What is cancer

What is Cancer?

“Cancer” is the term we give to a large group of diseases that vary in type and location but have one thing in common: abnormal cells growing out of control. Under normal circumstances the number and growth of all our cells is a highly controlled mechanism. But when the control signals in one of these cells goes wrong, and its life cycle becomes disturbed, it divides and divides. It continues multiplying uncontrollably, and the result of this accumulation of abnormal cells is a mass of cells called a “tumor”. A tumor can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors are non-cancerous and are rarely life-threatening. They do not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Many breast lumps, for example, are benign tumors. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body. When a malignant tumor spreads, the malignant cells break off and travel through the blood lymph system to other places in the body to settle and multiply; or metastasize, resulting in a new tumor called a secondary tumor, or metastasis. The name given to the cancer, however, is reflective of the origin of the cancer, even if it has spread to other areas of the body. For example, if prostate cancer has spread to the liver it is called metastatic prostate cancer.

How does it start?

Cancer starts when one normal cell becomes cancerous. This happens when something disrupts the cell DNA, altering the instructional code that monitors the cell’s life cycle. One or more of a variety of risk factors may contribute to the disruption.

The most common cancer risk factors are:

• Genetic predisposition — Certain types of cancer, such as colon and breast cancer, often run in families. It is only the predisposition to cancer that is inherited. Other non-genetic (e.g. environmental) factors must be present for the cancer to develop. Having a family history of cancer does not necessarily mean you will develop cancer, but does however mean that you are at a higher risk. Knowing the risk factors and managing them can help prevent cancer.
• Estrogen exposure (women) — A woman is at increased risk for some gynecological cancers (e.g. breast or uterine cancer) if her system is exposed to too much estrogen, as this stimulates cell proliferation in these tissues. Factors that contribute to higher estrogen exposure include early menstruation and late menopause. The risk is reduced in women who have had a baby before the age of 35. Other factors that can reduce the risk include regular exercise and a low-fat diet.
• Ionizing radiation — Overexposure to ionizing radiation, such as X rays and nuclear radiation, can cause DNA injury that may lead to cancer.
• Ultraviolet radiation is the radiation from the sun. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays damage cell DNA and cause 90 percent of all skin cancers. Prevention involves reducing sun exposure, wearing protective clothing and applying a sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number.
• Carcinogenic chemicals — Chemical carcinogens such as asbestos, benzene, formaldehyde, and diesel exhaust are dangerous in high concentrations.
• Tobacco smoke — Smoking causes 30 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States, making tobacco smoke the single most lethal carcinogen. Smoking can cause cancers in the lungs and other organs. The best way to lower the risk of lung and other cancers is to quit smoking, or never start, and to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke if you are a non-smoker.
• Alcohol — People who drink alcohol heavily have a higher risk of mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, and liver cancer.
• Carcinogenic foods — There are certain foods that contain carcinogens. Foods that should be limited include salted, pickled, and smoked foods, such as pickles or smoked fish, and meats treated with nitrites. Foods that should be eliminated from the diet include meats that have been charred over a grill, as the charred area is carcinogenic. Taking Vitamin C, either through the diet or by supplementation, may protect against the cancer-causing effects of carcinogenic foods.
• Unhealthy diet — A diet high in saturated fat (especially from red meat) is associated with several different types of cancer, including cancer of the colon, rectum, and prostate gland. Risk can be reduced by reducing dietary fat in the diet, and by eating more soy-based foods, fiber, fruit and vegetables.
• Free radicals are dangerous, highly reactive chemical compounds that can damage DNA and lead to cancer. They can be generated in a number of ways, including oxidation of polyunsaturated fats. Antioxidants (such as Vitamin A and C) taken through supplementation, or a diet high in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, can reduce the risk.

The cause of the uncontrollable multiplication of abnormal cells, as well as how fast it happens, differs from person to person. Many people overcome the disease, and many living with the disease live fulfilled lives for many years.   Cancer Symptoms Symptoms of cancer depend on the type and location of the cancer. For example, lung cancer can cause coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Colon cancer often causes diarrhea, constipation, and blood in the stool. Some cancers may not have any symptoms at all. In certain cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, symptoms often do not start until the disease has reached an advanced stage. The following symptoms can occur with most cancers:

• Chills
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Malaise
• Night sweats
• Weight loss