Cancer: What it is?
Cancer is a condition that causes cells to develop uncontrollably and spread to other places
in the body. Cancer can develop in any part of the body, and there are numerous forms of cancer.
Normal cells divide and expand in a controlled manner. Cancerous cells proliferate and
divide at an uncontrollable rate. This can result in the development of a tumor. Tumors can be
benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors can spread to other parts of
the body.
Cancer cells can travel throughout the body via the bloodstream or the lymphatic system.
Metastasis occurs when cancer cells spread to other regions of the body.
Cancer is usually diagnosed with a physical exam, a biopsy, and imaging tests. A biopsy is
a procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the tumor and examined under a
microscope. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, can be used to see the size and
location of the tumor and to determine if it has spread to other parts of the body.
Cancer symptoms vary based on the type of cancer and where it is located. There are
numerous forms of cancer, each of which can affect various sections of the body. The following are
some of the most frequent kinds of cancer: Cancer of the breast; Cancer of the lungs; Cancer of
the prostate; Cancer of the colon; and Melanoma of the skin.
Cancer symptoms include the following: a tumor or bump in the body; unknown cause of
weight loss; fatigue; pain; alterations in bowel or bladder habits; cough that does not go away;
indigestion; throat discomfort; hoarseness; there is blood in the stool or pee; and unusual bleeding
or bruises.
Cancer's specific causes are unclear, although numerous risk factors can raise the
likelihood of acquiring cancer. Among these risk factors are age; ancestral history; smoking;
obesity; unhealthy eating habits; insufficient physical activity; radiation or chemical exposure; and
a few infections.
There is no sure way to prevent cancer, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk
of developing cancer. Some of these steps include Don't smoke; Maintaining a healthy weight;
Eating a healthy diet; Getting regular physical activity; Limiting your exposure to sunlight; Getting
vaccinated against certain infections; and Avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals.
Cancer can be treated in a variety of ways. The type of treatment you receive will be
determined by the type of cancer you have, its stage, and your overall health.
Cancer treatments that are commonly used include Surgery; Radiation treatment;
Chemotherapy; Immunotherapy; and Personalized medicine.
Researchers are working on new and innovative ways to treat cancer. Some of the promising
areas of research include Cancer vaccines; Gene therapy; Nanotechnology; and Personalized
medicine.
Cancer is a terrible disease, but there are many things you can do to lower your chances of
acquiring it and enhance your chances of surviving if you are diagnosed with it. You may improve
your own and your loved ones' health by learning about cancer and implementing preventative
measures.
Check Your Understanding!
1. What exactly is cancer?
2. What are some of the most prevalent cancers?
3. What are some of the factors that can raise your chances of getting cancer?
4. How is cancer detected?
5. What is the treatment for cancer?
6. Can cancer be avoided? How?
Prepared by: LMYU
