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Cancer

How can it be identified?

How can it be identified?

You are here >> Home > Blog > Cancer > Overview > Cancer

Cancer is one of the most feared diseases worldwide, affecting millions of lives each year. But what exactly is cancer, and how can we recognize its warning signs early? Understanding cancer’s nature and learning how to identify its symptoms can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.
 
In this blog post, let’s break down the basics of cancer, how it develops, and the key symptoms to watch for, empowering you to take proactive steps toward early detection and better outcomes.
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What is Cancer?
Cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and can invade nearby tissues. It can occur in any part of the body and may spread to other areas if left untreated.
  • How it happens?
In healthy cells, the body controls when they grow and die. In cancer cells, this control is lost, causing them to grow out of control.
  • When it becomes serious?
Over time, these abnormal cells can form lumps or tumors, and in some cases, they can spread to other parts of the body, making cancer dangerous.
  • Why it matters?
Cancer can occur in almost any part of the body, which is why it is so important to understand and recognize its signs.
Cancer - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

Types of Cancer

Common Types

lung-cancer-picture-photo

Lung Cancer: Affects the lungs and is often caused by smoking or long-term exposure to harmful chemicals.
Brain Cancer picture

Brain Cancer: Occurs in the brain, affecting its functions. Symptoms may include headaches, seizures, or changes in behavior.
Stomach Cancer Picture

Stomach Cancer: Affects the stomach, leading to symptoms like weight loss, nausea, or stomach pain.

Rare Types

Throat Cancer

Throat Cancer: Affects the throat, leading to difficulty in swallowing, voice changes, or a sore throat.
Liver Cancer

Liver Cancer: Occurs in the liver, often seen in people with liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Kidney Cancer

Kidney Cancer: Starts in the kidneys and may cause pain in the side, blood in urine, or unexplained weight loss.

Stages of Cancer

⦿ Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ): Cancer cells are present but have not spread beyond the original location. Often treatable and highly curable.

⦿ Stage I (Localized Cancer): Cancer is confined to one area or organ, with no signs of spread. Treatment is usually more effective at this stage.

⦿ Stage II (Early Spread): Cancer has grown but is still localized to the organ of origin. Nearby lymph nodes may be involved.

⦿ Stage III (Advanced Local Spread): Cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes. Treatment options become more aggressive.

⦿ Stage IV (Metastatic Cancer): Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as bones, liver, or lungs. Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and prolonging life.

Causes of Cancer

Lifestyle Factors

⦿ Smoking: Smoking is one of the leading causes of cancer, especially lung cancer.

⦿ Poor Diet: Eating unhealthy foods, like processed foods and high-fat diets, increases the risk of certain cancers.

Hereditary Factors

⦿ Family History: If someone in your family has had cancer, you may be more likely to develop it yourself. Certain genetic mutations can increase cancer risk.

Environmental Factors

⦿ Exposure to Harmful Substances: Working with toxic chemicals or living in polluted areas can increase the risk of developing cancer.

⦿ Radiation: Prolonged exposure to radiation from the sun or other sources can lead to skin cancer or other types.

Symptoms of Cancer

Cancer symptoms can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer, but there are several common signs to be aware of:

General Symptoms

⦿ Persistent Fatigue: Constant tiredness despite rest.

⦿ Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden weight loss without trying.

⦿ Body Pain: Unexplained or constant pain in specific areas.

Early Symptoms

⦿ Persistent Cough: A cough that doesn’t go away or worsens.

⦿ Continuous Fever: Fever without a known cause.

Other Symptoms

⦿ Skin Changes: New moles or changes in existing ones.

⦿ Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits: Blood in stool or urine, or persistent changes.

⦿ Difficulty Swallowing: Trouble swallowing food or liquids.

⦿ Lumps or Swelling: Unexplained lumps or swelling in any part of the body.

⦿ Bleeding: Unexplained bleeding from any part of the body.

⦿ Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing without an obvious cause.

⦿ Indigestion or Nausea: Ongoing indigestion or nausea.

Cancer Diagnosis Methods
blood test

Blood Tests

⦿ Blood tests help detect abnormal substances like tumor markers, which can indicate cancer presence.

⦿ Common markers include CEA, AFP, and PSA, linked to specific cancer types.

⦿ They are non-invasive and assist in monitoring treatment progress and disease recurrence.

