Understanding Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide

Cancer occurs when cells grow and divide uncontrollably, often forming tumors.Actual causes of cancer are not yet identified, though some include genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

Types of Cancer:

There are lots of types of cancers, each differing in a particular manner and with its own unique treatment approach. Some of the common types of cancers include the following:

Breast cancer:

 

It is cancer that starts in the breast tissue.

Lung cancer:

It originates in the lungs.

Colon cancer:

It starts out with the large intestine.

Prostate cancer:

It begins with the prostate gland.

Skin cancer:

This cancer starts in the skin.

Blood cancer:

Cancer that affects the blood cells.

Causes of Cancer:

While the causes of cancer are unknown, several have been associated with the development of the diseases. They include:

Genetics:

A case of some inherited tendency to certain types of cancers.

Lifestyle:

Some lifestyle habits or factors like tobacco smoking, alcoholism, unhealthy diet, and lack of physical exercise are risky factors for developing cancer.

Exposure to particular environmental toxins:

Asbestos and radiation are some environmental factors that make one more prone to developing cancer.

Cancer Symptoms:

They vary from one type and stage of cancer. The following are some of them.
Weight loss without a particular cause.

Loss of appetite

Pain
Fever
Nights sweats
Changes in bowel habits
Changes in bladder habits
Surgical wounds take much time to heal
Bleeding or discharge neither ordinary nor predictable
Abnormal growths or masses in any part of the body
Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
Hoarseness
Long cough
Changes in moles or warts
Cancer Diagnosis:
Consult a doctor if you have concerns about potential cancer symptoms. see a doctor for diagnosis. Your doctor may order several different types of tests to help diagnose cancer, including:
Physical exam
Don’t delay. Seek medical attention promptly if you have cancer concerns.
Blood tests

Biopsy:

examining tissue samples

Treatment of Cancer:

The kind and stage of the disease would determine how cancer will be treated. Among the several common treatments for cancer include the following:

Surgery:

Where the tumor would be removed by surgery.

Chemotherapy:

using drugs to fight cancer

Radiation therapy:

targeting cancer with high-energy radiation

Hormone therapy:

Hormones are used as treatment for some kinds of cancer.

Targeted therapy:

Drugs that use specific molecules to kill cancer cells.

Immunotherapy:

It triggers the immune system within a body to destroy cancerous cells.

Prevention of Cancer:

Though there’s no 100% prevention of this disease, a person can reduce his opportunities. The following are some healthy lifestyle choices:

Quit smoking
Cut down on alcohol
Healthy diet
Exercise regularly
Protect your skin from sun
Regular check-up

Conclusion:

Cancer is one of the serious diseases in which millions of people suffer worldwide, and despite there being no cure that applies to all cancer types, early detection and treatment improve chances of survival considerably. In case you are worried about your risk of developing cancer, then speak to your doctor.