What is cancer:
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Fig. DNA Img Credit Freepik |
Definition of Cancer:
Cancer is a disease caused by abnormal cells in the body growing uncontrollably. Normally, our cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly way. But sometimes, something goes wrong in the genetic material (DNA) of a cell. This causes the cell to multiply when it shouldn’t and ignore the body’s signals to stop growing or to die. The result? A mass of cells called a tumor—or in some cases, cancer that spreads without forming a solid tumor, like leukemia.
Types of Cancer:
There are over 100 different types of cancer, Some common types of cancer are below:
Breast cancer:
The Breast cancer is very common type of cancer occurs in women breast.
Lung cancer:
Prostate cancer:
Colorectal cancer:
Leukemia Cancer:
Skin cancer (like melanoma):
Each type of cancer have different treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors of cancer
Cancer can be caused by abnormal cells, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Some common risk factors are:
Smoking and tobacco use
Unhealthy diet and obesity
Exposure to radiation or harmful chemicals
Family history of cancer
Infections, like HPV or hepatitis
Age : the risk increases as we get older
But it’s important to remember:
Symptoms of cancer :
Cancer symptoms can vary widely depending on the type and site of the disease. However, general warning signs are :
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent fatigue
Lumps or swelling
Changes in the skin or moles
Chronic pain
Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Unusual bleeding or discharg
Hair Problems like hair growth stop, or hair complete loss.
Early detection often makes a big difference in treatment success.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Cancer is diagnosed by several types of tests like imaging scans (like CT or MRI), blood tests, biopsies, and genetic tests. Once diagnosed, treatment options depend on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health.
Common treatments are Available:
Surgery – In the surgery, tumor or cancer remove by cancer specialist doctors (oncologist).
Chemotherapy – It using drugs to kill cancer cells. but this treatment is very common and less effective.
Radiation therapy – targeting cancer with high-energy rays
Immunotherapy – boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer
Targeted therapy – focusing on specific genes or proteins involved in cancer growth.
Sometimes, a combination of treatments is used for cancer disease.
Living with Cancer
Cancer is not just a physical disease; it affects emotional, social, and mental well-being. People living with cancer often need support from doctors, family, friends, and counselors. Advances in medicine have made many cancers treatable and even curable, and for some, it has become a manageable chronic condition.
Prevention and Hope
While not all cancers are preventable, many cases can be reduced by:
Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol
Eating a healthy diet
Exercising regularly
Protecting skin from sun exposure
Getting vaccinated (e.g., HPV vaccine)
Regular screenings for early detection
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