Cancer is a collection of over 100 various diseases. It can form in almost any part of the body.
Cancer is a tricky cluster of diseases in which abnormal cells grow and spread uncontrollably. They can be real troublemakers, invading and destroying nearby tissue and hitching a ride to other body parts through the blood and lymph systems. It can just about any tissue or organ, showing itself differently.
Here are a few essential things to know:
1) Cellular Changes:
- It starts when regular cells experience genetic mutations that cause alterations in their structure and function.
- Several factors can cause mutations, such as exposure to substances, genetic predisposition, or experiencing random errors while cells divide.
2) Tumor Formation:
- Once normal cancer cells can come together and create a lump or mass called a tumor.
- There are two types of tumors: benign and malignant. Benign tumors are not cancerous and do not spread to other body parts. On the other hand, malignant tumors are cancerous and have the ability to invade nearby tissues and spread to other organs.
3) Metastasis:
- Cancer cells can detach from the primary tumor and spread to different areas of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This spreading process is known as metastasis and is a characteristic feature.
4) Types:
- There are over a hundred various kinds of cancer, each having its unique traits and ways of behaving.
- Various types are commonly known, such as breast, lung, colorectal, prostate cancer, and leukemia, among many others.
5) Causes and Risk Factors:
- Various factors can play a role in the development of cancer. These include genetic factors, exposure to certain environmental elements like tobacco smoke, UV radiation, and specific chemicals, infections, and lifestyle choices such as diet, physical activity, and alcohol consumption.
6) Symptoms:
- The symptoms can differ based on the kind and progression of the illness. Some usual signs are unexpected weight loss, tiredness, discomfort, alterations in the skin, continuous coughing or hoarseness, and abnormal bleeding.
7) Diagnosis and Treatment:
- Diagnosing a condition requires a mix of medical history, a thorough physical check-up, various imaging tests, and lab tests like biopsies.
- There are various ways to treat this, such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy. The treatment option chosen usually depends on the specific type and stage.
8) Prevention:
- Although it’s not possible to prevent all types of cancer, making certain lifestyle choices can help lower the chances of developing it. Some of these choices include eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, and protecting yourself from harmful substances.
