What is Cancer: It’s Types, Risk Factors, and Treatment Options

Cancer is defined as the abnormal growth of cells in the body. Every organism has a proper cell division process. Life processes follow the same sequence in a proper cycle. In cancer, cell division becomes disturbed. It starts abnormally because certain gene changes occur. These genes contain the genetic material that controls cell division.

Types of Cancer?

Types of cancer are divided according to the body tissue affected /involved example;

• If the blood cells start growing abnormally, it will be called leukemia.
• If the abnormal cell division starts in the Lymphatic system, it is called Lymphoma.
• If it starts in the soft tissues of the body, it is called Carcinoma.
• Furthermore, if cancer begins in bones or connective tissues, it is called a Sarcoma.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Cancer

The signs and symptoms differ in all types of cancer. For example, a person with leukemia will show different symptoms than a person with carcinoma. However, some symptoms are common in almost all types.

• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Skin changes
• Bowel disturbances
• Persistent cough or difficulty in breathing
• Sores that are not healing
• Persistent fever
• Unexpected bleeding or bruising
• Joint and muscular pains
• The feeling of being sick.
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Decrease appetite

When to see a Doctor:

Have an appointment with a doctor when unusual symptoms continuously bother you.

  Risk Factors of Cancer

Cancer is caused due to changes in a cell at the genetic level. Furthermore, no well-known risk factor is identified, but some suspected factors that could cause the disease are as follows.

Excessive Smoking

Smoking is considered dangerous. It consists of many harmful chemicals. These chemicals have a high tendency to alter cell physiology and damage tissues. This can lead to its development.

Family History

A person with a strong family history of cancer can be at high risk of developing it. This type is called familial cancer. It runs in a family. If a parent passed away from cancer, children have a higher risk of developing a malignancy.

Exposure to Chemicals in Environment

People working in places where chemicals are frequently used are at risk. These chemicals can irritate the skin or be inhaled from the air. An environment with excessive radiation use without safety measures can also pose a risk.

 Exposure to Cytotoxic Agents

Some researchers say that people like health care professionals are in direct contact with cytotoxic chemicals. This includes especially nurses and pharmacists who handle chemotherapeutic agents.

Moreover,Careless behavior of healthcare professionals regarding the handling of such drugs can have a higher risk of developing cancer.

Vitamin-D Deficiency

 Vitamin D is essential for performing many vital functions in human body. Some researchers say, low vitamin D levels can increase risk for cancer. These include colon and breast cancers. So, keep your vitamin D levels in a normal range to prevent such complications.

Obesity

Furthermore, researchers reported a solid relationship between being overweight and the development of cancer. This is due to inflammatory processes in the body associated with being overweight.maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer.

Moreover,it is said that obesity is the root of all diseases,yes this is true,being overweight can cause hypertension (high blood pressure) risk for diabetes and other hormonal problems.

Underlying Medical Condition

Also, some chronic medical conditions that contains inflamatory conditions such as irritable bowel disease, can lead to cancer. It happens due to continuous irritation of the same cells. For example, a person with ulcerative colitis can be at high risk of developing colon cancer. A person with irritable bowel disease is also at higher risk later in life.

Prevention of Cancer

No any well known causative factor for the development of cancer exists. However, it is thought that it can be prevented by avoiding some modifiable risk factors.

These risk factors are directly linked to cell irritation on some points. The following measures can be taken to prevent body cells from getting irritated and damaged to prevent the risk of cancer.

• Quit smoking or avoiding environments with cigarette smoke
• Avoid overuse of drugs or alcohol.
• Control your weight
• Avoid exposure to chemicals, radiation, and cytotoxic agents
• Use fresh food and avoid frozen food
• Use antioxidant foods to reduce free radicals in the body
• Getting your sugar levels in the normal range

Moreover, the exact cause of cancer is not known. However, some preventive measures discussed above in the risk factors can prevent it to some extent.

Diagnosis of cancer in the initial stages has a better prognosis. Advanced stages of cancer lower the chances of survival. People must be aware of signs and symptoms in the initial stages so, they can be well treated without delay.