Cancer
Introduction to cancer
Cancer is an ‘abnormal growth of cells’. The cancer cells continuously multiply in spite of lack of ‘space’ and ‘nutrition’. Cancer cells can be differentiated from the other healthy cells in being different in shape, improper function and the capacity to spread to other parts of the body. The study of cancer and tumors is called as ‘Oncology’. Cancer is not a single disease but is a group of diseases.
Tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors grow slowly and do not spread. When tumors are malignant, they are termed as ‘cancer’ and can cause harm including “death”. The ‘malignant’ nature of cancer is due to its locally invasive nature (tumor invading the surrounding cells) and metastatic nature (tumor invading the other tissues in the body).
The original tumor is called as the primary tumor. The cells of the primary tumor travel through the circulatory system and lymphatic system to form new tumors called as secondary tumors in other organs.
Occurance of Cancer in different groups (Epidemiology)
Prevalence of cancer in different regions of the world varies depending on the type of cancer occurring in that particular region. Epidemiological studies suggest that breast cancer and prostrate cancer are common in the developed countries of the world, whereas cervical cancer and stomach cancer occur more frequently in developing countries. Lung cancers seem to have high incidence in both developed and developing countries.1
The differences in the prevalence of cancer in different regions of the world can be explained through heredity, medical practices, lifestyle changes and environmental exposures like different diets, tobacco and pesticides. Studies suggest that the incidence of colon cancer is seen more in people who are obese.2
Studies across the populations suggest that men are more to prone to develop colorectal cancer than women. Obesity has shown to increase the prevalence of breast cancer in postmenopausal women by 30–50%.3 Other kinds of cancer related to obesity include endometrial, pancreatic, kidney, liver cancer, gall bladder etc.4,5
Studies from developed countries show that cancer is exceeding cardiovascular diseases and has become a major cause of death when compared to underdeveloped countries, where infectious diseases is the major cause of death.
Classification of Cancer
Classification of cancer
Cancer is named based on the part of the body from where it originates. Cancers can be classified based on its location and origin as:
Signs and Symptoms of Cancer
Signs and symptoms of cancer
The signs and symptoms of cancer depend on the particular type of cancer affecting the person.
Causes and Risk Factors of Cancer
Causes and risk factors of Cancer
There are many causes for cancer, and many factors remain unknown. Following are some of the risk factors causing cancer.
Diagnosis of Cancer
Diagnosis of Cancer
Diagnosis of cancer is done by observing the symptoms shown by the patient. The physician may suggest blood tests, endoscopy, X-ray, ultrasonography, CT scan or MRI scan to find out the location and size of the tumor.
Treatment of cancer
Treatment of Cancer
As cancer refers to a class of diseases, treatment of cancer depends on the type of cancer, location and the stage of cancer. Treatment of cancer involves rmoval of the malignant tumor or cells using different methods and care
Prevention of cancer
Prevention of cancer
Prevention is the best way to reduce the risk of cancer. Risk factors can be prevented depending on the specific kind of cancer. A major preventive thing one can do is to bring about changes in life style by
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Article on different cancers
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: May 15, 2011