It is a group of diseases that involve abnormal cell growth and can spread to other parts of the body. It is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but many types of cancer can be prevented or treated if detected early. The purpose of this blog post is to explain cancer's causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
As a result of mutations (changes) in the DNA of cells, cancer occurs. Some mutations are inherited from parents, while others are acquired due to environmental factors such as tobacco, alcohol, radiation, pollution, viruses, and bacteria. DNA is damaged or interfered with by these factors, referred to as carcinogens.
A number of cancers are also influenced by hormonal, immune, or metabolic factors that affect cell behavior. Additionally, certain chronic inflammation-causing conditions, such as ulcerative colitis, may raise the risk of developing cancer.
The symptoms of cancer depend on the type and location of the tumor, as well as the stage of the disease. Some general signs and symptoms that may indicate cancer include:
Fatigue
Lump or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin
Weight changes, including unintended loss or gain
Skin changes, such as yellowing, darkening or redness of the skin, sores that won’t heal, or changes to existing moles
Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Persistent cough or trouble breathing
Difficulty swallowing
Hoarseness
Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating
Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain
Persistent, unexplained fevers or night sweats
Unexplained bleeding or bruising
If you have persistent or unusual signs or symptoms that concern you, it is important to consult a doctor.
There are various tests and procedures that can be used in cancer diagnosis in order to confirm the presence and type of cancer, as well as to determine its extent and stage. Some of the most common methods of cancer diagnosis include:
Cancer screening: This refers to tests that are done to detect cancer before it causes symptoms. Screening can help find some cancers at an early stage when they are more likely to be cured. However, screening is not available for all types of cancer and may have some risks or limitations. Therefore, it is important to discuss with your doctor about which screening tests are appropriate for you based on your age, family history, and personal risk factors.
Biopsy: This is a procedure that involves taking a sample of tissue from the suspected tumor and examining it under a microscope to look for abnormal cells. A biopsy can provide information about the type and grade of cancer, as well as whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs.
Imaging tests: These are tests that use different techniques to create pictures of the inside of the body. Imaging tests can help locate the tumor, measure its size and shape, and show whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Some examples of imaging tests are X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, and bone scan.
Blood tests: These are tests that measure the levels of certain substances in the blood that may indicate cancer or its effects on the body. Some examples of blood tests are complete blood count (CBC), tumor markers, and genetic tests.
Patients' preferences, goals, and the availability and effectiveness of different options determine the type and stage of cancer treatment. Some common types of cancer treatment include:
Surgery: This is a procedure that involves removing the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue to prevent it from growing back or spreading. Surgery can also be used to remove lymph nodes or other organs that are affected by cancer.
Radiation therapy: This is a treatment that uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. Radiation therapy can be given externally by a machine that directs the radiation at the tumor site, or internally by placing radioactive material inside or near the tumor.
Chemotherapy: This is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing. Chemotherapy can be given orally by pills or capsules, or intravenously by injection or infusion. Chemotherapy can affect both normal and cancerous cells, so it may cause side effects such as hair loss, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and increased risk of infection.
Immunotherapy: This is a treatment that uses substances that stimulate the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy can be given as vaccines, antibodies, or cell-based therapies. Immunotherapy can help the body recognize and destroy cancer cells, or prevent them from growing or spreading.
Targeted therapy: This is a treatment that uses drugs or other substances that target specific molecules or pathways that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. Targeted therapy can block or interfere with these molecules or pathways, and cause cancer cells to die or stop growing. Targeted therapy can be more selective and less toxic than chemotherapy, but it may not work for all types of cancer or all patients.
Hormone therapy: This is a treatment that uses drugs or surgery to block or lower the levels of hormones that stimulate the growth of certain cancers, such as breast and prostate cancers. Hormone therapy can slow down or stop the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors, or reduce the symptoms caused by them.
Stem cell transplant: This is a procedure that involves replacing the patient’s diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor or from the patient’s own blood or bone marrow. Stem cell transplant can restore the production of blood cells and immune cells that are damaged by high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Stem cell transplant can be used to treat certain types of leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Many types of cancer can be prevented by avoiding or reducing exposure to known carcinogens and by adopting healthy lifestyle habits. Some general recommendations for cancer prevention include:
Avoiding tobacco use or exposure to secondhand smoke
Limiting alcohol consumption
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and low in red and processed meats, sugary drinks and snacks, and salt
Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding obesity
Getting regular physical activity
Protecting yourself from excessive sun exposure and using sunscreen
Getting vaccinated against certain viruses that can cause cancer, such as HPV and hepatitis B
Getting regular check-ups and screening tests as recommended by your doctor
Many cancers can be prevented, detected early, and treated effectively with a variety of options, even though cancer is a complex and diverse group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. If you have any concerns regarding cancer, you should seek medical advice. Therefore, you should be aware of its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
