Cancer

<p><strong>What is Cancer?</strong></p> <p>Cancer is a term that is broadly used to describe a collection of more than a hundred related diseases that lead to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the affected organs. The human body is made up of a trillion cells, the &lsquo;building blocks of life&rsquo; that constitute the basic structural units of any organism. These cells grow and divide to form new ones. When they grow old or get damaged, they die and new cells form in their place. If this pattern gets disrupted due to genetic changes, cancer develops. The old and damaged cells don&rsquo;t die, while new ones multiply, hence creating an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. The continuous division of these cells could form masses of tissue, which become a tumour. These can be benign or cancerous. If benign, the tumour can grow but does not spread. Mostly, this can be removed and may not grow back. If cancerous, the tumour can spread to other parts of the body. This is called metastasis, and endangers&nbsp; life as the cancer could spread to vital organs like the brain, lungs, liver etc. and damage the vital functions necessary to sustain life.</p>

What are the types of Cancer?

Cancers are usually named after the organ in which they first form. Broadly, there are four types of cancers:

• Carcinoma: These are cancers that begin in the skin or the tissues that line the organs
• Sarcoma: This type of cancer originates in connective tissues like bones, cartilage, blood vessels or muscles.
• Leukemia: This is a cancer of the bone marrow, which is where blood cells are formed.
• Lymphoma (these should/can have graphics) or Myeloma: This type of cancer attacks the immune system. 

Cancers are also classified by the organs that they attack. Here are some examples of these types of cancers.

• Breast Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Throat Cancer
• Brain Tumours
• Skin Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Bladder Cancer
• Stomach Cancer

 

What are the stages of cancer?

Cancers that involve tumours are staged in five broad groups, from 0 to 4. The stages are indicative of how advanced the cancer is. 

• Stage 0: At this stage, there is no cancerous growth yet. There are abnormal cells present, which have the potential to develop into cancer. 
• Stage 1: Also referred to as ‘early stages cancer’, at this stage the cancer is restricted to a small part of the affected organ, and has not spread to any other organ. 
• Stage 2 and 3: By this stage, the cancer has grown to spread into the surrounding tissues or lymph nodes.
• Stage 4: Also referred to as the advanced stage or metastatic cancer, this stage indicates that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. 

Cancers that are not related to tumour growth follow their own staging system. Such cancers include Blood Cancer and Lymphomas. 

Read more about the stages of Cancer:-

What are the causes of Cancer?

It is difficult to determine exactly what causes cancer, but there are some factors that increase the risk of cancer. 

•      Ageing
•      Family history of  certain types of cancer
•      Smoking
•      Alcoholism 
•      Consumption of tobacco
•      Hormones
•      Obesity
•      Poor nutrition
•      Lack of physical activity
•      Exposure to strong UV radiations
•      Exposure to chemicals

Some of these factors like ageing and family history are outside our control. Some of the other factors like exposure to radiation, smoking, tobacco consumption, excessive drinking etc can be controlled to prevent cancer.

Read more about the causes of Cancer:-

What are the symptoms of Cancer?

The signs and symptoms of cancer vary depending upon which body part or organ that has been affected. Certain common symptoms include:

•       Sudden and unexpected weight loss
•       Any persistent change in urine or stool routine
•       Blood in the stools
•       Persistent heartburn or indigestion
•       Lump or thickening in the breast
•       Changes in skin colour or changes in the shape and size of existing moles
•       Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
•       Pain or blood during urination
•      Persistent difficulty in swallowing 
•      Persistent vomiting
•      Unexplained bruises or sores that do not heal
•      Persistent fever or night sweats
•      Unexplained muscle or joint pains
•      Hoarseness 
•      Nagging cough or trouble with breathing

If these symptoms persist, you will need to consult a doctor. Even in the absence of any such symptoms, if you are concerned about your risk of cancer, you can consult a doctor for screening tests that can help detect cancer.