Imaging Tests ct-scan

Imaging Tests

⦿ CT Scan: Provides detailed images to locate and size tumors.

⦿ MRI: Uses magnets to create detailed images of organs and tissues.

⦿ X-rays: Detect tumors in the chest, lungs, and bones.

⦿ Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to detect cancers in organs like the liver or kidneys.

Endoscopy for cancer detection

Endoscopy

⦿ Endoscopy uses a flexible tube with a camera to visualize internal organs.

⦿ It helps diagnose conditions in the digestive tract, lungs, or other hollow organs.

⦿ Procedures like gastroscopy and bronchoscopy are common types of endoscopy.

biopsy for cancer detection

Biopsy

⦿ A biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample for microscopic examination.

⦿ It helps confirm the presence of cancer and determine its type and stage.

⦿ Common methods include needle biopsy, surgical biopsy, and endoscopic biopsy.

Advanced Imaging

Advanced Imaging

⦿ Advanced imaging techniques like PET scans and MRIs provide detailed views of tissues and organs.

⦿ PET scans use radioactive tracers to identify cancer activity and its spread.

⦿ These methods assist in staging, treatment planning, and monitoring cancer progression.

Genetic Testing

Genetic Testing

⦿ Genetic testing examines the DNA of cancer cells to identify mutations.

⦿ It helps determine targeted therapies and predict treatment response.

⦿ Tests like BRCA or HER2 are used for breast and ovarian cancers.

Screening Tests for Cancer

Screening Tests

⦿ Mammography: X-ray used for routine breast cancer screening.

⦿ Pap Smear: Examines cervical cells for abnormalities or early signs of cancer.

Treatment of Cancer
Cancer treatment has advanced with various options. This section covers common treatments like surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and newer therapies.
  • Surgery
Involves the removal of tumors or cancerous tissues from the body. It is often used if the cancer is localized and hasn’t spread.
  • Radiation Therapy
Uses high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to target and kill cancer cells. It can shrink tumors or destroy cancer cells in a specific area.
  • Chemotherapy
Uses strong medicines to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It can be given orally or through injections and is commonly used when cancer has spread.
  • Newer Methods

⦿ Targeted Therapy: Targets specific genes or proteins in cancer cells to block their growth without harming normal cells. It is a more precise form of treatment.

⦿ Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells more effectively. It can help the body’s immune system attack tumors.

Comparison of Cancer Treatment Modalities

Understanding the different cancer treatment options is crucial for informed decision-making. This table compares key modalities, their mechanisms, and potential side effects.
 
Treatment Modality How It Works Best For Common Side Effects
Surgery Removes the tumor physically Early-stage solid tumors Pain, risk of infection
Chemotherapy Uses drugs to kill fast-growing cancer cells Advanced and metastatic cancers Nausea, fatigue, hair loss
Radiation Therapy Uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells Localized cancers Skin irritation, fatigue
Immunotherapy Boosts the immune system to fight cancer Cancers with immune system involvement Flu-like symptoms, skin rash
Targeted Therapy Targets specific cancer genes or proteins Cancers with specific genetic markers Diarrhea, liver issues

Cancer Prevention Tips

⦿ Healthy Diet: Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; limit processed foods.

⦿ Regular Exercise: Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days.

⦿ Avoid Smoking: Stay away from tobacco products.

⦿ Limit Alcohol: Drink in moderation or avoid alcohol.

⦿ Maintain Healthy Weight: Stay at a healthy weight to reduce cancer risk.

⦿ Sun Protection: Use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent skin cancer.

⦿ Vaccinations: Get vaccinated for HPV and Hepatitis B.

⦿ Avoid Harmful Chemicals: Limit exposure to toxic substances.

⦿ Regular Screenings: Get routine cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies.

Psychological Effects of Cancer on Patients
  • Mental and Emotional Impact

⦿ Depression: Many cancer patients experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in life, which can affect their ability to cope with treatment.

⦿ Fatigue: Cancer and its treatments can cause persistent tiredness, which affects both physical and mental well-being.

  • Support Groups and Psychological Counseling

⦿ Cancer support groups provide a space for patients to share experiences and gain emotional support.

⦿ Psychological counseling can help patients and their families cope with the emotional challenges, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being during treatment.

Recent Research in Cancer Treatment

⦿ Immunotherapy: Combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with JAK inhibitors enhances efficacy and tackles resistance.

