Cancer is a disease, which is the second largest cause of death all over the world. According to WHO, the number of cancer cases is increasing every year. What are the symptoms of cancer, types of cancer, Causes, and how cancer is treated? These types of questions are common. If you are looking for the same, then this article is going to be very helpful.
What is Cancer?
Our body is made up of countless cells. These cells are constantly growing and dividing. But when an organ in the body loses control of these cells, they grow and divide abnormally. Later, these uncontrolled cells turn into a tumor which is called cancer. You may have heard about blood cancer, but it does not have a tumor, whereas in other types of cancers, you can see a tumor.
In simple terms, cells in an organ begin to grow uncontrollably. Cells begin to divide and the increased fat turns into a lump which is called a tumor.
And yes, One point to note is that all tumors are not cancer,
What Are The Symptoms of Cancer?
As we have seen earlier, the symptoms of all cancers can be different from each other. But there are some warning signs of cancer in your body as follows.
1. Weight loss
If you seem to be losing weight for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of cancer. We can see weight loss in people who have Stomach Cancer, Pancreas Cancer, and Lung Cancer. Similarly, other cancers can also cause weight loss.
2. Fatigue
If someone has Leukemia or Colon cancer, he also has symptoms of extreme fatigue. So what if you feel tired all day long, It could be a sign of cancer. Only after proper examination, It can be diagnosed. Fatigue can also come in different ways.
3. Lump
If you see a lump anywhere on the body then it is better to get it checked soon.
4. Skin Changes
If you notice a red, yellow, or black discoloration on the skin, or if a wound does not heal for a long time, it is essential to get it checked out right away.
5. Pain
Symptoms include severe pain in the body. Pain in hands, feet, bones, back, and headache can be seen in symptoms of cancer.
6. Disturb Bowel Movement
Bleeding after defecation can be a sign of colorectal cancer. Sometimes blood in the urine can also be a sign of bladder cancer. Symptoms like loose motion and constipation are also seen in this.
7. Swelling in Lymph Nodes
If you have a swollen gland in an area of your body for several weeks then it is essential to get it checked out.
8. Anemia
In Anemia, the red blood cell count comes below the level. Also, the red blood cells do not function properly. This reduces the red blood cells in the body. It can be a sign of Haematological cancer.
Most Common Types of Cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer,
- Prostate cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Lung cancer
- Lymphoma cancer
There are many types of cancer we can see. Their symptoms and tests are different from each other
What Causes Cancer?
1. Tobacco or smoking – Smoking and eating tobacco is responsible for Mouth cancer, Lung cancer Alimentary tract cancer, and Pancreatic cancer.
2. Heredity – Cancer is more likely if someone in the family has had cancer before.
3. Carcinogens in the environment – There are substances in our food and drink or in our environment that increase the risk of cancer.
4. Foods – Polluted water, reheated foods, and refried foods invite cancer. Moreover, the fruits and vegetables that we eat also contain different types of pesticides which are very dangerous for our bodies.
5. Virus – Hepatitis B and C viruses are responsible for 50% of liver cancer.
Stages of Cancer
Stage 0
In this stage, the body has some abnormal cells that can develop into cancer. But we can’t say that the patient has cancer.
Stage 1
In stage one, the tumor is very small. The cancer cells spread in a particular area.
Stages 2 and 3
In this stage, the tumor in the body starts to grow more. In stage 2 and 3 cancer symptoms the Cancer cells in the body start growing in the surrounding areas.
Stage 4
It is also called the last stage. In stage 4 cancer symptoms the cancer starts spreading to other parts of the body. Stage 4 is known as metastatic cancer.
Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment mainly includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy etc.
1. Surgery
If the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body, surgery to remove the same area is a good option
2. Chemotherapy
In chemotherapy, the drugs are given to patients to kill the cancer cells. Drugs are also given by injection. Chemotherapy is very tiring for the patient and it also results in hair loss.
3. Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is used to prevent cancer cells from growing. It tries to kill cancer cells by using high Energy particle waves (Beams of radiation).
Sometimes the patient is cured using only radiation. But sometimes radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy have to be used.
4. Immunotherapy
This therapy tries to boost the immune system to fight cancer cells.
5. Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy is used to fight cancer that is affected by hormones.
Hope you have found this article interesting and helpful. If you want to share more about this article then feel free to share your comments below.
