Cancer is not limited to humans but animals and other organisms can also get cancer. Cancer is the second most deadly disease in the world, and also the most common cause of human death. It begins when a cell changes its shape and begins to grow and divide rapidly. First one cell divides into two cells, then four, eight and so on until they form a large number of cells called a tumour. However, not every tumor is cancer. When it grows uncontrollably it often has the potential to spread throughout the body.
4th February - World Cancer Day.
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in the body. There are over 100 types of cancer, including breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma. Symptoms vary depending on the type. These abnormal cells are called cancer cells, malignant tumors or tumor cells. These cells can infiltrate the normal tissues of the body. Many cancers and the abnormal cells that make up cancer tissues are named after the tissue from which the abnormal cells originated (for example, breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer). Cancer treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
Cancer related facts:
There were an estimated 18 million cancer cases worldwide in 2018, of which 9.5 million were in men and 8.5 million in women. Lung and breast cancers were the most common cancers worldwide, contributing 12.3% of the total number of new cases diagnosed in 2018. Whereas, colorectal cancer was the third most common cancer with 18 lakh new cases.
Cancer in men:
Lung cancer was the most common cancer in men worldwide, contributing 15.5% of the total number of new cases diagnosed in 2018. Mainly three- lung, prostate and colorectal cancer, contribute 44.4% of all cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). Other common cancers contributing more than 5% to these figures were stomach and liver.
Cancer in women:
According to 2018 data, breast cancer was one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, contributing to 25.4% of the total number of new cases diagnosed. The main three—breast, colorectal, and lung cancer—contribute to 43.9% of all cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin). Cervical cancer was the fourth most common cancer among women, accounting for 6.9% of the total number of new cases diagnosed in 2018.
Some common symptoms of cancer:
According to the American Cancer Society, here are some common signs and symptoms of cancer that you should be aware of. But remember, having any of these doesn't mean you have cancer; Many other things cause these signs and symptoms. If any of these symptoms appear in your body and they last for a long time or get worse, then you need to consult a doctor immediately. However, here we are telling you about the common symptoms of cancer.
Sudden weight loss
Most people with cancer can lose weight suddenly, when you lose weight without knowing the reason, then it is called sudden weight loss. If there is a lack of body weight of 10 pounds or more, then it can be the first sign of cancer. This can often be cancer of the pancreas, stomach and esophagus or lung.
Fever
Fever is very common in cancer, but it often occurs after cancer. Almost everyone with cancer has a fever, especially if the cancer or its treatment affects the immune system (making it harder for the body to fight infection). However, sometimes fever can be an early symptom of cancer. Such as blood cancer (leukemia or lymphoma).
Tiredness
Fatigue can be an important symptom as cancer progresses. But it can happen prematurely in some cancers, such as leukemia. Some colon cancers can cause anemia, which is not clear. This is another reason cancer can cause fatigue.
Pain
Pain can be an early symptom with some cancers, such as bone cancer or testicular cancer. A headache that doesn't get better even after treatment can be a symptom of a brain tumor. Back pain can be a symptom of cancer of the colon, rectum or ovary.
Skin changes
Along with skin cancer, some other cancers can cause skin changes that can be seen. These signs and symptoms include:
dark skin (hyperpigmentation)
yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Skin redness (erythema)
itching (pruritis)
excessive hair growth
Causes of Cancer:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer arises from the transformation of normal cells into tumor cells in a multistage process. These changes can be the result of a person's genetic factors and some external factors, including:
Physical carcinogens: including ultraviolet rays and ironizing radiation
Chemical carcinogens: These include asbestos, components of tobacco smoke, alatoxin (contaminating food), and arsenic (contaminating drinking water) and biological carcinogens, such as infection with certain viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
Aging is another fundamental factor in the development of cancer. Cancer increases dramatically with age.
Cancer risk factors:
According to WHO, tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle are among the major risk factors for cancer. In addition, some chronic infections are risk factors for cancer and are more common in low- and middle-income countries. About 15% of cancers in 2012 were diagnosed as carcinogenic infections, including Helicobacter pylori, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and Epstein-Barr virus3.
Hepatitis B and C viruses and some types of HPV increase the risk for liver and cervical (cervical) cancer. Infection with HIV significantly increases the risk of cancers such as cervical cancer.
Cancer Types:
According to the World Health Organization, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with an estimated 96 deaths in 2018. There are generally 200 types of cancer, but here we are telling you about those cancer statistics, which affect a large part of the world's population. The most common cancers are:
Lung cancer (20.9 lakh cases)
Breast cancer (20.9 lakh cases)
Colorectal cancer (1.8 million cases)
Prostate cancer (1.28 million cases)
Skin cancer (non-melanoma) (10.4 million cases)
Colon cancer (10.3 lakh cases)
The most common causes of cancer death are:
Lung cancer (1.76 million deaths)
colorectal cancer (862 000 deaths)
Colon cancer (783 000 deaths)
Liver cancer (782 000 deaths)
breast cancer (627 000 deaths)
Cancer treatment:
surgery
If possible, doctors try to remove the cancerous tumor through surgery.
chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a long process that is carried out in several stages. This process kills cancer cells. This treatment is very painful, in which the hair of the head falls completely.
radiation therapy
In this therapy, radiation or powerful beams of radiation are used to destroy cancer cells. Inside radiation therapy is called brachytherapy and radiation therapy outside the body is called external beam radiation.
hormone therapy
This therapy either inhibits or permanently blocks the hormones that are promoting the growth of cancer cells.
immunotherapy
This therapy uses antibodies that awaken the immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. However, it can show results only in early stage cancer.
stem cell transplant
This is done in blood cancer where cancer cells are removed and replaced by healthy cells. Chemotherapy is also done to get better results.
through drugs
In this, doctors inject certain drugs into the cancer patient's body that fight and kill molecules that promote the growth of cancer cells.
alternative medicine
Alternative medicine is not counted as cancer treatment, but alternative medicines help reduce the side effects of cancer treatments. However, the treatment is likely to cause fatigue, nausea, pain, etc. Alternative treatments include acupuncture, yoga, massage, meditation, Ayurveda, homeopathy, Unani system of medicine. Doctors suggest practicing these along with other remedies for best results.
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