Overview

Cancer is a broad group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. It can affect almost any organ or tissue, including the lungs, breast, colon, prostate, skin, and blood (leukemia). If left untreated, cancer can invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to distant organs, significantly impacting health and survival.

Key Facts

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. Early detection, accurate diagnosis, and timely treatment are critical to improving survival rates. Advances in surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies have significantly improved outcomes for many types of cancer.

Causes

Causes of cancer are multifactorial and include genetic mutations, environmental exposures (radiation, pollution, industrial chemicals), lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, diet), chronic infections (HPV, Hepatitis B/C), and inherited genetic predispositions. Many cancers result from a combination of these factors over time.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of cancer but may include lumps or masses, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, persistent pain, abnormal bleeding, changes in skin or moles, persistent cough, digestive changes, and abnormal lab test results.

Risk Factors

Risk factors include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, obesity, chronic infections, family history of cancer, exposure to carcinogens, advanced age, and certain genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1/2 for breast and ovarian cancer).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI, PET scans), biopsy for histopathology, blood tests including tumor markers, and genetic testing when indicated.

Prevention

Prevention strategies include avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, balanced diet, vaccination against HPV and Hepatitis B, reducing exposure to environmental carcinogens, and undergoing recommended screening tests for early detection.

Celebs Affected

Many public figures have battled cancer, raising awareness and promoting early detection, including Chadwick Boseman, Angelina Jolie (BRCA mutation preventive measures), Olivia Newton-John, and Steve Jobs.

Specialist to Visit

Oncologists are the primary specialists for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Depending on the type, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, hematologists, and supportive care teams including dietitians and physiotherapists may be involved.

Treatment

• Surgery: Removing localized tumors.
• Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
• Radiation therapy: Targeted high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy & immunotherapy: Drugs that attack specific cancer cells or boost the immune system.
• Palliative care: Symptom management to improve quality of life for advanced cancer.

Home-Care

At-home care includes following treatment regimens, managing side effects, maintaining nutrition and hydration, monitoring for infection, emotional support, and attending follow-up appointments and screenings.

Complications

Complications may include treatment side effects (nausea, fatigue, hair loss), infection, organ dysfunction, metastasis, or recurrence. Long-term effects depend on cancer type and treatment intensity.

Alternative Therapies

Complementary approaches may include nutrition therapy, acupuncture, mindfulness, yoga, and physiotherapy. These help with symptom management and quality of life but do not replace standard medical treatment.

Living with

Many cancer survivors live full lives with regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments. Early detection, adherence to treatment, healthy nutrition, exercise, and emotional support are key to long-term survival and well-being.

FAQs