Cancer refers to a type of disease which is caused by uncontrolled cell growth in the body. There are more than 100 different cancer types, which is distinguished by the kind of cell that is primarily affected. The common types of cancer include lung cancer and cervical cancer. Lung cancer is caused by the abnormality of the cells in the lung, while cervical cancer occurs in the cervix of a woman’s body. Blood cancer affects the bone marrow, leading to unnatural growth of a certain kind of blood cell. While lung cancer and blood cancer may affect men, women and children of all age groups, cervical cancer only occurs in women.
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Causes of Cancer
Cancer is caused by the normal cells of the human body. When the body needs cells, they grow, and when the need is complete, the cells die. Cancer seems to occur when the body creates uncontrollable amount of cells which divide too fast. It may even occur when the cells fail to die. Cancer may develop in any tissue or organ like the lung, cervix, blood, breast, bones, skin, and colon or nerve tissue. The common causes of cancer may be attributed to the following:
• Chemicals like benzene.
• Alcohol.
• Environmental toxins like aflatoxins (a poison growing on peanut plants) or poisonous mushrooms.
• Excessive exposure to sunlight.
• Genetic defects.
• Radiation.
• Obesity.
• Viruses.
Symptoms of Cancer
There are no specific signs or symptoms which exclusively indicate cancer. The symptoms may even be explained by the occurrence of a harmless condition. Furthermore, symptoms vary between the different types of cancer. The common cancer symptoms include:
• Blood in the saliva or persistent cough.
• Change in metabolism.
• Bloody stool.
• Unexplained anemia.
• Breast discharge or lump.
• Testicular lump.
• Change in urination.
• Blood in urine.
• Swollen glands or persistent lump.
• Hoarse voice.
• Distinctive change in a mole or wart.
• Problems with swallowing or indigestion.
• Vaginal discharge or bleeding.
• Unforeseen weight loss or fever.
• Persistent itching in the anus or genitals.
• Headache, backache, bloating, pelvic pain.
Treatment of Cancer
Cancer treatment varies according to the type and stage of the disease. If the disease spreads to a particular area, the most common approach is surgery.
Lung cancer: Lung cancer may be cured with therapy that can be curative (involving eradication) or palliative (which does not cure the cancer, but reduces the pain). Adjuvant therapy is often prescribed, involving radiotherapy or chemotherapy after surgical removal of the tumor. It kills the remaining cells that linger post-surgery. Gefitinib (Iressa) and Erlotinib (Tarceva) are used in patients who are not responding to chemotherapy. The drugs promote cell division by focusing on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein. Antiangiogenesis drugs like bevacizumab (Avastin) may also be used to block the growth of certain blood cells within the cancer. Cetuximab is used to target the epidermal growth factor receptor.
Cervical cancer: Cervical cancer may be treated by preventing the precancerous cells from becoming cancerous. This is indicated by a Pap smear which examines the cells taken from the cervix. HPV or human papillomavirus tests check the DNA for any abnormality in the cervical cells. Colposcopy may be done for checking any symptoms of cervical cancer. If there is an abnormality, the doctor conducts a biopsy which removes a small amount of tissue. Regular pelvic examinations may even be conducted to ensure the health of the vagina, cervix, rectum, uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Carboplatin, Mitomycin, and Docetaxel are the commonly recommended medications.
Blood Cancer: This type of cancer can be treated with chemotherapy which destroys the affected cells by administering anti-cancer drugs such as arsenic trioxide, daunorubicin and idarubicin. Interferon therapy slows down cell reproduction and allows the immune system to build considerable anti-leukemia activity. Stem cell transplantation helps treatment using radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Surgery may be used to eliminate an enlarged spleen or insert a venous access device for withdrawing blood samples or administer medications.
Self-medication of Cancer
Cancer disease may be prevented by making certain lifestyle changes. A healthy diet is a must. You should follow a regular exercising regime and limit your intake of tobacco and alcohol. Maintaining optimum weight is compulsory as is limiting your exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation. A few home remedies to prevent cancer may include intake of broccoli, turmeric, grapes, green tea, and soy.
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