What is Cancer and Why Me?
Cancer
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Overview
What is cancer?
Cancer is not a single disease but a group of diseases with one thing in common: abnormal cells that grow out of control and attack other parts of the body.
Typically, our cells follow a strict cycle of growth, division, and death. When this cycle is disrupted, cells can start to multiply uncontrollably and form tumours, which are masses of abnormal cells.
These conditions of abnormal cells are divided into many different types, and each type of cancer has its symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Different types of cancer
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Carcinoma |
Sarcoma |
This is the most common type of cancer. It starts in the skin or in the tissues that cover or line internal organs. such as:
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This rare type of cancer starts in the connective or supportive tissues. Such as:
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Leukaemia |
Lymphoma and myeloma |
This cancer affects the blood cells, usually the white blood cells. It starts in the marrow of the bone (where blood cells are made). Such as:
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These are types of cancer that affect the cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes.
Lymphoma starts in the lymph nodes or other lymphatic tissues. While myeloma starts in the plasma cells. Such as:
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Brain and spinal cord cancers |
These are also known as central nervous system cancers. They start in the brain or spinal cord cells, which are part of the nervous system that controls the body’s functions. Such as:
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What are the causes of cancer?
There are many possible answers to what causes cancer, but they all involve changes in the DNA of cells that make them grow and divide abnormally. Some of these changes are inherited from your parents, while others are caused by external factors.
Some of the factors that can damage the DNA of cells and cause cancer are known as carcinogens, and they can be:
- Physical, such as radiation and UV light.
- Chemical, such as cigarette smoke, asbestos, alcohol, air pollution, and tainted food and water.
- Biological, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
Keep in mind that having a risk factor doesn’t mean that you will get cancer, and not having one does not mean that you will not get cancer.
What are the symptoms of cancer?
Cancer symptoms vary depending on the type, location, and stage of the cancer. However, some common symptoms that may indicate cancer are:
- A lump or swelling in any part of the body
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Changes in the skin, such as a mole that changes shape, size, or colour
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits, such as constipation, diarrhea, or blood in the urine or stool
- Pain, especially new or without a known reason, doesn’t go away or worsen.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising for no known reason
These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. So, it is important to see a specialist oncologist if you have any of them for more than a few weeks.
FAQs: Answers to your questions
Oncology is the medical field that deals with cancer. It involves the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of different types of cancer.
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