Cancers
Cancers
Cancers (pronunciation: /ˈkænsərz/) are a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. The term "cancer" originates from the Latin word cancer meaning "crab", due to the crab-like spread of the disease in the body.
Types of Cancers
There are over 100 types of cancers, and they are usually named for the organs or tissues where the cancers form. For example, Lung Cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs, and Breast Cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast. Other types include Prostate Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Skin Cancer, and Stomach Cancer.
Causes of Cancers
Cancers are caused by changes (mutations) to the DNA within cells. The DNA inside a cell is packaged into a large number of individual genes, each of which contains a set of instructions telling the cell what functions to perform, as well as how to grow and divide. Errors in these instructions can make a cell become cancerous.
Symptoms of Cancers
Symptoms of cancers can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Some general signs and symptoms associated with, but not specific to, cancer, include fatigue, lump or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin, weight changes, including unintended loss or gain, skin changes, such as yellowing, darkening or redness of the skin, sores that won't heal, or changes to existing moles, etc.
Treatment of Cancers
Treatment options for cancer include Surgery, Radiation Therapy, Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, Targeted Therapy, Hormone Therapy, Stem Cell Transplant, and Precision Medicine. The choice of treatment depends largely on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health.
Prevention of Cancers
While it's not possible to completely prevent cancer, certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing many types of cancer. These include maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, abstaining from tobacco, limiting alcohol, protecting against sexually transmitted infections, and getting vaccinated against certain viruses, such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cancers
- Wikipedia's article - Cancers
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