The mental and emotional stress caused by a cancer diagnosis is usually a result of its fatal nature. Recently, there has been a rise in the number of people suffering from cancer. It is the second leading cause of death across the world.
Are you aware that there are more than a hundred different cancers, and any organ can get affected? Let us learn more.
What is cancer?
Cancer is a disease where normal cells somehow alter their usual course of growth. As a result, cells multiply in an uncontrolled manner, leading to the formation of a tumour. A tumour is an abnormal growth caused by a collection of abnormal cells in the body. However, there are two types of tumours: benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous).
Types of cancer
A tumour can arise from many specialized cells or tissues throughout the body. Based on the origin, cancerous tumours can be broadly classified as follows:
• Carcinoma: Cancer cells arise in the skin or tissues that line or cover internal organs, for example, lung cancer.
• Sarcoma: Cancer cells develop in bone, fat, muscle, cartilage, blood vessel, or other connective tissue, for example, osteosarcoma.
• Leukaemia: Cancer cells are created from white blood cells (WBC), for example, acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
• Lymphoma and Myeloma: Cancer cells grow in immune system cells, for example, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
• Central Nervous System Cancer: Cancer cells that arise in the spinal cord or brain, for example, glioma.
Stages of cancer
Oncologists determine the stages of cancer using various staging systems. These staging systems provide relevant information like the size, location, cell type, grade, and metastasis (extent of spread) of the tumour.
Here are the different stages of cancer:
• Stage 0: Abnormal cells are present that haven’t spread extensively, but they have the potential to turn into cancer.
• Stage 1: Cancer is visible in a small area of the organ and hasn’t spread to nearby tissues.
• Stages 2 and 3: Cancer has developed further and is affecting the surrounding tissues and lymph nodes.
• Stage 4: Advanced stage tumour that spreads to multiple organs.
How does cancer develop?
The causes of cancer depend on the type of cancer. However, some common aspects can increase your risk of developing cancer.
Mentioned below are the most common causes of cancer:
• Genes: If you have a family history of cancer, it may increase your chances of developing it. Research suggests that nearly 5-10% of cancers are hereditary (transferred from parent to child)
• Lifestyle: 30- 40% of cancer cases globally are caused by unhealthy lifestyles or obesity. Certain unhealthy habits, such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor nutrition, can lead up to the development of many cancers.
• Environment: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause skin cancer. Apart from that, exposure to chemicals and pollutants can also lead to various types of cancer.
• Hormonal imbalance: Researchers suggest that hormonal imbalance is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, such as ovarian and prostate cancer.
Key symptoms of cancer
Cancer cannot be detected based on any one symptom. It comes with various symptoms, depending on the part of the body that is affected.
Below are some common symptoms linked with, but not specific to, cancer:
• Extreme fatigue (tiredness)
• Presence of lumps under the skin
• Unexplained loss or gain of weight
• Digestive or bladder issues
• Breathlessness or difficulty in swallowing
• Hoarseness or prolonged cough
• Muscle soreness or joint pain
• Recurrent fevers and heavy night sweats
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Yellowing or redness of the skin
• Noticing new moles or changes in existing moles
How can you prevent cancer?
The key to preventing cancer is being aware of the various factors that cause it and avoiding them as much as possible for healthy living. Prevention is possible by taking a few precautions for cancer:
• Quit smoking
• Eat a healthy diet
• Be physically active
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Maintain a stress-free lifestyle
• Avoid exposure to chemicals and pollutants
• Ensure to get cancer vaccines that are available for specific types of cancers
Treatment of cancer
Although cancer cannot be cured completely, you can stop it from spreading by using certain cancer drugs and therapies. Doctors often employ particular cancer medicines and treatments for the patient, depending on the health condition and disease progression.
The following are the different cancer treatment options:
• Immunotherapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormonal therapy
• Surgery
• Radiation
Newer cancer treatments
• Stem cell transplant
• Targeted therapies (small-molecule drugs and monoclonal antibodies)
Myths related to cancer
Myth: Eating sugar and artificial sweeteners can cause cancer and worsen it.
Fact: Sugar and artificial sweeteners have no relation with cancer.
Myth: Cancer is infectious and can spread by touch.
Fact: Cancer is a non-infectious condition confined to the body of the affected person. It cannot spread via touch.
Myth: Cancer surgery can cause cancer to spread.
Fact: Cancer surgeries usually control the spread of cancer.
Myth: Herbal medicines can cure cancer.
Fact: Cancer treatments do not include herbal medicines. Surgery, cancer vaccines, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are the right choices for cancer treatment.
Cancer can be treated.
Cancer is a life-threatening disease. Though it cannot be cured, the evolution of medical science has helped increase the survival rates of many types of cancer. Progress is possible with appropriate screening, advanced cancer treatments, and preventive care. A positive mindset is another critical component in the battle against cancer.
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