Cancer
Cancer is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow and divide
uncontrollably, spreading into nearby tissues or other parts of the body.
Normally, cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly way. But in cancer, this
process breaks down — damaged or mutated cells keep multiplying when
they shouldn’t, forming a mass of tissue called a tumor.
How Cancer Starts
Cancer begins when changes occur in the DNA inside a cell.
DNA contains the instructions that tell a cell what to do. When it’s damaged
(by chemicals, radiation, or inherited mutations), the cell may:
Grow too fast
Ignore signals to stop dividing
Avoid dying when it’s supposed to
These faulty cells accumulate and can form a tumor.
Benign tumors are noncancerous — they don’t spread.
Malignant tumors are cancerous — they invade and destroy nearby tissues
and can spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts
of the body (metastasis).
Types of Cancer
There are more than 100 different types of cancer. Some of the most
common include:
Carcinomas: Start in skin or organ linings (e.g., lung, breast, colon cancer)
Sarcomas: Begin in bone, muscle, or connective tissue
Leukemias: Begin in blood-forming tissues like the bone marrow
Lymphomas: Affect the immune system, especially lymph nodes
Brain and spinal cord cancers: Affect the central nervous system
Causes and Risk Factors
Cancer can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental
factors, such as:
Tobacco use
Radiation exposure
Unhealthy diet and obesity
Lack of physical activity
Certain infections (like HPV or hepatitis viruses)
Family history or inherited genetic mutations
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the type of cancer but may include:
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Persistent pain or swelling
Unusual bleeding
Lumps or thickening in the skin or tissue
Changes in moles or skin color
Early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment.
Diagnosis
Doctors use several methods to detect cancer:
Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRI, or PET scans
Blood tests: To find tumor markers or abnormal cell counts
Biopsy: A sample of tissue is examined under a microscope to confirm cancer
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer and may include:
Surgery: To remove the tumor
Radiation therapy: To destroy cancer cells with high-energy rays
Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill fast-growing cells
Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer
Targeted therapy: Attacks specific cancer cell molecules
Hormone therapy: Blocks hormones that fuel certain cancers (like breast or
prostate)
Prevention and Early Detection
While not all cancers can be prevented, the risk can be reduced by:
Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol
Maintaining a healthy diet and weight
Exercising regularly
Protecting skin from the sun
Getting vaccinated (e.g., HPV, Hepatitis B)
Having regular medical checkups and cancer screenings
Summary
Cancer is a complex disease caused by uncontrolled cell growth. Though it
can be life-threatening, advances in medicine, research, and early detection
have greatly improved survival rates. Living a healthy lifestyle and staying
informed are key steps toward prevention and recovery.