What is cancer?
Cancer is a group of over 100 diseases. Cancer is the result of the human cells growing uncontrollably and division of cells is also beyond control. In some cancers the cells divide at a rapid rate whereas in some types of cancer, the cells grow and divide at a slower pace.
Let’s understand the mechanism:
Cells are the basic units forming a human body. As long as a person is alive, the cells in his/her body divide and replicate themselves in a controlled and steady manner. Cells die post getting old or damaged. Cancer occurs when these cells multiply beyond control. These abnormally grown cells cause tumor.
Mostly the cancers form tumors (swelling/thickening) but not every tumor is cancerous. Generally, these non-cancerous tumors do not spread to other body parts whereas cancerous tumors can. Cancerous tumors suck up the body tissues from the nutrients. Cancers keep on growing and spread in the body through direct extension or through metastasis, wherein the cancerous cells travel in the body through lymphatic vessels or blood vessels, which then leads to formation of cancer in other body parts.
Causes of cancer:
Cancer is caused by several factors. Some of these are preventable. Mentioned below are some of the causes of cancer:
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Obesity (excessive body fat)
- Lack of physical activities
- Lack of proper nutrition
Cancer due to genetics:
Genetic factors also play a role in development of cancer. An individual’s genetic code instructs their cells when to divide and die. Any mutations in the genes can lead to delivery of wrong instructions, leading to cancer.
Genes also have an impact on protein production of cells and proteins are responsible for carrying out instructions for cell growth and division. Excessive exposure to sun rays, smoking, etc. are some factors that leads to changes in genes, while some changes might also occur after birth.
A person can inherit an inclination for a kind of cancer, and it can be referred to as hereditary cancer syndrome. Inherited genetic mutations account for 5-10% of cancer cases.
Types of cancer:
Based on the origin of cancer, it has been divided into following types:
- Carcinomas: When the skin or the tissue which covers the surface of internal glands & organs is the origin of cancer, it is known as carcinomas. In this type solid tumors are formed. These cancers account for the most common type. The cancers falling under this category are prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer & colorectal cancer.
- Sarcomas: When the connecting and supporting tissues are the origin of the cancer. Sarcomas usually develop in fats, muscles, joints, lymph vessels, nerves, blood vessels, tendons, bone or cartilage. Examples are Fibrosarcoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Liposarcoma.
- Leukemia: Known most commonly as blood cancer, leukemia is said to have originated when healthy blood cells change and grow beyond control. Leukemia is of 4 types, namely, acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia & chronic myeloid leukemia
- Lymphomas: A cancer whose origin is lymphatic system. Lymphatic system comprises of lymphatic vessels & glands that helps in fighting infection. The 2 major types of lymphomas are Hodgkin lymphomas & Non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
Symptoms of cancer:
The signs and symptoms of cancer are very normal and can be confused with other ailments. Though, one needs to pay close attention to his/her body to observe the changes, the symptoms of cancer vary depending on its type and which part of body has been affected.
Mentioned below are some of the basic symptoms associated with cancer, but not specific:
- Feeling of weakness
- Unexpected change in weight (weight gain or loss)
- Presence of lump or a thickened area which can be felt under the skin
- Skin changes like yellowish skin, darkening or redness in skin, wounds slow healing, skin sores, changes in moles
- Discomfort in swallowing
- Difficulty in breathing or chronic cough
- Changes in bowel habits
- Unfamiliar bleeding or blemish
- Frequent indigestion
- Constant, unfamiliar muscle and joint pain
- Night sweating and constant fever
Diagnosis in cancer:
The diagnosis in cancer occurs usually when an individual notice some unusual symptoms. A doctor post verifying all the details including medical history of the patient and symptoms he/she is facing, will perform the required medical tests.
In many cases, the symptoms are absent in the patient. In such cases the diagnosis for cancer takes place during medical test for another issue or condition. The cancer screening tests are mammography, Pap test & colonoscopy. More tests may be required for some individuals to confirm or invalidate the cancer screening test result.
Biopsy is the only method to get a confirmed diagnosis. Biopsy consists of removing a small part of the tissue to examine clearly.
Cancer has become one of the major health concerns worldwide. Around 9.6 million people died due to cancer, globally, in 2018. There were 17 million new cases of cancer, last year. Where some risk factors for cancer can be controlled, in case of cancer, an early diagnosis always help.
One should be careful of any changes in his/her body and immediately seek medical help, if suspicious symptoms detected.
Turacoz Healthcare Solution, a medical communication company, believes that cancer can be cured with the early diagnosis and right treatment. Turacoz urges people to be more alert, active and vigilant and closely monitor their body.
Early diagnosis can reduce the risk of further complications as sooner the better.
No comments:
Post a Comment