Cancer is a condition when some cells in the body grow out of control and spread to other body areas and tissues. Due to this, the human remains in danger of death. Cancer can develop practically anywhere in the millions of cells that make up the human body. Human cells usually keep dividing as the body needs new cells. When this mechanism malfunctions, abnormal or damaged cells can proliferate, allowing tumors, which are tissue masses, to develop from these cells. It is possible for the tumor to be malignant or not. Cancerous tumors invade nearby tissues and can migrate to distant parts of the body to generate new tumors. A cancerous tumor is also known as a malignant tumor. Many cancers produce solid tumors. Let’s know more about it.’
Genetic changes that cause cancer
Yes, cancer is a genetic disease. The genetic mutations in every person’s cancer are different from one another. More alterations will take place when cancer spreads. Different cells in the same tumour may have different genetic alterations.
- Errors in cell division.
- They were inherited from our parents.
- The chemicals in tobacco smoke and ultraviolet rays from the sun.
- Damage to DNA caused by harmful substances in the environment.
- Changes in DNA, whether induced by an unintentional mistake or by a carcinogen, are not hazardous in and of themselves, with most cancers emerging by chance as a result of this process over time.
- Normally, DNA-damaged cells are eliminated by the body before they may develop into malignant ones. However, the body’s capacity to do this declines with age. The risk of developing cancer increases as people age.
- Numerous DNA and genetic alterations that support the development, growth, and spread of cancer have been discovered by scientists.
Cancer Types
There are many types of cancer like this, but here we will talk about its 5 types:
1. Carcinoma: – Lungs, breasts, pancreas, skin, and other organs and glands are all affected by this type of cancer. The most typical sort of cancer is carcinoma.
2. Sarcoma: – This cancer affects all of the muscles, fat, bone, cartilage, blood vessels, and soft or connective tissues.
3. Melanoma: – Cancer can sometimes develop in the cells that colour your skin. Melanoma is the name given to these cancers.
4. Lymphoma: – Lymphoma cancers affect your lymphocytes or white blood cells.
5. Leukemia: – This cancer affects the blood.
Many more different types of cancers are:
Anal cancer, Bladder cancer, Brain cancer, Breast Cancer, Gallbladder cancer, Gastric cancer, Gastrointestinal stromal tumor, Head and neck cancer, Kidney cancer, Liver cancer, Lung cancer, Thyroid cancer, etc.
Some measures to prevent cancer
In our country, the five most prevalent malignancies in males are lung, head and neck, prostate, stomach, and large intestine. These are stomach, cervix, ovary, mouth, and breast cancers in women. These malignancies account for around 47% of all cancers and are avoidable. As a result, by understanding the preventive elements of these malignancies, we can avoid the overall suffering caused by the aforementioned cancers.
These two strategies are divided into primary and secondary for cancer prevention.
Primary prevention: – Primary prevention is based on cancer risk factors, which are further subdivided into modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Modifiable risk factors are commonly related to lifestyle and habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption, poor eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, and so on. Genetic and hereditary cancer causes are examples of non-modifiable risk factors. However, early detection can help to restrict the spread of cancer.
Secondary prevention: – Secondary preventative measures, most notably screening tests, make an essential contribution to early diagnosis and treatment. Screening includes looking for cancer in persons who have no symptoms. In our country, screening initiatives have yielded positive results in the prevention of cervical cancer. It is accomplished by the use of simple tests such as Pap Smear or HPV DNA/RNA in cervix cell samples. It is performed on sexually active females and has been demonstrated to reduce cervical cancer fatalities by 30%.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified seven cancer warning signs that anyone should follow, and should prompt you to seek medical attention if the problem continues for more than two weeks.
- Get treated for a chronic cough or hoarseness.
- Improve upon changes in bowel and bladder habits.
- Abnormal bleeding or discharge from any physical opening.
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite, also diagnosed.
- If you have difficulty swallowing or chronic dyspepsia, treat it.
- If there is a lump anywhere in the body, then get it treated immediately.
- Any wound anywhere in the body that does not heal should be shown to the doctor.
Conclusion
Cancer has become one of the most dreadful things for human beings. Different types of cancer have been found, and much is still unknown. Cancer is a complex disease, in which there are many types of minor and major diseases. One of the causes of cancer can be the environment around enterprises that produce chemical waste. Cancer is also related to our age and lifestyle. Finally, as a caregiver, make sure you express all of your nice, positive thoughts for the cancer patient. Be patient, forgiving, and kind to yourself. Take care of yourself, and do everything you can to keep your health, which will benefit both you and the cancer patient.
