General Information About Cancer
Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body, which is made up of trillions of cells. Normally, human cells grow and multiply (through a process called cell division) to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old or become damaged, they die, and new cells take their place.
How is the stage of cancer determined?
Your healthcare provider will perform tests to determine the extent and severity of your cancer. A number will then be assigned to your diagnosis. The higher the number, the more cancer has spread.
What are the four stages of cancer?
Most cancers have four stages. The specific stage is determined by a few different factors, including the size and location of the tumor:
Stage I: Cancer is localized to a small area and hasn’t spread to lymph nodes or other tissues.
Stage II: Cancer has grown, but it hasn’t spread.
Stage III: Cancer has grown larger and has possibly spread to lymph nodes or other tissues.
Stage IV: Cancer has spread to other organs or areas of your body. This stage is also referred to as metastatic or advanced cancer.
Though stages I through IV are the most common, there is also stage zero. This earliest phase describes cancer that is still localized to the area in which it started. Cancers that are still in stage zero are usually easily treatable and are considered pre-cancerous by most healthcare providers.
There are five main types of cancer. These include:
Carcinoma: This type of cancer affects organs and glands, such as the lungs, breasts, pancreas and skin. Carcinoma is the most common type of cancer.
Sarcoma: This cancer affects soft or connective tissues, such as muscle, fat, bone, cartilage or blood vessels.
Melanoma: Sometimes cancer can develop in the cells that pigment your skin. These cancers are called melanoma.
Lymphoma. This cancer affects your lymphocytes or white blood cells.
Leukemia. This type of cancer affects blood.
Several factors contribute to the development of cancer in your body. Smoking and using tobacco products is one of the main causes of:
- Lung cancer
- Oral cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
- Esophageal cancer
Other causes of cancer include:
- An unhealthy lifestyle.
- Eating high-fat or high-sugar foods can increase your risk for many types of cancer. You’re also more vulnerable to disease if you don’t get enough exercise.
- A toxic environment. Exposure to toxins in your environment, such as asbestos, pesticides and radon, can eventually lead to cancer.
- Radiation exposure.
- Ultraviolet radiation from the sun significantly increases your risk for skin cancer. Over-exposure to radiation treatment can also be a risk factor.
Hormone therapy. Women who are taking hormone replacement therapy may have an increased risk for breast cancer and endometrial cancer.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Chronic tiredness. Persistent pain.
- Fever that occurs mostly at night.
- Skin changes
As time goes on, you may notice other cancer symptoms surfacing. These may include:
- An unusual lump.
- A sore that doesn’t go away.
Hoarseness. - Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
- A mole or wart that changes in appearance.
Please note that these symptoms do not mean that you definitely have cancer. However, if any of these symptoms appear, you should see your healthcare provider right away.
In order to treat your cancer, your healthcare provider needs to know the location of the tumor, the stage (whether it has spread) and whether you are strong enough to handle the treatment. They will perform a comprehensive examination and ask you about your symptoms. They may also order certain tests, including:
- Blood tests.
- Urine tests.
- X-rays.
- CT (computed tomography) scans.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Ultrasonography.
- Biopsy.
Once your medical team has given you a diagnosis, they’ll design a personalized treatment plan based on their findings. Cancer treatment may include:
- Chemotherapy. One of the most common cancer treatments, chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given through an IV or in pill form.
- Radiation therapy. This treatment kills cancer cells with high dosages of radiation. In some instances, radiation may be given at the same time as chemotherapy.
- Surgery. In some cases, your surgeon can surgically remove the tumor.
Hormone therapy. Sometimes hormones can block other cancer-causing hormones. For example, men with prostate cancer might be given hormones to keep testosterone (which contributes to prostate cancer) at bay. - Biological response modifier therapy. This treatment stimulates your immune system and helps it perform more effectively. It does this by changing your body’s natural processes.
- Immunotherapy. Sometimes called biological therapy, immunotherapy treats disease by using the power of your body’s immune system. It can target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact.
- Bone marrow transplant. Also called stem cell transplantation, this treatment replaces damaged stem cells with healthy ones. Prior to transplantation, you’ll undergo chemotherapy to prepare your body for the process.
People who undergo cancer treatment may experience a wide range of side effects. The exact side effects that you experience will depend on the type of cancer treatment you receive. Listed below are common side effects for various types of cancer treatment:
Chemotherapy
Hair loss / Fatigue / Nausea and vomiting
Radiation
Fatigue / Hair loss / Skin problems
Surgery
Pain / Weakness / Infection / Blood clots / Allergy to anesthesia
Hormone therapy
Fatigue / Water retention (bloating) / Hot flashes / Erectile dysfunction / Blood clots
Biological response modifier therapy/immunotherapy
Fever / Chills / Muscle aches / Skin rash / Swelling / Increased bruising or bleeding
Stem cell transplantation
Nausea / Vomiting/ Flu-like symptoms / Greater risk of infection
Though cancer can’t be prevented altogether, there are certain things you can do to reduce your risk. For example:
- Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products.
- Stay physically active.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Practice safe sex.
- Use proper daily sun protection.
- Get vaccinated.
Types of Cancer, Symptoms, Risks & Prevention
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it’s far more common in women.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lungs. Your lungs are two spongy organs in your chest that take in oxygen when you inhale and release carbon dioxide when you exhale.Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.