⦿ Targeted Therapies & ADCs: ADCs link cytotoxic drugs to antibodies for precise cancer cell targeting.

⦿ Nanotechnology: Nanoparticles improve drug delivery to tumors, reducing toxicity.

⦿ Personalized Onco-Genomics: Genetic analysis of tumors enables tailored, more effective treatments.

⦿ Evolutionary Therapy: Evolution-based strategies prevent resistant cancer cell populations.

⦿ Radiation Therapy: Proton and carbon-ion therapies offer precise targeting, reducing damage to healthy tissue.

⦿ Neutron Capture Therapy (NCT): Boron compounds combined with neutron irradiation target cancer cells, showing promise for glioblastomas and head/neck cancers.

⦿ Cordyceps & Natural Compounds: Cordycepin from Cordyceps fungus inhibits cancer cell growth, offering an alternative to chemotherapy.

Frequently Asked Questions
How does cancer start?
Cancer starts when the DNA in normal cells undergoes mutations, disrupting the mechanisms that control cell growth and division. This leads to uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, which can form tumors and potentially spread to other parts of the body.
When was cancer first discovered?
The first documentation of cancer dates back to around 1600 BCE in the Edwin Smith Papyrus from ancient Egypt. The term "cancer" was introduced by Hippocrates, who used the word "karkinos" to describe tumors.
Can cancer be detected by a blood test?
Yes, blood tests can detect certain cancers by identifying tumor markers or abnormal substances produced by cancer cells. However, blood tests alone are not definitive, and further diagnostic tests like imaging or biopsies are usually required.
Can cancer be detected in an ultrasound?
Ultrasound imaging can help detect abnormalities or tumors in organs such as the liver, kidneys, and uterus. It is often used as an initial diagnostic tool, but further tests may be needed to confirm a cancer diagnosis.
Can cancer be diagnosed without a biopsy?
Although imaging and blood tests can strongly suggest the presence of cancer, a biopsy is typically necessary for a definitive diagnosis. A biopsy involves examining tissue under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Can cancer cause hair loss?
Yes, hair loss is often a side effect of treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, which target rapidly dividing cells. Hair follicles, being fast-growing cells, are affected, leading to temporary hair loss during treatment.
Why do cancer patients cut their hair?
Cancer patients often cut their hair to prepare for chemotherapy-induced hair loss. This proactive step helps them feel more in control and minimizes the emotional impact of losing hair in larger clumps.
Which cancer is most dangerous?
Cancers like pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, and glioblastoma are considered among the most dangerous due to their aggressive progression, late detection, and resistance to treatment, leading to lower survival rates.
Can cancer spread from one person to another?
No, cancer is not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another through touch, saliva, or close contact. It is caused by genetic mutations within an individual’s cells.
What cancer causes high rheumatoid factor?
Certain cancers, particularly lymphomas, can cause elevated rheumatoid factor levels. This happens due to the immune system’s heightened activity, but it is not a specific diagnostic marker for cancer.
Can cancer spread through saliva?
No, cancer cannot spread through saliva or other bodily fluids. It is a non-communicable disease caused by cellular mutations within the individual.
Are cancer lumps painful?
In the early stages, cancer lumps are often painless. However, as the disease progresses, lumps may become painful if they press against nerves, bones, or other tissues.
Why is cancer not curable?
Cancer is difficult to cure due to its ability to mutate, spread to other parts of the body, and develop resistance to treatments. Despite advancements, complete eradication of all cancer cells remains a significant challenge.
Why is cancer increasing in India?
The rise in cancer cases in India is attributed to factors like aging population, tobacco use, unhealthy diets, pollution, and lifestyle changes associated with urbanization. Early detection programs are also identifying more cases.
Will cancer be cured by 2025?
A universal cure for all cancers by 2025 is unlikely, but ongoing research is significantly improving treatments. Advances in immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and early detection are enhancing survival rates for many cancers.
Dr-Harsh-Shah-Robotic-Cancer-Surgeon

Dr. Harsh Shah

MS, MCh (GI cancer Surgeon)

Dr Harsh Shah is a well known GI & HPB Robotic Cancer Surgeon in ahmedabad. He treats cancers of esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, colon, rectum & small intestines. He is available at Apollo Hospital.

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