What is cancer?
Cancer is not a single disease!
It refers to a number of diseases characterized by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and break into and destroy normal body tissue.
Cancer occurs in people of all ages and can affect any part of the body.
Also referred to as tumor, malignancy or growth.
Surprising facts to know.
70 million years ago, tumors have been discovered in dinosaurs bones.
First description about cancer in Ancient Egypt – 3000 BC.
Scientists used to think cancer was contagious.
How did cancer get its name?
It was Hippocrates a Greek physician – Father of medicine. (460-377bc) who first named these cancerous cell. Greek word “karkinos,” or crab it refers to the appearance of blood vessels on tumors resembling a crab’s claws reaching out.
How deadly is the disease?
Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the world, next to heart diseases.
Cancers of oral cavity and lungs in males and cervix and breast in females account for over 50% of all cancer deaths in India.
What causes cancer?
Cells are the basic units that make up the human body. Cells grow and divide to make new cells as the body needs them. Usually, cells die when they get too old or damaged. Then, new cells take their place.
DNA repairs and sends signals to form new cells. Cancer begins when genetic changes interfere with this orderly process. Cells start to grow uncontrollably. These cells may form a mass called a tumor.
What is a mutation?
Genetic changes that may be transmitted into subsequent generations are called mutations.
They cause uncontrolled cell growth, cause mistakes when repairing DNA errors.
What are carcinogens?
Carcinogens are things that cause cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified the carcinogens into various groups depending upon their ability to cause cancer.
What are the types of cancer?
There are over 100 types of cancer.
Carcinoma: Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal.
Sarcoma: Cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue.
Leukemia: Cancer that starts in bone marrow and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood.
Lymphoma and myeloma: Cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system.
Central nervous system cancers: Cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.
Who are at risk?
Age : can occur at any age
Lifestyle factors : Diet, smoking, alcohol consumption etc.
Family history : About 5-10 % of the cancers are familial or hereditary.
Health conditions : Long lasting conditions like gastric ulcer.
Environment : Secondhand smoke, chemicals like asbestos and benzene.
What are the Signs and Symptoms?
It will vary depending on which part of the body is affected
- Tierdness
- Lump or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin
- Weight changes, including unexplained loss or gain
- Skin changes, such as yellowing, darkening or redness of the skin, sores that won’t heal, or changes to existing moles
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Persistent cough or trouble breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating
- Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain
- Persistent, unexplained fevers or night sweats
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
What is metastasis?
Cancer cells break away from the original tumor and can travel through blood or immune system to distant locations in the body. This process is called metastasis.
What is cancer screening?
- Diagnosing cancer at its earliest stages often provides the best chance for a cure.
- Certain tests help find specific types of cancer before signs or symptoms appear. This is called screening.
- Screening tests are done for those people who are at risk for cancer.