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What is Cancer? Types of Cancer I Treatment I Prevention

  Cancer is a broad term for a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Here are some key points:

 

What is Cancer?



Definition: Cancer occurs when cells in the body begin to grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. These cells can form tumours, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Causes: Cancer can be caused by genetic mutations, environmental factors (such as smoking, radiation, and chemicals), lifestyle factors (such as diet and physical activity), and infections.

Types of Cancer

Carcinomas: Cancers that start in the skin or the tissues that line internal organs.

Sarcomas: Cancers that begin in the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, or other connective tissues.

Leukaemia: Cancers of the blood-forming tissues, such as the bone marrow.

Lymphomas and Myelomas: Cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system.

Central Nervous System Cancers: Cancers that begin in the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the type and location of the cancer but can include lumps, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, pain, and changes in skin or bowel habits.

Diagnosis

Imaging Tests: Such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.

Biopsies: Taking a sample of tissue for examination.

Blood Tests: To look for cancer markers.

Treatment Options

Surgery: Removing the tumor.

Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy: Using high-energy radiation to kill or shrink cancer cells.

Immunotherapy: Boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

Targeted Therapy: Using drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth and spread.

Prevention

Lifestyle Changes: Such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.

Screening: Regular screenings for certain types of cancer can help detect the disease early when it is most treatable.

Benign Tumours



Definition: Benign tumours are non-cancerous growths of cells that do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body.

Types: Common types include adenomas (glandular tissue), lipomas (fat cells), fibromas (fibrous tissue), and haemangiomas (blood vessels).

Malignant Tumours

Definition: Malignant tumours are cancerous and can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

Diagnosis: Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests, biopsies, and staging to determine the extent of spread.

Treatment: Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.

 Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill fast-growing cells in the body, particularly cancer cells. Here’s an overview:

 

How Chemotherapy Works

Mechanism: Chemotherapy drugs target and kill rapidly dividing cells, which is a characteristic of cancer cells12.

Administration: It can be given orally, intravenously, or through other methods depending on the type and stage of cancer1.

Types of Chemotherapy Drugs

Alkylating Agents: Damage the DNA of cancer cells to prevent them from multiplying.

Antimetabolites: Interfere with DNA and RNA growth by substituting the normal building blocks of RNA and DNA.

Topoisomerase Inhibitors: Prevent cancer cells from dividing by interfering with enzymes called topoisomerases2.

Mitotic Inhibitors: Stop cancer cells from dividing by inhibiting mitosis2.

Antitumor Antibiotics: Different from antibiotics used to treat infections, these drugs interfere with DNA replication2.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects: Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and increased risk of infection12.

Managing Side Effects: Doctors can prescribe medications to help manage side effects, and supportive care is often provided1.

Uses of Chemotherapy

 

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