What
is cancer?
Cancer
is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant
cells.
Carcinoma; Malignant tumor
Cells are the building blocks of living things. Cancer
grows out of normal cells in the body. Normal cells multiply when the body needs them, and die when the body
doesn't. Cancer appears to occur when the growth of cells in the body
is out of control and cells divide too rapidly. It can also occur when
cells “forget” how to die.
There are many different kinds of cancers. Cancer
can develop in almost any organ or tissue, such as the lung, colon, breast, skin, bones, or nerve
tissue.
There are multiple causes of cancers, including:
However, the cause of many cancers remains unknown.
The most common cause of cancer-related death
is lung cancer.
The three most common cancers in men
in the United States are prostate cancer
, lung cancer
, and colon cancer
. In women
in the U.S., the three most frequently occurring cancers are breast cancer
, lung cancer
, and colon cancer.
Certain cancers are more common in particular
geographic areas. For example, in Japan, there are many cases of gastric cancer
, while in the U.S. this type of cancer
is relatively rare. Differences in diet may play a role.
Some other types of cancers include:
Symptoms of cancer
depend on the type and location of the tumor. For example, lung cancer can cause coughing
, shortness of breath
, or chest pain
, while colon cancer
often causes diarrhea
,
constipation
, and blood in the stool
.
Some cancers may not have any symptoms at all
. In some cancers, such as gallbladder cancer, symptoms often are not present until the disease has reached an advanced stage.
However, the following symptoms are common with most cancers:
Exams and Tests
Like symptoms, the signs of cancer
vary based on the type and location of the tumor. Common tests include the following:
Most cancers are diagnosed by biopsy
. Depending on the location of the tumor, the biopsy may be a simple procedure or a
serious operation. Most patients with cancer undergo CT scans to determine the exact location of the tumor
or tumors.
A cancer diagnosis is difficult to cope with. It is important, however, that you discuss the type, size, and location of the cancer
with your doctor upon diagnosis. You also will want to ask about treatment options, along with their benefits and risks.
It's a
good idea to have someone with you at the doctor's office to help you get through the diagnosis
. If you have trouble asking questions after hearing about your diagnosis, the person you bring with you can ask them for you.
Treatment also varies based on the type of cancer
and its stage. The stage of a cancer refers to how much it has grown and whether the tumor
has spread from its original location.
Although treatment for cancer can be difficult, there many ways to keep up your strength.
If you have radiation
treatment, know that:
If you are going through chemotherapy
, you should eat right. Chemotherapy causes your immune system to weaken, so you should avoid people with colds or the flu
. You should also get plenty of rest, and don't feel you have to accomplish tasks all
at once.
It will help you to talk with family, friends, or a
support group about your feelings. Work with your health care providers
throughout your treatment. Helping yourself can make you feel more in
control.
The diagnosis
of cancer often causes a lot of anxiety and can affect your entire quality of life. Several support groups for cancer patients
to you cope.
The outlook varies widely among different types of cancer
. Even among people with one particular type of cancer, the outcome varies depending on the stage of the tumor
at diagnosis. Some cancers can be cured, some that are not curable can
still be treated well, and some patients can live for many years with
the cancer
. Other tumors are rapidly fatal.
One complication is that the cancer may spread. Other complications vary with the type and stage of the tumor
.
You should contact your doctor if you develop signs or symptoms suggestive of cancer.
One of the best ways to prevent cancer is to not smoke
or chew tobacco. Many cancers can be prevented by avoiding risk factors such as excessive exposure to sunlight
and heavy drinking.
Cancer screenings, such as mammography and breast
examination for breast cancer and colonoscopy for colon cancer, may
help catch these cancers at their early, most treatable stages. Some
people at high risk
for developing certain cancers can take medication to reduce their risk. |
