Cancer is a disease. Which happens when the body cells grow and multiply uncontrollably. Normally, human cells follow instructions from our genes. Telling them when to grow and when to stop. But cancer cells ignore these instructions. Multiplying uncontrollably and sometimes spreading to other parts of the body. This process breaks down. Which causes abnormal cells to form a mass called a tumor.

There are numerous types of cancers. But they are classified into three types:

Solid Cancers

These cancers form lumps or tumors in organs and tissues. They include:

Carcinomas: Start in the skin or tissues lining organs. Such as lungs, breast, and prostate.

Sarcomas: Develop in bones, muscles, or connective tissues.

Blood Cancers

These do not form solid tumors. But it affects the blood and immune system. Examples include:

Leukemia: Cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

Lymphoma: Affects the lymphatic system. Which helps fight infections.

Multiple Myeloma: Affects plasma cells in the bone marrow.

Mixed Cancers

These cancers have features of both solid and blood cancers. Such as:

Carcinosarcoma: a mix of carcinoma and sarcoma.

There are two types of tumors:

• Benign Tumors: These are noncancerous growths. They stay in one place. And do not spread to other parts of the body.

• 1. Malignant Tumors: These are cancerous. They grow uncontrollably and invade nearby tissues. Also, they can spread to other parts of the body.

How Common Is Cancer?

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Here's all you need to know:

• By 2040, the number of new cancer cases is expected to rise to 29.9 million. 

• Two million forty-one thousand nine hundred ten new cancer cases and 618,120 cancer deaths are projected to occur in the United States in 2025.

• About 80% of oral cancers are caused by tobacco use.

• There are more than 200 types and subtypes of cancer.

• In 2025, there will be almost 3.5 million people living with cancer in the UK.

Symptoms vary based on the type and stage of the disease. Some general symptoms include:

• Fatigue

• Fever (especially at night)

• Loss of appetite

• Night sweats

• Persistent pain

• Skin changes (new or changing moles)

• Unexplained weight loss

Some cancers may cause specific symptoms, such as:

• Blood in urine or stool

• Coughing up blood

• New lumps or bumps

• Changes in the size, shape, or color of moles

Causes of Cancer

Cancer occurs when cells grow uncontrollably. These mutations can be inherited, which means they are passed down from the family. On the other hand, acquired. Which is developed over time due to various factors.

There are various causes of cancer. Let us explore some certain factors. Which can increase the risk of cancer:

• Family history: Having close relatives with cancer. It may increase your risk.

• Smoking: Risk of lung, oral, and other cancers.

• Environmental exposure: Contact with harmful substances. Such as asbestos, pesticides, and radiation.

• Unhealthy diet: High fat and sugar content and lack of physical activity. It can raise cancer risk.

• Hormone therapy: Hormone treatments may increase the risk of breast and uterine cancer.

• Radiation exposure: UV radiation from the sun and excessive medical radiation. Both can lead to cancer. It is especially skin cancer.

Stages of Cancer

Cancer is categorized into different stages. Based on its size, spread, and severity. This helps doctors determine the best treatment. Let us understand each stage carefully:

Stage 0 – In Situ: Earliest Stage

Cancer is in its original location and has not spread.

• Example: Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: a non-invasive breast cancer.

• Outlook: Very high chance of recovery with treatment.

Stage I – Localized Cancer

The tumor is small and has not spread to lymph nodes or other areas.

• Example: A small breast tumor under 2 cm confined to the breast.

• Outlook: High survival rate with surgery and treatment.

Stage II & III – Regional Spread

Cancer is larger and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues.

• Example: Stage III colon cancer. It spreads to nearby lymph nodes. But not distant organs.

• Outlook: More aggressive treatment is needed. Survival rates vary.

Stage IV – Metastatic Cancer

Cancer has spread to distant organs, e.g., lungs, liver, and bones).

• Example: Stage IV lung cancer. Cancer spreads from the lungs to the liver or brain.

• • Outlook: Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Why Early Detection Matters?

Finding cancer early makes treatment easier. Plus, it can improve survival chances. Regular check-ups and noticing unusual changes. It can help detect cancer sooner.

There are several ways to treat cancer. Depending on its type and stage. Doctors may use one or a mix of these treatments:

• Surgery: If the cancer is in one place. Doctors may remove it through surgery. This works well for many early-stage cancers.

• Chemotherapy: This treatment uses strong medicine to kill cancer. It can affect healthy cells, too, which leads to side effects such as nausea, tiredness, and hair loss.

• Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays target and destroy cancer cells. This can be done from outside the body. And by placing radiation inside the tumor.

• Immunotherapy: This helps the body's immune system recognize and fight cancer.

• Targeted Therapy: Unlike chemotherapy. This treatment attacks only cancer cells. By focusing on their weaknesses. Which leads to fewer side effects.

• Hormone Therapy: Cancers like breast and prostate cancer. They can grow due to hormones. This treatment blocks those hormones to slow cancer growth.

• Stem Cell Transplant: Blood cancers like leukemia. Doctors use this to replace damaged blood cells with healthy ones.

Each treatment has benefits and side effects. A doctor will suggest the best option based on the patient's condition.

Some Useful Tips for Preventing Cancer

You can not always prevent cancer. But small changes can make a big difference. Here is what you can do:

• Do not Smoke and Cut Back on Alcohol: Smoking causes many cancers. And too much alcohol raises your risk. Quitting or reducing both is a great start.

• Eat Better: Eat fruits, veggies, and whole foods. Avoid too much junk food, processed meats, and sugary drinks.

• Stay Active: Move your body regularly. You can walk, dance or do anything you enjoy. Exercise helps keep your weight in check.

• Protect Your Skin: Too much sun can lead to skin cancer. Wear sunscreen, cover-up, and skip tanning beds.

• Get Vaccinated: The HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines can protect against certain cancers. Ask your doctor if you need them.

• Go for Check-Ups: Regular screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies. It can catch cancer early. When it is easier to treat.