What is Cancer? | Types, Definition, Structure, Function & Facts

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a disease caused by uncontrolled cell growth. Abnormal cells begin to divide and form tumors. They can spread throughout the body and slowly destroy good cells and tissues, making people sick.

There are many different diseases known as cancer. Some of these diseases are very treatable while others are more dangerous and can be fatal. About 40% of all people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.

Cancer Starts in the Cell

Cancer begins when a cell’s genes that regulate cell growth are changed or mutated in some way. It actually takes several mutations before a cell becomes cancerous. Normally, cells are smart enough to eliminate mutations. They have complex means of protection against mutations and destroy bad cells. However, if the right set of mutations occurs, the cells will begin to grow out of control.

Types of Cancer

Cancer is actually a term used to describe a number of different diseases. There are more than 200 different types of cancer. Usually, cancers are named after the place in the body where the cancer started. For example, lung cancer is cancer that starts in the lungs. Then there are many types of lung cancer with long scientific names such as “well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the lung” and “small cell carcinoma of the lung”.

Common Forms of Cancer

Breast Cancer – Breast cancer usually forms in the tubes and glands that transport and produce milk. It is much more common in women than in men.

Colon Cancer – Cancer of the colon, which is part of the large intestine.

Leukemia – Blood cancer that usually starts in the bone marrow.

Lymphoma – Cancer of the white blood cells that help form the immune system. It is usually found in the lymph nodes, spleen, or blood marrow.

Cancer of the lungs – It is most commonly, but not always, caused by smoking.

Melanoma – Cancer of the skin or other pigmented areas (such as the eyes). It is usually caused by overexposure to the harmful rays of the sun.

Pancreatic Cancer – Cancer that forms in the organ of the pancreas.

Prostate Cancer – Cancer that forms in the prostate gland. Only men have a prostate gland and it is common to get this cancer in old age.

Typical Symptoms

There are many different types of cancer, so there are many different symptoms. However, the American Cancer Society lists seven common symptoms that can be warning signs of cancer.

An ulcer that does not heal or improve as usual.

A change in the size, shape, color, or thickness of a mole or other sore.

Difficulty swallowing or ongoing stomach pain.

Change in bladder or bowel habits.

Any type of ongoing or irregular bleeding.

Any lumps or thickened growths.

Persistent cough or itchy throat.

Treatments

Many forms of cancer can be treated and even cured. Common treatments include:

Surgery – Surgery is used to remove the cancer. In some cases, the area or tumor with cancer can be safely removed.

Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. These chemicals target cells that are dividing rapidly, which is common to most cancer cells. Unfortunately, chemotherapy also kills some good cells and can cause serious side effects.

Radiation – Radiation uses high-energy waves to kill cancer cells.

Many cancers require a combination of the above treatments.

How Can you help to prevent Cancer?

The Mayo Clinic lists seven ways to reduce cancer risk.

Don’t use tobacco – This includes both smoked and chewing tobacco.

Eat healthy – This means eating plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as eating foods low in fat.

Exercise and have a healthy weight – Being overweight can increase your risk of various forms of cancer.

Don’t get sunburned – Protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen and avoiding the sun’s rays in the middle of the day to reduce your risk of skin cancer.

Get immunized – Certain vaccines can help prevent cancer.

Avoid risky behaviors – Certain actions like sharing needles can transmit diseases that can lead to cancer.

See your doctor – Regular checkups with your doctor can help find cancer early, which can be crucial for successful treatment.