What is Cancer? A Simplified Guide to Understanding Cellular Anomalies

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What is Cancer? A Simplified Guide to Understanding Cellular Anomalies

Jaseela

Jaseela

Updated on October 28, 2024

Medically verified by Dr. Arya

Fact checked by Dr. Pournami

Oncology

10 min read

You may have known a friend or a relative suffering from cancer. But have you experienced it first-hand?

Did you have to go through the unfortunate struggle of understanding cancer to treat it? Ever wondered about the mystery behind cancer?

Whether you're new to the topic or just looking for a straightforward guide to help you in a difficult situation, you’re in the right place. This guide is all about unravelling the secrets of cancer in a way that's easy to grasp, no science degree required.

Karetrip will take you on a journey into the tiny world of cells, exploring how they sometimes go out of control and turn into something we call cancer.

What Is Cancer?

Cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled growth and division of abnormal cells in the body. Our cells normally grow, divide and die in a controlled manner. In cancer, this normal cycle breaks down and abnormal cells invade nearby tissues.

In some cases, cancer cells can spread to other areas of the body via the blood and lymphatic system. Metastasis is the process of cancer cells spreading from one area of the body to another.

Cancer can affect any tissue or organ and can take many different forms. The type of cancer and its specific characteristics, such as how quickly it grows and if it has spread, will determine the best treatment approach for you.

Cancer is a complex disease that can be caused by a variety of factors. Early detection and treatment has improved outcomes for many people with cancer, but more research is needed to understand and effectively treat this complex disease.

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Factors Contributing Cancer

Genetic Factors

Inherited genetic mutations can cause cancer. If your inherents have a family history of specific cancers, chances are higher that you will get affected by it.

Environmental exposures

Having exposure to carcinogens like tobacco, pollutants, radiation, some chemical substances and smoking can increase the risk of cancer.

Lifestyle Choices

Lifestyle choices such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and lack of physical activity are linked to cancer.

Age

Age is one of the main risk factors for cancer. Over time, genetic mutations accumulate in the body, leading to an increased risk of cancer. Certain types of cancer are more likely to develop in the elderly.

Chronic infections

Chronic infections, such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C (HBV), and Helicobacter Pylori (H3P), can also increase the risk of cancer. Additionally, hormonal imbalances or long-term exposure to certain hormones may increase the risk of hormone-related cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancer.

Suppression Of Immune System

Conditions or treatments that suppress the immune system like certain medications or diseases such as HIV/AIDS, may also reduce the body’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells.

Moreover, if you have a prior history of cancer, you may also be at a higher risk of developing a second type of cancer.

Importance Of Maintaining Cellular Equilibrium

Cellular balance is essential for the proper functioning of the body and is a key factor in overall health. It is responsible for regulating internal conditions such as temperature, pH, and nutrient levels, as well as cell communication and energy production.

Without proper cellular balance, energy production can be reduced and fatigue can set in. Cell growth and repair are also affected by cellular balance, as damaged or dying cells must be replaced.

The body is made up of trillions of cells, each with a distinct purpose. For optimum health, these cells must be kept in a delicate condition of equilibrium.

The following are some of the factors that make cellular equilibrium significant:

Homeostasis: The body's ability to maintain a constant internal environment, including temperature, pH, and nutrient levels, is aided by cellular balance.

Cellular Communication: Through intricate signaling channels, cellular activity facilitates communication between cells.

Energy production: Via procedures like cellular respiration, healthy cells are able to transform energy into energy. Changes in the cellular balance can lead to fatigue and other health problems.

Growth and repair of cells: When healthy cells replace damaged or dying ones, cells develop and repair themselves.

Cellular Anomalies At A Glance

Cellular AnomaliesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatment
CarcinomaUnexplained weight lossBiopsySurgery
(e.g., lung)Persistent coughImaging tests (X-ray, MRI, CT scanChemotherapy
(breast, colon)Changes in bowel or bladder habitsBlood tests (tumour markers)Radiation therapy
Skin changes or sores that don't healTargeted therapy
SarcomaSwelling or lump under the skinBiopsySurgery
(e.g., bone)PainImaging tests (X-ray, MRI, CT scan)Chemotherapy
(soft tissue)Limited range of motionBlood tests (tumour markers)Radiation therapy
Abdominal painTargeted therapy
LeukaemiaFatigueBlood tests (complete blood count)Chemotherapy
(e.g., acuteFrequent infectionsBone marrow biopsyStem cell transplant (for some cases)
chronicEasy bruising or bleedingLumbar puncture (spinal tap)Radiation therapy (in some cases)
Enlarged lymph nodesImmunotherapy
LymphomaSwollen lymph nodesBiopsy (lymph node, bone marrow)Chemotherapy
(e.g., Hodgkin)FeverImaging tests (PET scan, CT scan)Radiation therapy
Non-Hodgkin)Night sweatsBlood tests (complete blood count)Immunotherapy
Unexplained weight lossStem cell transplant (in some cases)
MelanomaChanges in mole size, shape, or colourSkin biopsy (excisional, incisional)Surgery (wide excision, lymph node removal)
Itching or pain in existing moleImaging tests (CT, MRI, PET scan)Chemotherapy (for advanced cases)
Bleeding or oozing from moleSentinel lymph node biopsyImmunotherapy
Dark streaks under fingernails or toenails

How To Prevent Cancer Recurrence?

For those who have a family history of cancer, managing and reducing risks requires a multifaceted strategy emphasising lifestyle changes, routine checkups, and mental health.

The following are some crucial tactics.

Regular Medical Follow-ups

You can attend the scheduled follow-up visits with medical professionals. These appointments could involve physical examinations, imaging studies, and laboratory evaluations to keep an eye out for any new developments or indications of cancer recurrence.

Screenings for Cancer Surveillance

Participate in suggested cancer surveillance screenings in accordance with the type of cancer that has already been diagnosed. Frequent screenings can improve results by assisting with early detection and action.

Lifestyle modifications

You can try adopting a lifestyle including a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits, active lifestyle and enough hydration. These lifestyle changes can help prevent the recurrence of cancer.

Tobacco and Alcohol Abstinence

If you can avoid tobacco and alcohol usage, it would be great as both of these increase the risk of cancer.Avoiding these can contribute to better health conditions.

Regular Exercise

You can try engaging in regular exercises as it comes with a number of health benefits. It can reduce the risk of cancer, mental well-being and improve overall health.

Conclusion

As we are wrapping up the exploration of cellular anomalies and cancer, we now know that cancer results from cells in our body growing abnormally. You are now aware of the factors that contribute to cancer, such as environmental factors, lifestyle decisions, and family history.

Knowing these things empowers us to make smart decisions regarding our health. We also witnessed the significance of maintaining the equilibrium of our cells for general health.

It's important to maintain our health as we age, have more energy, and have a robust immune system in addition to preventing cancer. Therefore, let’s take charge and maintain excellent physical health by learning more and making wise decisions in our daily lives.

Key Takeaways

Cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled growth and division of abnormal cells in the body.

Our cells normally grow, divide and die in a controlled manner. In cancer, this normal cycle breaks down and abnormal cells invade nearby tissues.

There is a chance for recurrence for people who have a family history of specific cancer.

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