests: CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, or MIBG scans.
- Biopsy: Can be surgical (with an incision) or non-surgical (using a needle).
- Genetic Tests: For diagnosing hereditary cancers and planning treatment.
How Is Cancer Staged?
Specialists use a staging system to develop treatment plans and predict outcomes. The staging system reveals how much the cancer has spread and where it is located, based on which treatment is planned. Most cancers have four stages. The stage is determined by various factors, such as tumor size and location.
- Stages I-III: Means the cancer has developed into nearby tissues or spread to nearby lymph nodes. This is called early-stage or locally advanced stage.
- Stage IV (4): Cancer cells have spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body, called metastatic cancer.
How Is Cancer Treated?
Doctors can use various treatments for cancer, sometimes combined depending on the situation. Common cancer treatments include:
- Surgery: If cancer has not spread, the tumor can be removed surgically.
- Chemotherapy: Uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells. These drugs can be administered via injection or pills and help kill, stop growth, or slow the division of cancer cells.
- Radiation Therapy: Also called radiotherapy, it uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours.
- Immunotherapy: Activates the patient’s immune system to fight the disease.
- Targeted Therapy: Targets specific genetic mutations that convert healthy cells into cancer cells.
- Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy blocks hormones that cause cancer. It is used in the treatment of prostate cancer.
- Bone Marrow Transplant : A bone marrow transplant replaces the patient’s damaged blood cells with healthy cells.
Side Effects Of Cancer Treatment
There can be many side effects of cancer treatment. These depend on the type of treatment taken and how your body tolerates it. If side effects develop during cancer treatment, the patient should inform their doctor. The doctor can prescribe medications that may help reduce the side effects.
Can Cancer Be Prevented?
You cannot always prevent cancer, especially when there are risk factors that cannot be avoided. However, there are several things you can do to reduce the risk of cancer:
- If you smoke or use tobacco, try to quit. You can ask your doctor about programs that can help you stop the tobacco habit.
- Follow a healthy nutrition plan, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins. Avoid foods and drinks high in calories.
- Include physical activity in your daily routine.
- Avoid toxins present in the environment, such as asbestos and pesticides.
- Protect yourself from sun damage.
- Get regular cancer screenings.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides only general information. It is not a substitute for qualified medical advice in any way. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information.
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