27/02/2022
What is cancer?
Cancer is a large group of diseases that occur when abnormal cells divide rapidly and can spread to other tissue and organs. The main cause of cancer is mutations or changes to the DNA in your cells. These external causes, called carcinogens, can include: These risk factors can include: Types of Cancer Cancers are named for the area in which they begin and the type of cell they are made of, even if they spread to other parts of the body.
For example, a cancer that begins in the lungs and spreads to the liver is still called lung cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that starts in the skin or the tissues that line other organs. appendix cancer bladder cancer bone cancer brain cancer breast cancer cervical cancer colon or colore**al cancer duodenal cancer ear cancer endometrial cancer esophageal cancer heart cancer gallbladder cancer kidney or renal cancer laryngeal cancer leukemia lip cancer liver cancer lung cancer lymphoma mesothelioma myeloma oral cancers ovarian cancer pancreatic cancer pe**le cancer prostate cancer re**al cancer skin cancer small intestine cancer spleen cancer stomach or gastric cancer testicular cancer thyroid cancer uterine cancer vaginal cancer vulvar cancer The importance of early detection Early detection is when cancer is found in its early stages.
Some screenings, such as for cervical cancer and prostate cancer, may be done as part of routine exams. Screenings for lung cancer may be performed regularly for those who have certain risk factors. Skin cancer screenings may be performed by a dermatologist if you have skin concerns or are at risk of skin cancer.
Mammograms to test for breast cancer are recommended for women ages 45 and olderTrusted Source, but you may choose to begin screenings at age 40. The DNA in each cell has instructions that tell the cell what to do and how to grow and divide. Mutations can cause cells that should be replaced to survive instead of die, and new cells to form when they’re not needed.
Treatment Cancer treatment can include different options, depending on the type of cancer and how advanced it is. Different cancer treatments are often used together to remove or destroy as many cancerous cells as possible. It may be used to shrink the size of a tumor or the number of cells in your body and lower the likelihood of the cancer spreading.
This therapy is a common treatment for cancers that may use hormones to grow and spread, such as certain types of breast cancer and prostate cancer. It can also include trying new drugs. These factors can include: type of cancer stage of cancer at diagnosis location of cancer age general health Prevention Knowing the factors that contribute to cancer can help you live a lifestyle that decreases your cancer risk.
The treatment plan and outlook for people with cancer can depend on the type of cancer, the stage at which it is diagnosed, and their age and general health.
