Cancer - doesn’t this term strike a fear and uncertainty in your heart? Well, you are not overreacting. It’s a disease that affects millions and overhauls their and their loved one’s life.

But understanding the basics of cancer can empower you by helping you make informed decisions on its prevention, early detection, and treatment.

This blog will help you understand cancer. Let’s dive into it.

What is Cancer?

Normally, cells in our body grow, divide, and die in a controlled manner.

But when you have cancer, this process gets disrupted. Instead of dying, cancer cells continue to grow and form new, abnormal cells.

This can invade other tissues and organs which can lead to serious health problems.

In short, cancer is a group of diseases characterised by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body.

Types of Cancer

There are more than 100 different types of cancer. They are classified based on the type of cells where it begins.

Following are some of the most common types of cancer :

Breast Cancer: Occurs in the breast tissue. It can affect both men and women.

Lung Cancer: Develops in the lungs. It is often linked to smoking but can also occur in non-smokers.

Prostate Cancer: Affects the prostate gland in men and is one of the most common types of cancer in men.

Colorectal Cancer: Develops in the colon or rectum and usually begins as noncancerous polyps.

Skin Cancer (Melanoma): Develops in the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour.

Leukaemia: Affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.

Lymphoma: Affects the lymphatic system, which is part of your body's immune system.

Pancreatic Cancer: Develops in the pancreas, an organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones.

Ovarian Cancer: Affects the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system.

Bladder Cancer: Develops in the bladder, which stores urine before it is excreted from the body.

Remember, cancer can occur in almost any part of the body.

Causes of Cancer

Cancer is a complex disease. Its exact causes are not always clear. But, several risk factors have been identified and some of them are listed below.

Tobacco Use: If your habits include smoking and tobacco use, beware they are leading causes of various types of cancer, including lung, mouth, and throat cancer.

Diet and Physical Activity: A poor diet high in processed foods and low in fruits and vegetables, along with a lack of physical activity, can increase the risk of cancer.

Genetics: Some cancers have a genetic component. That means, they run in families.

Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain chemicals, pollutants, and radiation can increase the risk of cancer.

Age: The risk of developing cancer increases with age, as cells are more likely to become damaged over time.

Don’t panic, these factors can increase the risk of cancer, but not everyone exposed to them will develop the disease.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of cancer vary depending on the type and stage of the disease.

Some common symptoms include:

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue

• Persistent cough or hoarseness

• Changes in bowel or bladder habits

• A sore that does not heal

• Difficulty swallowing

• Changes in the appearance of moles or skin lesions

• Persistent pain

• Shortness of breath

• Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor for evaluation.

Diagnosis Of Cancer

If it can be detected early, you could get successful treatment and the outcomes would be great for many types of cancer.

Screening tests, such as mammograms for breast cancer and colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, can help detect cancer at an early stage when it's most treatable.

If cancer is suspected, further diagnostic tests are done. They include imaging scans and biopsies. They are performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the disease.

Treatment Options for Cancer

Treatment options for cancer vary depending on the type and stage of the disease.

Some of the most common treatments include:

Surgery

Surgery involves the removal of cancerous tumours and surrounding tissue. It is often used to remove localised tumours and can be curative if the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing and dividing. It can be administered orally or intravenously and is often used in combination with other treatments.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. It can be delivered externally using a machine or internally through radioactive implants.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to target specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival. It is often less harmful to normal cells than traditional chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy boosts the body's immune system to help fight cancer. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments and has shown promising results in treating certain types of cancer.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is used to treat cancers that are hormone-sensitive, such as breast and prostate cancer. It works by blocking the production or action of hormones that fuel cancer growth.

Stem Cell Transplantation

Stem cell transplantation involves replacing diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells. It is often used to treat leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

Palliative Care

Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with cancer. It can be provided alongside curative treatment or as the main focus of care for patients with advanced cancer.

Remember, the choice of treatment depends on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, the patient's overall health and preferences, and the potential side effects of treatment.

Prevention Strategies

Not all cases of cancer can be prevented. But there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Avoid Tobacco: If you smoke, quit smoking, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable cancer deaths worldwide.

Eat a Healthy Diet: Choose a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit your intake of processed and red meats, sugary foods, and high-calorie beverages.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of many types of cancer. Aim to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

Protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when outdoors. Avoid indoor tanning beds, which can increase the risk of skin cancer.

Get Vaccinated: Vaccines are available to prevent certain types of cancer, such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, which can lead to liver and cervical cancer, respectively.

Get Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week.

Practise Safe Sex: Limit your number of sexual partners, use condoms consistently and correctly, and get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) regularly to reduce the risk of certain cancers, such as cervical cancer.