Understanding Cancer: Types, Symptoms, and Prevention
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and division of abnormal cells, known as cancer cells. These cells can invade surrounding tissues and sometimes spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).
What is a Tissue?
A tissue is a group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.
What is a Tumor?
A tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue that results in an increased volume or swelling of a body part.
What is Cellular Differentiation?
Cellular differentiation is the process by which cells become specialized and divide the workload among themselves.
Benign vs. Malignant Tumors
What is the Difference?
A benign tumor is a non-cancerous growth that does not spread to other parts of the body and is typically not life-threatening. A malignant tumor, on the other hand, is cancerous and can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors are potentially life-threatening.
General Symptoms of Cancer
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Most people with cancer experience weight loss at some point.
- Fever: Fever is common in cancer patients, especially after the cancer has spread.
- Pain: Pain can be an early symptom of some cancers, such as bone or testicular cancer. Persistent headaches may be a symptom of a brain tumor.
- Skin Changes: Some cancers can cause skin changes, including darkening, yellowing (jaundice), redness, itching, or excessive hair growth.
Specific Symptoms of Cancer
- Change in Bowel or Bladder Habits: Persistent constipation, diarrhea, or changes in stool size may indicate colon cancer. Painful urination, blood in the urine, or changes in bladder function could be related to prostate or bladder cancer.
- Wounds That Don’t Heal: Non-healing sores, especially in the mouth, on the skin, or on the genitals, should be examined by a doctor.
- Unusual Bleeding or Discharge: Blood in sputum, stool, urine, or vaginal discharge can be a sign of cancer.
- Thickening or Lump in the Breast or Body: Lumps or hardening in the breast, testicles, lymph nodes, or soft tissues should be checked by a doctor.
- Indigestion or Difficulty Swallowing: Persistent indigestion or difficulty swallowing may be a sign of esophageal, stomach, or throat cancer.
- Changes in a Wart or Mole: Changes in color, size, or shape of a wart, mole, or freckle should be reported to a doctor.
- Persistent Cough or Hoarseness: A persistent cough may indicate lung cancer, while hoarseness could be a sign of thyroid or larynx cancer.
Cancer Classification
Cancer is classified based on the location where it originated and the microscopic appearance of the cancer cells. Different types of cancer vary in their growth rate, spread, and response to treatment.
Risk Factors for Cancer
Risk factors are agents or substances that increase the likelihood of developing cancer. Examples include:
- Sun Exposure: Increases the risk of skin cancer.
- Genetics: Family history can increase the risk of certain cancers, such as breast cancer.
- Smoking: Significantly increases the risk of lung cancer.
What is Metastasis?
Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells break away from the primary tumor and travel to other parts of the body, forming new tumors.
Cancer Treatment and Prevention
Treatment
Cancer treatment typically involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Other therapies include hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies.
Prevention
Primary Prevention
Primary prevention focuses on preventing cancer before it develops. This includes:
- Education and Healthy Habits:
- Quitting Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for many cancers.
- Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce cancer risk.