What is cancer?
Cancers : is a diverse set of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and spread. It occurs when genetic mutations disrupt the normal regulatory mechanisms of cell division. While healthy cells follow genetic instructions to grow and stop growing at the right times, cancer cells disregard these signals.
This leads to abnormal cell proliferation and the potential for these cells to invade other tissues. Essentially, cancer results from a breakdown in the system that normally regulates cell behavior, causing cells to proliferate uncontrollably and form tumors or spread to other parts of the body.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S., but survival rates have improved significantly over the past two decades.
Advances in early detection and innovative treatments have played a crucial role in this progress. Techniques such as improved screening methods and targeted therapies have enabled earlier diagnosis and more effective management of the disease.
As a result, many people are now living longer, healthier lives after a cancer diagnosis. Ongoing research and medical advancements continue to enhance our ability to treat cancer and improve patient outcomes.
Types of cancers :
Breast cancer :
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the breast tissue. It is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, following skin cancer. However breast cancer can affect anyone as everyone is born with some breast tissue.
The survival rates for breast cancer have been improving over time, with a noticeable decrease in the number of deaths attributed to the disease. This positive trend is largely due to the increased awareness, funding, and support for breast cancer research.
Advancements in breast cancer screening have played a significant role in these improvements. By enabling earlier detection these advancements allow healthcare professionals to diagnose the cancer at a more treatable stage which greatly increases the chances of successful treatment.
Even when a cure is not possible there are many effective treatments available that can help extend life. Ongoing research continues to provide new insights leading to more personalized and effective treatment plans for individuals with breast cancer.
These developments highlight the importance of continued support and funding for breast cancer research and awareness efforts.
Causes :
The exact cause of most breast cancers remains unknown but researchers have identified several factors that can increase the risk. These factors include hormones lifestyle choices and environmental exposures.
However it is unclear why some individuals without any known risk factors develop cancer while others with risk factors may not. Breast cancer likely results from a complex interplay between genetic factors and environmental influences.
Healthcare professionals understand that breast cancer begins when changes occur in the DNA within breast tissue cells. DNA contains the instructions that regulate a cell’s growth and behavior.
In normal cells DNA directs them to grow and divide at a controlled rate and to die at a predetermined time. In cancer cells these DNA instructions are altered leading to uncontrolled cell growth and the ability to evade programmed cell death resulting in an excess of cells.
These cancerous cells can form a mass known as a tumor which may invade and damage surrounding healthy tissue. Over time cancer cells can break away from the original tumor and spread to other parts of the body a process known as metastatic cancer.
Breast cancer most commonly begins in the cells lining the milk ducts which are responsible for transporting milk to the nipple.
This type of cancer is called invasive ductal carcinoma. Alternatively breast cancer can originate in the milk-producing lobules, known as invasive lobular carcinoma. Although less common other cells in the breast can also become cancerous.
Lung cancer :
Lung cancer originates from abnormal cell growth in the lungs which are two spongy organs in the chest responsible for breathing. It is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths around the world.
The highest risk factor for developing lung cancer is smoking. The likelihood of contracting the disease rises with the duration and intensity of smoking.
However quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk even for those who have been smoking for many years. This reduction in risk occurs because the lungs begin to repair themselves once smoking stops.
It is also important to recognize that lung cancer can develop in individuals who have never smoked. Although smoking remains the most significant risk factor other factors such as exposure to certain environmental pollutants genetic predispositions and previous lung conditions can also contribute to the disease.
As a result awareness and preventive measures are crucial for everyone not just those who smoke.
Causes :
Lung cancer develops when cells in the lungs experience changes in their DNA. DNA contains the instructions that regulate a cell’s growth and behavior.
In healthy cells DNA directs them to grow and divide at a controlled rate and to die at a predetermined time. In cancer cells however, these instructions are altered causing the cells to multiply uncontrollably and survive beyond their normal lifespan. This results in an excessive accumulation of cells.
These cancerous cells can form a mass known as a tumor, which can grow and invade surrounding healthy tissue. Over time cancer cells may break away from the primary tumor and spread to other parts of the body a process referred to as metastatic cancer.
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, affecting both smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke.
However, lung cancer can also occur in individuals who have never smoked or been exposed to secondhand smoke and in these cases the exact cause may be unclear.
How smoking causes lung cancer :
Researchers believe that smoking leads to lung cancer by damaging the cells lining the lungs. Cigarette smoke contains numerous cancer-causing substances known as carcinogens. When inhaled these carcinogens begin to alter lung tissue almost immediately.
Initially the body may be able to repair this damage. However with repeated exposure the healthy cells lining the lungs sustain increasing damage. Over time this cumulative damage can lead to changes in the cells eventually resulting in the development of cancer.
Prostate cancer :
Testing asymptomatic healthy men for prostate cancer is a topic of debate. Medical organizations differ on whether the benefits of screening outweigh the potential risks.
Most health organizations advise men in their 50s to talk with their doctors about the advantages and disadvantages of prostate cancer screening. This conversation should cover personal risk factors and individual preferences regarding screening.
If you are Black have a family history of prostate cancer or possess other risk factors it may be wise to start these discussions earlier with your healthcare provider.
Determining whether prostate cancer is aggressive :
Once a biopsy confirms the presence of cancer, the next step is to assess the cancer’s aggressiveness or grade.
A pathologist examines a sample of the cancer cells to evaluate how they differ from normal cells. A higher grade signifies a more aggressive cancer which is more likely to spread rapidly.
Colon cancer :
Colon cancer originates from abnormal cell growth in a part of the large intestine known as the colon. The colon the first and longest segment of the large intestine is crucial for the digestive system which breaks down food for the body’s use.
Although colon cancer primarily affects older adults it can occur at any age. It typically starts as small clusters of cells called polyps that form inside the colon. While most polyps are benign some can develop into cancer over time.
Polyps often do not cause any symptoms which is why doctors recommend regular screening tests to detect them early. Identifying and removing polyps through screening helps prevent the progression to colon cancer.
When colon cancer does develop, a range of treatments is available to manage it. These treatments include surgery radiation therapy, and various medications such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
The term “colorectal cancer” is sometimes used to refer to both colon cancer and rectal cancer the latter of which begins in the rectum the final section of the large intestine.
Causes :
Colon cancer occurs when cells in the colon undergo DNA changes. DNA contains the instructions that regulate cell functions.
These changes lead cells to multiply rapidly and continue living beyond their normal lifespan disrupting the natural balance of cell death and renewal.
As a result an excessive number of cells accumulate and may form a mass called a tumor.
This tumor can invade and damage surrounding healthy tissue.
Over time cancer cells can detach from the original tumor and spread to other parts of the body a process known as metastatic cancer.
Skin cancer :
Skin cancer characterized by abnormal skin cell growth most commonly develops on sun-exposed areas of the skin. However it can also occur on areas not regularly exposed to sunlight.
There are three primary types of skin cancer basal cell carcinoma ,squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
You can lower your risk of skin cancer by minimizing or avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Regularly examining your skin for unusual changes is crucial for early detection. Identifying skin cancer at its earliest stages offers the best opportunity for successful treatment.
Symptoms :
Skin cancer most commonly develops on sun-exposed areas such as the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms, hands, and legs in women.
However it can also occur in less exposed areas like the palms ,beneath the fingernails or toenails and the genital region.
Skin cancer can affect individuals of all skin tones, including those with darker complexions. In people with dark skin, melanoma is more likely to appear in areas not typically exposed to sunlight such as the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.