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 is called Sarcomas.
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. 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 cell functions. However, some researchers say low vitamin D levels can increase cancer risk. These include colon and breast cancers. So keep your vitamin D levels in a normal range.
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.
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 can be at high risk of developing colon cancer. A person with irritable bowel disease also faces this risk later in life.
Prevention of Cancer
No known causative factor exists. However, it is thought that it can be prevented by avoiding some risk factors. These risk factors are directly linked to cell irritation. The following measures can be taken to prevent body cells from getting irritated.
- 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 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, 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.
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