What is Cancer?
Cancer is a disease that occurs when cells reproduce uncontrollably, resulting in tumors. Tumors are masses of abnormal cells formed in different parts of the body. These cells continue to divide and create more cells without control, forming a mass of tissue (tumor) that can interfere with normal organ function. The term cancer refers to any tumor that originates in the epithelial tissue of organs.
Types of Cancer
Following are the common types of cancer:
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Lung cancer
As per the research of Fortis Hospital, Lung cancer is caused by smoking cigarettes, secondhand smoke, and exposure to radon gas. Smoking is responsible for 90% of lung cancers. Tobacco smoke contains over 4000 chemicals, including carcinogens, and nicotine. Nicotine is addictive and causes cancer cells to multiply faster than normal cells. Second-hand smoke also contains many toxic chemicals, which cause DNA damage. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-corrosive. Exposure to high levels of radon increases the risk of developing lung cancer.
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Breast cancer
Breast cancer is the second leading type of cancer among women. Most breast cancers are due to genetic mutations. A woman’s lifetime risk of getting breast cancer is 1 in 8. About 80% of breast cancer cases occur in people older than 50 years old. One major risk factor for breast cancer includes having a first-degree relative who was diagnosed before age 45. Other factors include early menarche (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), not breastfeeding after birth, obesity, alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, hormone replacement therapy use, radiation exposure, and certain types of food.
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Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women. In 2017, about 135,000 Americans were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Risk factors include genetics, diet, obesity, physical inactivity, family history, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon polyps. Colon cancer may be prevented by following a low-fat diet, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, limiting red meat intake, and consuming whole grains.
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Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the fifth most common cancer in men. Men have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer compared to women. There are two main types of prostate cancer, localized and advanced. Symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty urinating, frequent urination, blood in urine, pain in the pelvic area, and lower back pain. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
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Skin cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. It affects approximately 2 million Americans each year. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, accounting for 75% of deaths. Other forms of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. UV rays increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Sunburns, tanning beds, and sunscreens protect against skin cancer.
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Head & Neck cancer
Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer in both men and women. It mainly occurs in the mouth, throat, nose, larynx, and salivary glands. Certain lifestyle habits increase the risk of head and neck cancer, including tobacco, alcohol, poor nutrition, HPV infection, and chronic inflammation. These habits lead to oral, nasal, pharyngeal, and oropharyngeal cancers. Other symptoms include soreness, changes in voice quality, hoarseness, weight loss, and trouble swallowing.
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Leukemia
Leukemia is the seventh most common cancer in both men and women. It accounts for 20 percent of all cancer diagnoses. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common form of leukemia. ALL begins in the bone marrow, spleen, or lymph nodes. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, bruising easily, rapid heartbeat, pale skin, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and bleeding from any place in the body. Treatment options include chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and radiation.
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