Overview
Cancer is a broad term that describes the medical condition that occurs when changes in cellular function cause rapid and rampant growth and division of cells.
A significant number of the body’s cells have specific functions and a fixed lifespan. However, when cells become cancerous, they lack the component that instructs them to divide and die.
They begin to use nourishment meant for other functional cells, damage the immune system, and cause tumours, and other life-threatening health issues.
Key facts
- Cancer describes the disease that occurs when cells that should die multiply uncontrollably and begin to harm the body fatally.
- While some types of cancer cause rapid cell growth, others cause cells to grow and divide slowly.
- Some types of cancer result in visible growths called tumours, while others, such as leukaemia, do not.
- Genetic factors, heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition can the risk of developing cancer.
- Treatment options depend on the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient’s general health.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis for cancer in its earliest stages is the best chance for a cure and complete recovery. Your doctor will suggest the best screening option to take. They will usually include;
Physical exam. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination of your body. They will feel for lumps and check for unusual skin colour changes or growths in organs of the body that might signal the presence of cancer.
Laboratory tests. Lab tests of your urine, blood, and other fluids can help your doctor detect the presence of cancer.
Imaging tests. This is a procedure that allows your doctor to see your bones by using either computerised tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bone scan, X-ray, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, or ultrasound, amongst others.
Biopsy. In a biopsy, your doctor collects samples of your cells and examines them in a lab with a microscope.
Causes
Changes or mutations cause cancer to the DNA of cells. The DNA of each cell is fitted with a vast number of individual genes. These genes contain instructions that tell the cell how and when to grow, divide and die. While not all cancer is preventable, certain factors can influence the DNA in cells to mutate. They include;
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- excess body fat
- physical inactivity
- poor nutrition
However, several causes of cancer are not preventable. For example, age is a risk factor; the older a person gets, the more susceptible they’re to cancer.
Treatment
- Chemotherapy: This procedure uses medications that target rapidly dividing cells to kill cancerous cells. It can also help to shrink tumours depending on the location and growth size. However, its side effects are severe.
- Hormone therapy: This treatment involves taking medication that targets hormones to change the way they work or interferes with the body’s ability to produce them. It is usually a treatment option for cancer types in which hormones play a significant role, like breast and prostate cancer.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment involves using genetic tests to determine the best treatment option for a person with cancer. It uses medications and other therapies to boost the immune system and encourage it to fight cancerous cells.
- Radiation therapy: It uses high-dose radiation to kill off cancerous cells in the body. A doctor might recommend radiation to shrink tumors before surgery in some situations.
- Stem cell transplant: this treatment option is recommended for persons with blood-related cancers, such as lymphoma or leukaemia. Dead white and red blood cells are destroyed by radiation or chemotherapy during this process. Lab technicians then strengthen these cells and put them back in the body.
- Surgery: A surgical procedure is part of a treatment plan when a person suffers from a cancerous tumour. A surgeon may also remove lymph nodes to reduce or prevent the disease’s spread.
Prevention
Although there’s no conclusive proof that cancer is entirely preventable, you can reduce your risk by making simple modifications to your lifestyle. They include;
- Do not smoke or use tobacco. Using any tobacco puts you right on the path to cancer.
- Practice healthy dieting.
- Exercise and maintain a healthy weight
- Protect yourself from the sun.
- Get vaccinated.
- Get regular medical care.
Conclusion
Cancer is a broad term for the disease that occurs when cells that should die multiply uncontrollably and begin to harm the body fatally. Several types of cancer affect specific parts of the body. Why it’s not entirely preventable, certain lifestyle modifications like eating right, not smoking, and exercising regularly can reduce your risk of cancer.
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