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

Cancer is defined as the abnormal growth of cells in the body. As in every organism, there is a proper cell division process, and life processes go in the same sequence in a proper cycle. However, in cancer, cell division becomes disturbed and starts abnormally due to certain changes to genes, which contain the genetic material that controls cell division.

Types of Cancer?

Types of cancer are divided according to the kind of 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 starts in the soft tissues of the body it is called Carcinoma.
• furthermore, if cancer begins in bones or connective tissues is called Sarcomas.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Cancer

Although, the signs and symptoms are different in all types of cancer, for example, a person with leukemia will depict different symptoms from 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

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

Excessive Smoking

As far as Smoking is thought to be dangerous and contains many harmful chemicals, which could alter cell physiology and damage tissues that 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.

Exposure to Chemicals in Environment

People working in places where there is much use of chemicals which may be irritant to the skin or can also be inhaled from air or an environment with excessive use of radiation without safety measures can be a risk for it.

 Exposure to Cytotoxic Agents

Moreover, some researchers say People like health care professionals especially nurses and pharmacists who are in direct contact with cytotoxic chemicals such as chemotherapeutic agents. Careless behavior of healthcare professionals regarding such drugs can at risk of developing cancer.

Vitamin-D Deficiency

 Vitamin D is essential in performing many vital functions of cells. However, some researchers say, with low vitamin D levels a person can be at risk of developing cancer, especially colon and breast cancers. So keep your vitamin D levels in a normal range.

Obesity

Furthermore, researchers said there is a solid relationship between being overweight and the development of cancer due to inflammatory processes in the body being overweight.

Underlying Medical Condition

Also, Some chronic medical conditions can lead to disease. It happens due to continuous irritation to the same cells. For example, a person with ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel disease can be at high risk of developing colon cancer later in life.

Prevention of Cancer

Although, there is, no known causative factor. It is thought that it can be prevented by avoiding some risk factors directly linked to cell irritation. However, the following measures can be taken to save body cells from getting irritated.

• Quit smoking or avoiding environments with cigarette smoke
• Avoid overconsumption of drugs or alcohol.
• Control your weight
• Avoid exposure to chemicals, radiation, and cytotoxic agents
• Use fresh food and avoid frozen food
• Use antioxidant food 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, it can be prevented to some extent by some preventive measures discussed above in the risk factors. 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.