Cancer; A comprehensive Guide to The Life Threatening Disease

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a genetic disorder caused by rapid cell division. It can occur to any part of the body. The uncontrolled cell division develops tumors which then contribute to cancer development. If not treated, cancerous cells invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

It is the 2nd most frequent cause of death widespread. According to cancer research UK statistics, 17 million cancer cases were reported in 2018, and this number would level up to 28 million by the end of 2040. However, early diagnosis will increase the chances of successful treatment. 

How does cancer develop?

Our body is composed of trillions of cells, and these cells are responsible for our growth and development. Normal cells divide and die after a certain period; however, when there are any changes/ mutations in these cells, they become abnormal and start uncontrolled cell division. 

Cancer is a multifactorial disease developed by mutations in genes that regulate cell division. There are some cancer-causing agents called carcinogens, which induce changes in the genes. Because of these mutations, the cell proliferates and divides, creating an outgrowth mass of a cell called a tumor. The tumor may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Carcinogens:

Carcinogens are the reason behind the malfunctioning of genes and cancer. Unfortunately, these carcinogens are found everywhere in our surroundings, some of which are listed below.

Physical Carcinogens:

• X-rays from sunlight

• Ultraviolet radiation (UV)

• Electromagnetic Radiations

Chemical Carcinogens:

• Asbestos (Cosmetics, perfumes, talcum powder)

• Tobacco (cigarette smoke)

• Air pollution (emission from factories)

Oncogenic virus:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

• Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs)

Signs and Symptoms Of Cancer:

There are different types of cancers, each with symptoms, treatments, and prognoses.

Breast cancer:

• Swelling or lumps in breast or armpit.

• Change in the size of the breast.

• Nipple discharge 

Stomach cancer:

• Abdominal pain.
• Indigestion and heartburn.
• Vomiting.
• Difficulty in swallowing.

Lung cancer:

• Prolong cough with blood.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.

Endometrial Cancer:

• Painful urination.
• Frequent vaginal bleeding.
• Pelvic pain.

Blood cancer:

• Pale skin color.
• Pain in joints and bones.
• Sudden weight loss.

Four Things That Cause Cancer:

Cancer can occur to anyone, irrespective of gender and ethnicity. However, it is more common in people above 40 years of age. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid things that can cause cancer.

1- Sedentary Life Style:

Your lifestyle potentially influences your chance of developing cancer. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating red meat produce toxins in the body, which helps in cancer proliferation.

2-Age:

Age is one of the risk factors for malignancy. Cancer can occur to anyone at any age. However, the prevalence of cancer in older people is more common than in the young generation. According to the National Cancer Institute, older people are at higher risk of developing cancer than young people. 

3-Air Pollution:

The reason why cancer is becoming so common is because of air pollution. Air pollution contributes to several carcinomas, such as lung, breast, and pancreatic cancer. The sources of air pollution are coal combustion, factory smoke, and automobile exhaust, which pollute the air by releasing carcinogens into the environment. When people inhale these toxins, it causes asthma, lung cancer, and other respiratory disorders. Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate among other cancers. Around 21% of death by cancer is due to lung cancer.

4- Obesity

Obesity is a disease with excessive fat percentage in the body. Studies have shown that obesity is one of the contributing factors in 13 different types of cancers. Researchers use a measure called BMI (Body Mass Index), which calculates the body-fat ratio. A person with a higher BMI indicates obesity and is at a higher risk of developing cancer.

Is Cancer Curable?

With the help of scientific research and advanced technologies in the medical field, cancer is curable if detected in the early stages. Initial identification of cancer symptoms increases the chances of successful treatments. 

Cancer Detection:

Cancer detection involves various methods, including screening, diagnostic, and imaging tests.

• Screening tests help detect cancer early in people before showing any symptoms. Regular screening tests would help in preventing cancer. Mammograms for breast cancer and a colonoscopy for colon cancer are some screening procedures.                                                                            
  
  
  
  
  
  
                                         

• Diagnostic tests are performed after the screening test shows signs of a tumor and confirms the presence of cancer in the body. 

• Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans can help doctors locate tumors and assess their size and spread. 

Types of Cancer Treatment:

Several types of cancer treatment are available depending on the type and stages of cancer. The most common cancer treatments include: 

Surgery:

Surgery involves removing the cancerous tissue from the body. It is often the first line of treatment for solid tumors, such as breast and colon cancer. 

Radiotherapy:

In this technique, the cancer cell can deteriorate with the help of highly energetic radiation that damages the DNA of the cancer cell. Thus the cancerous cell stops division and dies. It is used to shrink tumors before surgery.

Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy involves the use of anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. It helps to treat cancers that have spread to other parts of the body or are difficult to remove with surgery.

 

Immunotherapy:

Immunotherapy targets the patient's immune system to fight against tumors. Immunotherapy boosts a patient's immunity by targeting abnormal cells to halt tumor growth.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms or has been diagnosed with cancer, it is necessary to seek medical advice from an expert.

Takeaway:

Cancer is a complex disease that affects millions of people around the world. While there is no sure way to prevent cancer, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk and stay healthy. Risk factors like age, alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and family history may lead to malignancy. Thus, it is crucial to diagnose it in the early stages with the help of screening and lab tests. Fortunately, cancer is curable through surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc. With the proper care and support, many people can live long, healthy lives after a cancer diagnosis.