All cancers begin in the simplest unit of life, the cell. Normal cells in the body can divide and grow in a controlled manner to produce more cells as needed to keep the body healthy.
When cells age or become damaged, they die and are replaced by new cells. When this normal process is disrupted, cancer develops. Old cells die after a certain period and are replaced by new cells in a normal process. However, in a cancerous state, new cells continue to develop while old cells do not die as they should, resulting in a mass of tissue known as a tumor.
WHAT IS A CANCER?
The term “cancer” refers to any of several diseases in which a group of cells develops abnormally and divides uncontrollably beyond normal limits. They have the potential to intrude and destroy nearby body tissues. Cancer cells can spread throughout the body through the lymphatic and blood systems, destroying healthy tissues in the process (a process known as invasion).
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF CANCER?
- Colon cancer
Colon cancer can be detected by long-term constipation, diarrhea, or a change in stool size.
- Bladder or Prostate cancer
Bladder or prostate cancer may be linked to pain while urinating, blood in the urine, or a change in bladder function (such as more frequent or less frequent urination).
- Oral cancer
A persistent sore in the mouth could be oral cancer, and it should be treated as soon as possible, especially in patients who smoke, chew tobacco, or drink alcohol frequently.
- Lung cancer
Blood in the sputum (phlegm) could indicate lung cancer.
- Breast cancer
Breast cancer can be detected by a bloody discharge from the nipple.
Other early cancer signs and symptoms include:
• Sores on the penis or vagina should not be ignored because they could be signs of infection or early cancer.
• Blood in the stool (as well as a dark or black stool) may indicate colon or rectal cancer.
• Indigestion or swallowing problems can be a sign of cancer of the esophagus, stomach, or pharynx, even if they have other causes (throat).
• A persistent cough could be a sign of lung cancer.
Types of tumors that cause cancer:
• Noncancerous tumors:
A benign tumor is not cancerous. It is frequently removed and does not reappear. These cells have a limited, non-aggressive growth pattern. They don’t infiltrate surrounding tissues and don’t spread to other parts of the body, so they don’t metastasize.
• Cancerous tumors:
A cancerous tumor is called a malignant tumor. These tumors’ cells invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.
7 Causes of Cancer of the blood
Some risk factors can lead to the development of cancer. These are the following:
• Tobacco
• Growing Older
• Natural light
• ionizing Radiation
• A variety of chemicals and other materials
• Some bacteria and viruses
• Hormones in particular
• A history of cancer in the family
• Alcoholic beverages
• An unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity, or being overweight
- Growing Older
Age is a significant cancer risk factor. Most cancers strike people over the age of 65. Cancer can affect people of all ages, including children.
- Tobacco
Tobacco use, whether it is directly using tobacco or being exposed to tobacco smoke, greatly increases the risk of cancer (secondhand smoke). Smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to develop mouth cancer, as well as cancers of the respiratory and digestive systems. They’re also more likely to get leukemia, which is cancer that starts in the blood cells.
Tobacco cessation lowers the risk of cancer (though cancer risk is generally lowest among those who have never used tobacco). Quitting smoking lowers the risk of cancer recurrence in people who have already had cancer.
- Certain Hormones
Hormone therapy is recommended by doctors for certain health issues. Hormone therapy, on the other hand, has been shown in studies to increase the risk of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke, and blood clots.
- Poor Diet, Lack of Physical Activity, or Being Overweight
People who eat poorly, do not get enough exercise, or are overweight may be at an increased risk of developing cancer.
In the Western world, cancer is only second to cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death. Cancer is primarily a disease of the elderly, with over 60% of cancer deaths occurring in those over the age of 65, but it can strike even the smallest of children.
Cancer appears to develop when the body’s cell growth is uncontrolled, and cells divide too quickly. Cancer can occur in nearly any organ or tissue, including the lungs, colon, breast, skin, bones, and nerve tissue.
- Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing radiation can damage cells and cause cancer. Radiation from outer space, radioactive fallout, radon gas, x-rays, and other sources all contribute to this amount of radiation.
Accidents at nuclear power plants, as well as the production, testing, and use of atomic weapons, produce radioactive fallout. People who have been exposed to this fallout may be at a higher risk of cancer. Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. People who work in mines are at risk of being exposed to radon.
Medical procedures are another common source of radiation. To treat cancer, doctors use low-dose radiation for x-rays and high-dose radiation for radiation therapy. When compared to radiation therapy, the risk of cancer from low-dose x-rays is extremely low. In almost every case, the benefit outweighs the minor risk.
Discuss the need for each x-ray with your doctor or dentist. In addition, request shields to protect parts of the body that aren’t visible in the photo.
- Certain Chemicals and Other Substances
Workplace exposure to asbestos, benzene, benzidine, cadmium, nickel, or vinyl chloride has been linked to cancer in studies. People who work in environments where these things are present, such as painters, construction workers, and those in the chemical industry, have a higher risk of cancer.
When handling hazardous substances at work or home, always follow the instructions and safety precautions. Use caution when dealing with pesticides, used engine oil, paint, solvents, and other chemicals at home.
- Family History of Cancer
After a series of gene changes, a normal cell can become a cancer cell. Some cancer-causing gene mutations are passed down from parent to child. These changes are present in all the body’s cells at birth.
Cancer does not usually run in families. Several cases of the same cancer type in a family, on the other hand, maybe linked to inherited gene changes that increase the risk of cancer development. Environmental factors, on the other hand, may play a role. But, for the most part, multiple cancer cases in a family are purely coincidental.
If you suspect a family history of a specific type of cancer, speak with your doctor. Your doctor may advise you on ways to reduce your cancer risk, as well as exams for early cancer detection.
Inquire with your doctor about genetic testing to see if you have any inherited gene changes that could put you at risk for cancer. But keep in mind that inheriting a gene change does not guarantee that you will get cancer. It means you have a higher chance of contracting the disease.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Cancer is not a single disease, but rather a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled and random cell growth in the human body. This haphazard cell growth causes them to be invaded by other normal cells, resulting in their destruction.
Tumors are formed when cancerous cells divide uncontrollably and form lumps or tissue masses known as tumors. These tumors disrupt the normal functioning of the body part where they grow. Cancerous cells can also spread to other parts of the body via blood or lymph, causing additional cell death.
Disclaimer: This is educational information only and should not be used in place of professional medical advice. For more accurate information, we strongly advise our clients to consult their primary care physician.
