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Cancer may have gotten a lot of attention in the media, but most people don’t really know what it is. Don’t worry, though — you’re not alone! There are many myths and misconceptions out there about cancer, including what causes it, how you can get it, and the treatment options available to you if you or someone close to you gets diagnosed with it. On this page, we’re taking an in-depth look at cancer symptoms and causes so that you can arm yourself with knowledge to protect yourself from cancer.
Cancer is a disease caused by abnormal cells
The cells in the body can become cancerous due to a number of factors. Cancer cells are either not fully developed or reproduce too quickly. Cancerous cells then often spread to different parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, which is why cancer has been called a silent killer because it can quickly spread without symptoms until it's too late. It's important to take preventative measures by getting screened for any symptoms such as an unexplained lump on your breast, chest pain, difficulty breathing, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss.
Cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body
Cancer is a devastating disease that can be found in all parts of the body. It starts with a single cancerous cell and then spreads, or metastasizes, to other parts of the body. There are many different types of cancer, but they all have one thing in common: they cause cells to grow out of control. Cancer cells typically form a lump or tumor that may or may not be cancerous. As these tumors grow, they can impair organ function or even cause death if left untreated.
Early detection is key
Every day, people around the world are diagnosed with cancer. This silent killer is one of the leading causes of death in America, killing more than 600,000 people each year. Early detection is key to survival and this is why doctors recommend a yearly physical. If you notice any symptoms like a lump or sore that doesn't heal or a discharge coming from your body that doesn't go away, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately.
Common symptoms of cancer
The symptoms of cancer vary, but common signs include unexplained weight loss, unexplained fevers or chills, persistent coughs, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, unexplained bruising or bleeding from nose or gums. If you notice any of these symptoms for more than a few weeks without relief from other treatments, consult a physician.
Some people are at higher risk for developing cancer due to genetic factors. If someone in your family has had cancer or if you have been diagnosed with a hereditary condition such as an inherited gene mutation that increases the risk for one type of cancer (such as colorectal cancer), be sure to tell your doctor about this. These risks can also be increased by lifestyle choices like smoking tobacco products or being overweight.
Types of cancer and it's stages
Cancer is a scary word. But what does it mean? Cancer is defined as the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in a part of the body. These cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body via the blood or lymph, causing more cancer growths. A tumor is a mass of cancer cells that grow larger over time. Tumors can either be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Cancer is usually named for where in your body it starts, such as lung cancer or skin cancer.
Risk factors for developing cancer
Cancer is a disease in which the body's cells grow out of control. There are many different types of cancer, including breast, lung, prostate, and skin cancer. Cancer is not contagious, but it can be hereditary. There are a number of risk factors that can contribute to the development of cancer. These include tobacco use; environmental exposure to substances such as asbestos or radiation; obesity; excessive alcohol consumption; viral infections such as HPV or hepatitis B; and genetics (having family members with cancer).
1) Smoking cigarettes - It is estimated that more than 20% of all cancers worldwide are caused by smoking cigarettes. Cigarette smoke contains several carcinogens (cancer-causing agents), including tar, arsenic, cyanide and formaldehyde.
Treatments of Cancer
Treatment of cancer depends on the type of cancer, how far it has spread, and whether it is curable. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy (such as biologics), or a combination of these. Treatments can be used to cure cancer or to control symptoms for a limited time. Treatment for chronic conditions such as arthritis is usually different from treatment for an acute condition such as pneumonia.
Some types of cancers are not curable but can be treated in other ways including hormone therapy or surgery that helps to relieve pain or block the growth of cancer cells. Many cancers have no known cause but some are linked with environmental factors like smoking tobacco or exposure to asbestos which can lead to lung cancer among others.