Cancer is a broad group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body.
Causative Agents:
Cancer is caused by changes (mutations) in the DNA within cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth.
These mutations can result from a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental exposures (such as to chemicals, radiation, and certain viruses like human papillomavirus [HPV] for cervical cancer), and lifestyle choices (such as tobacco use and excessive sun exposure).
Symptoms:
Symptoms vary widely based on the type of cancer but can include lumps or thickening of tissue, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, changes in bowel or bladder habits, persistent cough or hoarseness, and changes in skin moles or warts.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis involves a combination of physical exams, imaging studies (like CT scans and MRIs), laboratory tests (including blood tests and biopsies), and genetic testing to identify mutations that may cause cancer.
General Principles of Prevention and Control:
1. Lifestyle Changes:
Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, and protecting skin from the sun.
2. Vaccinations:
Vaccines that prevent virus infections that can cause cancer (such as HPV vaccines).
3. Regular Screening and Self-Examinations:
Early detection through screenings (such as mammograms for breast cancer and colonoscopies for colorectal cancer) and being aware of changes in one’s own body.
4. Avoiding Exposure to Known Carcinogens:
Reducing exposure to environmental factors known to increase cancer risk, like radon, asbestos, and industrial chemicals.
Treatment
Treatment varies widely based on the type and stage of cancer and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Palliative care is also an important aspect of cancer treatment.