Cancer
Introduction / Overview
Cancer is the name given to many diseases which, while different in their own way, start out with abnormal cells developing, multiplying, and then attacking healthy cells in an effort to destroy them. Cancer can begin anywhere in the body and then take over the entire body. Some of the more common forms of this disease, include breast cancer, brain cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and skin cancer.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Cancer symptoms depend on the type of cancer you have. Some common characteristics include development of a lump, feeling tired all the time, pain, having problems with swallowing or being hoarse, digestive problems, changes in a mole, skin breaks which won’t heal, weight loss, constant coughing, trouble with urinating or defecating, or having a fever.
If you have any or several of these symptoms, visit a doctor for diagnosis. You will be given a physical, most likely have blood and urine tests, and depending on where the potential cancer is, you might need to have a biopsy, or such imaging as a MRI, x-ray, CT, bone scan or ultrasound. If you do have cancer, a determination of the stage (1-4) or severity will be made and you will be sent to an oncologist for cancer treatment.
Known Causes
Mutating cells are the cause of cancers. The DNA within each cell is altered, the body cannot repair it, and cancer cells accumulate. The cells can form a tumor or, as in leukemia, the abnormal cells can attack and duplicate until they outnumber the normal cells. Several factors can be at work to make this happen. Genetics plays a part in a lot of cancers–you inherit the mutation in your genetic makeup. Or, cancer can be the result of life choices, such as developing lung cancer from smoking. Sometimes cancer is picked up from chemicals in the environment.
Treatments / Procedures
During the previous half of the twentieth century, cancer research produced more cancer cures and advancements than ever before. While many cancers still remain untreatable, others are no longer the threat they once were. There may be a primary cancer treatment, such as surgery, followed by an adjuvant treatment, like radiation therapy. Cancer treatments can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplants, hormone therapy, drug therapy, biological therapy and clinical trials, which use the newest research technologies.
Prevention / Vaccination
There is nothing you can do to absolutely prevent cancer. However, you can diminish your risk of developing cancer by certain lifestyle choices. One of the biggest things you can do is to quit smoking or never start smoking in the first place. Wearing sunscreen and not spending too much time in the sun are other choices you can make. Eat healthy, especially vegetables and fruits, and work exercise into your lifestyle a minimum of thirty minutes a day, three days a week. It is important to try to have a healthy weight and to have any regular cancer screenings that are recommended for your sex and age. There are vaccines which can lower the risks of developing certain cancers such as for papillomavirus (HPV) or hepatitis B. If you are diagnosed with cancer, it is very important to wear a medic alert bracelet or carry a medical ID card identifying your disease, meds, and who to call in case of emergency.
Prognosis / Management
Today there are many ways to fight and to manage cancers. Learn everything you can about the cancer with which you have been diagnosed. Seek cancer support by finding people you can talk to, whether in your own family, or at local or online support groups. Do everything you can to take good care of yourself, such as eating well, taking your medications, and reducing stress in your life.
Alternative Treatments & Products
Many people try alternative treatments for cancer, most often when all other methods of traditional treatment have failed. Some of these may have benefit for you and some may not. Among the most sought out are acupuncture, meditation, massage, hypnosis, and techniques for relaxing and reducing stress.