About Cancer
Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Over 100 types of cancer are prevalent which are different in behavior and response to treatment. Globally, cancer is the second leading cause of death and accounts for 9.6 million deaths in 2018.
One of the most significant challenges of the 21st century in the world today is to understand the burden of growing cancer patients and ways to prevent it. It is first important to understand cancer to manage it effectively.
Humans are complex multicellular organisms made up of trillions of cells, each with its structure and function. And our body is programmed to routinely replenish cells in different organs. As normal cells age or get damaged, they die off and new cells take their place as per the signals given by the genes.
Cancer begins when these genetic changes interfere with this orderly process. When this process is disturbed, cells no longer respond to the signals and begin to grow abnormally. These abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably in the body and slowly accumulate to form a tissue mass, lump or growth called a tumor. These abnormal cells can destroy normal body tissue and spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
Type of Cancer
Cancers are mainly divided into five types based on where it begins:
Carcinomas develop in the skin or tissues that line the internal organs
Sarcomas begin in the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, or other connective tissues
Leukemia begins in the blood cells and bone marrow
Lymphomas begin in the lymphatic system
Central nervous system cancers develop in the brain and spinal cord
Causes of Cancer
Uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation because of the genetic changes are the basic cause of cancer. Few cancers are due to inherited genetic mutations but most cancers are related to environmental, lifestyle, or behavioral exposures.
The usual causes of cancer are:
- Genetic factors: There are over 50 identifiable hereditary forms of cancer. Hereditary cancers are primarily caused by an inherited genetic defect called cancer syndromes.
- Physical and chemical agents: Cancer-causing substances are called carcinogens. Common examples of non-radioactive carcinogens are inhaled asbestos, certain dioxins, and tobacco smoke.
- Lifestyle factors: Many lifestyle factors such as diet, obesity, and alcohol increase the risk of cancer.
- Infection & inflammation: An approximate 18% of worldwide cancer cases are related to infectious diseases. There is evidence that inflammation itself plays an important role in the development and progression of cancer.
- Hormonal factors: Cell proliferation is promoted by some hormones which play a key role in the development of cancer.
- Radiation: Of all invasive cancers, up to 1% account for radiation exposure, which includes both non-ionizing radiation and ionizing radiation.
Signs & Symptoms of Cancer:
Signs and symptoms caused by cancer may vary depending on the type of cancer, its location, and its spread to other organs or tissues.
Some general signs and symptoms associated with cancer include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Lump or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin
- Skin changes, such as yellowing, darkening, or redness of the skin, itching, sores that won’t heal, or changes to existing moles
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Breathing trouble
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent cough or hoarseness
- Neurological problems like headache, blurred vision, seizures
- Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain
- Fevers or night sweats
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
Myths about Cancer :
Here are the facts behind some of the most common cancer myths:
Myth 1: All cancers are the same and can be treated the same way
Fact: All cancers and their treatments are not the same and they do not affect every patient in the same way. In general, a patient receives treatment based on the location of the cancer, whether or how much it has spread, how it is affecting the body functions and the overall health of the patient.
Myth 2: Cancer is contagious
Fact: Cancer is not contagious. Spending time with a loved one who has cancer will not cause you to get it too.
Though cancer does not spread from person to person, certain viruses or bacteria can increase your risk of getting cancer. Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) have been known to cause cervical, anal, and some kinds of cancers. Hepatitis B or C spreads through sexual intercourse or infected needles can increase your risk of getting liver cancer.
Myth 3: Biopsy makes cancer spread
Fact: This is a dangerous misconception. There is no appropriate scientific evidence to support this notion. Biopsy benefits the patient in several ways by making accurate staging and relevant treatment planning possible.
Myth 4: Eating sugar makes cancer worse
Fact: Although research has shown that cancer cells consume more glucose (sugar) than normal cells, no studies have shown that eating sugar will make your cancer worse or less sugar intake slows down cancer development.
Myth 5: Cancer is a death sentence
Fact: Even though cancer mortality rates are high, about a third of all cancers can be cured if they are detected and treated early. With a healthy lifestyle, treatment, and regular health check-ups, one can survive for at least five years after the cancer is diagnosed.
Myth 6: No family history of cancer means you are not at risk
Fact: Although having a family history of cancer increases your risk of developing the disease, only 5% to 10% of cancer cases are caused by inherited genetic mutations. The remaining 90% to 95% of cases are caused by the individual’s lifestyle and environment, such as smoking or exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, etc.
Myth 7: Superfoods prevent cancer
Fact: While a healthy diet can help improve the way you feel, there is no single food or food group that can provide enough protection against cancer. Some foods like blueberries, beetroot, broccoli, garlic, and green tea are rich in antioxidants that help to remove toxic elements from the body.
Even though cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases, early detection, and specific treatment protocol lead to a success rate of 60-90%. In general, the survival rate and success of treatment for cancer depend on the stage of cancer during diagnosis and the overall health of the patient. Regular screening and health checks would help in early detection. The recent advances in cancer treatment are geared toward positive outcomes.