What is Cancer?
Cancer refers to the condition where cells in the body begin to divide at an excessively rapid pace. Their growth cannot be checked, and they form malignant tumors that can occur in any part of the body. Benign tumors, on the other hand, do not divide and grow uncontrollably and are not cancerous tissue cells.
Types of Cancer
Pertaining to the site or organ where the cancerous cells grow rapidly, there can be diverse types of cancer. In Western countries, the commonly found types of cancer include bladder cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, and the like. There are additions to the list of cancers, as per the cases reported of cancerous cells growing in and invading almost all parts of the body.
Cancer Tests
At the pace at which cancerous cells grow, it has become imperative that cancer tests and screening be done well in advance. A Cancer test looks into the blood and urine components of the person and detect the onset of cancer. Common cancer tests include:
• Cancer marker tests, like Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) levels for liver cancer.
• CA 15.3 test for breast cancer.
• CA 19.9 for gastric or pancreatic cancer.
• CA 125 for cancer of the female reproductive system.
• EVP for nasopharyngeal cancer.
• CBC blood test also marks the tested values against those of known diseases.
• Ultrasound and CT scans.
• T/Tn antigen test that can detect most types of cancer prior to a biopsy.
• Tests that detect specific cancers like bladder cancer, rectal cancer, and so on.
Causes of Cancer
Causes of cancer are many, and this is an area that is being actively researched. Causes of cancer include changes in DNA structure in the genes, substances that can damage the DNA called carcinogens like arsenic, exhaust fumes of cars, gamma or X-rays, over exposure to the sun, cigarette smoke, and so on. The effects of pollution and a fast paced lifestyle have also taken their toll on the body, owing to which one can succumb to cancerous growths.
Symptoms of Cancer
The most effective way to fight cancer is to detect it early. Hence, signs and symptoms of cancer need to be observed well. Common symptoms of cancer include:
• Bladder cancer: Blood present in the urine and painful or frequent urination.
• Bone cancer: Pain or swelling around a particular area, weakness, weight loss, and bruises and bumps that do not go away.
• Breast cancer: Any lump or thickening in the breast area, discharge from the nipples, and feeling of heat in the area around the breast.
• Colorectal cancer: Bleeding in the rectal area, alternate constipation and diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.
• Lung cancer: Wheezing and cough that stays for long, blood stained sputum, chest congestion, and fatigue.
• Uterine cancer: Vaginal bleeding, blood stained, watery discharge in women after menopause, pain while urinating, and pain in pelvic area.
Signs of cancer can also be visible to others, including the caretaker or medical practitioner, unlike the symptoms that are perceived by the person. Signs of cancer include fever, rapid breathing, wheezing, and changes in the skin color, and so on. Signs and symptoms of cancer are interpreted together to arrive at a particular diagnosis of the cancer.
Treatment For Cancer
Treatment for cancer is the most actively researched area in oncology today. The treatment for cancer mainly includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or other paramedical and alternate treatment methods. Chemotherapy subjects the patient to intense drugs that kill the cancerous cells; radiation therapy comprises exposing the affected areas to radiation to eradicate the cancer cells; surgery involves removal of cancerous tissues or organs; and alternate treatment methods include bone marrow transplants, gene therapy, laser treatment, angiogenesis inhibitors therapy of blocking the supply of blood to the tumor to check its growth.