Cancer : Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Risk factors, treatment, Complications Prevention and control

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• Written : Aminu Salisu M.D
• Contributed : Hafsat Isah gaya
• Medically Reviewed : Idris sani Ph.d
• Editor : Victoria Solomon (B.A English language)
• Published : Rabiu Rabiu (Dr. Cracker)

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• What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the body grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. It is caused by changes in the DNA of cells, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental exposures.

Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This process is called metastasis.

• What is the difference between a normal cell and a cancerous cell?

Normal cells grow and divide in a controlled way. They die when they are old or damaged. Cancerous cells, on the other hand, grow and divide uncontrollably. They can also survive when they are damaged.

Cancerous cells are also different from normal cells in their appearance. They may be larger or smaller than normal cells, and they may have an irregular shape. Cancerous cells may also have more nuclei (the command center of the cell) than normal cells.

• How does cancer start in your body?

Cancer starts when changes occur in the DNA of cells. These changes can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental exposures.

DNA is the genetic material that is found in every cell in the body. It contains instructions for how cells grow and function. When DNA is damaged, cells can grow and divide uncontrollably. This can lead to cancer.

• How common is cancer?

Cancer is a common disease. It is estimated that one in three people will develop cancer in their lifetime. However, the risk of developing cancer varies depending on a number of factors, including age, gender, and family history.

• Who’s affected by cancer?

Cancer can affect people of all ages, genders, and races. However, some people are at higher risk for developing cancer than others. For example, people with a family history of cancer are more likely to develop cancer themselves.

Other factors that can increase the risk of developing cancer include:

• Age: The risk of developing cancer increases with age. 
• Gender: Some types of cancer are more common in men, while others are more common in women.
• Tobacco use: Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. It also causes a number of types of cancer, including lung cancer, bladder cancer, and esophageal cancer.
• Alcohol use: Heavy drinking can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as liver cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer.
• Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for a number of types of cancer, including breast cancer, colon cancer, and endometrial cancer.
• Exposure to environmental toxins: Exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as asbestos and radon, can increase the risk of developing cancer.

• What are cancer symptoms?

The symptoms of cancer can vary depending on the type of cancer and where it is located in the body. Some common cancer symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Changes in appetite
• Pain
• Lumps or bumps
• Changes in skin color
• Persistent cough or hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Headaches or seizures

• First symptoms of cancer

The first symptoms of cancer can vary depending on the type of cancer and where it is located in the body. However, some common first symptoms of cancer include:

• A lump in the breast
• A change in the size or shape of a mole
• A sore that does not heal
• Unexplained bleeding
• Difficulty swallowing
• A persistent cough
• A change in bowel or bladder habits

• What causes cancer?

Cancer is caused by changes in the DNA of cells. These changes can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental exposures.

• Genetics: Some people are born with genes that make them more likely to develop cancer. These genes can be passed down from parents to children.
• Lifestyle: Certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking and drinking alcohol, can increase the risk of developing cancer.
• Environmental exposures: Exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as asbestos and radon, can also increase the risk lf developing cancer.

• How can I reduce my risk of developing cancer?

There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing cancer, including:

• Don't smoke. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. It also causes a number of types of cancer, including lung cancer, bladder cancer, and esophageal cancer.
• Limit alcohol consumption. Heavy drinking can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as liver cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a risk factor for a number of types of cancer, including breast cancer, colon cancer, and endometrial cancer.
• Eat a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit your intake of processed meats and red meat.
• Be physically active. Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of developing a number of types of cancer, including breast cancer, colon cancer, and endometrial cancer.
• Get regular cancer screenings. Early detection of cancer can lead to better treatment outcomes. Talk to your doctor about which cancer screenings are right for you.

• How to diagnose cancer? 

There are a number of ways to diagnose cancer. Some of the most common diagnostic tests include:

• Physical exam: Your doctor will perform a physical exam to look for any signs of cancer, such as lumps or bumps.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans, can be used to create images of the inside of your body. This can help doctors to identify tumors and other abnormalities.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from your body and examined under a microscope for signs of cancer.

• How is cancer stage determined?

Once cancer has been diagnosed, the next step is to determine the stage of the cancer. The stage of the cancer refers to the size of the tumor, whether it has spread to other parts of the body, and whether it is affecting any nearby organs or lymph nodes.

The stage of the cancer is important for determining the best course of treatment. Cancer that is diagnosed early, before it has spread to other parts of the body, is typically easier to treat than cancer that is diagnosed at a later stage.

• What are the four stages of cancer?

The four stages of cancer are:

1. Stage I: The tumor is small and has not spread to other parts of the body.
2. Stage II: The tumor is larger or has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
3. Stage III: The tumor has spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes, or to distant lymph nodes.
4. Stage IV: The cancer has spread to distant organs.

• What are the treatments for cancer?

There are a number of different treatments for cancer, including:

• Surgery: Surgery is used to remove the tumor and any surrounding cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy helps the body's own immune system to fight cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific molecules that are important for the growth and survival of cancer cells.

The best treatment for cancer depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, and the patient's overall health.

• What are cancer treatment side effects?

Cancer treatments can cause a variety of side effects, depending on the type of treatment and the patient's individual response. Some common side effects of cancer treatment include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Mouth sores
• Skin changes
• Infection
• Pain
• Nerve damage
• Lymphedema
• Sexual problems
• Cognitive changes

• Conclusion

Cancer is a serious disease, but it is important to remember that many people are successfully treated for cancer. With early detection and treatment, many people can live long and healthy lives after a cancer diagnosis.

• References

1. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2023. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; 2023.
2. National Cancer Institute. What is Cancer? Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute; 2023.
3. American Cancer Society. Cancer Risk Factors You Can Control. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; 2023.
4. National Cancer Institute. Cancer Screening Tests. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute; 2023.
5. American Cancer Society. Cancer Treatment. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; 2023.
6. National Cancer Institute. Cancer Treatment Side Effects. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute; 2023.
7. American Cancer Society. Cancer Survivors. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; 2023.
8. National Cancer Institute. Cancer Treatment Guidelines. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute; 2023.
9. American Cancer Society. Cancer Clinical Trials. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; 2023.
10. National Cancer Institute. Cancer Research. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute; 2023.