What is Cancer?
Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death. There are more than 100 types of cancer, and they are usually named after the organ or type of cell in which they start, for example, breast cancer or lung cancer.
What Causes Cancer?
Cancer can be caused by a variety of factors both internal (genetic mutations, hormones, immune conditions) and external (tobacco, chemicals, radiation, and infectious organisms). Often, these factors act together or in sequence to cause cancer. The susceptibility of an individual is influenced by their genetic makeup and their exposure to these risk factors.
Carcinomas: Cancers that originate in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.
Sarcomas: Cancers that originate in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue.
Leukemias: Cancers that originate in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow and cause large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood.
Lymphomas and multiple myeloma: Cancers that originate in the cells of the immune system.
Central nervous system cancers: Cancers that originate in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.
How is Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of cancer involves a combination of
imaging tests (like X-rays, CT scans, MRI),
biopsies (a sample of tissue is examined under a microscope), and
blood tests. Each method provides different information about the presence and extent of the disease.
Surgery: Removing the cancerous tissue.
Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: Using the body's immune system to fight cancer.
Targeted therapy: Using drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack cancer cells.
Hormone therapy: Removing, blocking, or adding hormones to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
What is the Prognosis for Cancer Patients?
The prognosis for cancer patients varies widely depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as various patient-specific factors. Early detection and treatment generally lead to better outcomes. Prognosis is often discussed in terms of
survival rates, which are typically given as five-year survival rates. This is the percentage of patients who live at least five years after their cancer is diagnosed. However, many people live much longer than five years after diagnosis.
Avoiding tobacco use.
Maintaining a healthy diet and weight.
Exercising regularly.
Protecting skin from excessive sun exposure.
Getting vaccinated against certain viral infections (like HPV and Hepatitis B).
Undergoing regular screening tests for various types of cancer.
Genetic testing and precision medicine: Tailoring treatments based on the genetic profile of a patient's cancer.
Immunotherapy advancements: Developing new ways to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
Liquid biopsies: Non-invasive tests that detect cancer cells or DNA from tumors in the blood.
Artificial intelligence: Using AI to improve early detection, diagnosis, and personalized treatments.
Nanotechnology: Using nanoparticles to deliver drugs directly to cancer cells.
