Cancer refers to any one of a large number of diseases characterized by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to enter (infiltrate) and destroy the other normal body tissues. Cancer also has the ability to spread throughout your body.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. But survival rates are improving for many types of cancer thanks to improvements in cancer screening and cancer treatment.
Cancer is caused by damage (mutations) to the DNA within cells. Your DNA contains a set of instructions for your cells, telling them how to grow and divide. Normal cells often develop mutations in their DNA, but they have the ability to repair most of these mutations. Or, if they can't make the repairs, the cells often die. However, certain mutations aren't repaired, causing the cells to grow and become cancerous. Mutations also cause cancer cells to live beyond their normal cell life span. This causes the cancerous cells to accumulate.
In some cancers, accumulating cells form a tumor. But not all cancers form tumors. For example, leukemia is a cancer that involves blood, bone marrow, the lymphatic system and the spleen, but doesn't form a single mass or tumor.
Your genetic makeup, forces within your body, your lifestyle choices and your environment can all set the stage for cancer or help complete the process once it's started. For instance, if you've inherited a genetic mutation that predisposes you to cancer, you may be more likely than other people to develop cancer when exposed to a certain cancer-causing substance. The genetic mutation begins the cancer process, and the cancer-causing substance could play a role in further cancer development. Likewise, smokers who work with asbestos are more likely to develop lung cancer than are smokers who don't work with asbestos. That's because tobacco smoke and asbestos both play roles in cancer development.
The signs and symptoms caused by cancer will vary depending on what part or organ of the body is affected.
Some general signs and symptoms associated with, but not specific to, cancer include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Lump or thickening that can be felt under the skin
- Pain
- Weight changes, including unintended loss or gain
- Skin changes, such as yellowing, darkening or redness of the skin, sores that won't heal, or changes to existing moles
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Persistent cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness in voice
- Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating
There's no certain way to prevent cancer. But you can always reduce the risks of developing cancers by following these recommendations:
Stop smoking: If you smoke, quit as soon as possible. If you don't smoke, don't start. Smoking is linked to several types of cancer - not just lung cancer. Quitting now will reduce your risk of cancer in the future.
Avoid excessive sun exposure: Harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can increase your risk of skin cancer. Although Indians by virtue of excess pigmentation of our skin have a lesser risk compared to Europeans yet it helps to limit your sun exposure by staying in the shade, wearing protective clothing or applying sunscreen.
Eat a healthy diet: Choose a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Select whole grains and lean proteins. Avoid foods that contain additives since some of the additives may increase the risk.
Exercise most days of the week: Regular exercise is linked to a lower risk of cancer. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. If you haven't been exercising regularly, start out slowly and work your way up to 30 minutes or longer.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese may increase your risk of cancer. Work to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Schedule cancer screening exams: If you have a risk factor such as genetic or occupational, have regular screenings for early detection of cancers. Talk to your doctor about what types of cancer screening exams are best for you, based on your risk factors.
Immunizations: Certain viruses increase your risk of cancer. Immunizations may help prevent those viruses, including hepatitis B, which increases the risk of liver cancer, and human papillomavirus (HPV), which increases the risk of cervical cancer and other cancers. Ask your doctor whether immunization against these viruses is appropriate for you.
A cancer diagnosis is a devastating event that can change your life forever. Each person finds his or her own way of coping with the emotional and physical changes cancer brings. But when you're first diagnosed with cancer, sometimes it's difficult to know what to do next. Here are some ideas to help you cope:
Find out all you can about your cancer: Write down all the questions you have about your cancer so that you can ask them at your next appointment. Ask your health care team for reliable resources for further information about your diagnosis. The more you know about your cancer and your treatment options, the more confident you'll feel when it comes time to make decisions about your treatment.
Find someone to talk to: Find a trusted person like a friend or family member or a qualified counselor with whom you can talk with about how you're feeling.
Stay connected to family and friends: Your family and friends provide an important support network for you during cancer treatment. Often family and friends want to help, but they aren't sure how. Think of ways you might like assistance, even if it's just being there to listen when you have a bad day. Offer these as suggestions when family and friends ask if there's anything they can do to help.
Take care of yourself: Do what you can to take care of yourself during cancer treatment. Eat a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables. Get enough sleep so that you wake feeling rested. Find time for activities that can reduce stress, such as relaxation exercises, listening to music and writing your thoughts in a diary etc.
