What is "Cancer"?

Cancer is a condition where body cells undergo genetic changes, leading to rapid, uncontrolled, and unlimited growth. These abnormal cells can then spread to other organs, such as the lungs, liver, brain, and bones. This cellular abnormality can occur in any organ, including the lungs, liver, and breasts, with causes and risk factors varying depending on the location of the cancer.

Commonly Found Cancers Include:

1. Lung Cancer
2. Breast Cancer
3. Colorectal Cancer
4. Cervical Cancer
5. Liver Cancer
6. Stomach Cancer
7. Prostate Cancer
8. Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer)
9. Skin Cancer
10. Lymphoma
11. Bone Cancer, etc.

Causes and Risk Factors

1. External Factors (e.g., Infections and Environment)

• Chronic Hepatitis B infection increases the risk of liver cancer.
• Liver fluke infection from consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish increases the risk of bile duct cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma).
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection increases the risk of nasopharyngeal and cervical cancer.
• Frequent alcohol consumption increases the risk of stomach and liver cancer.
• Prolonged exposure to UV radiation from sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer.
• Smoking increases the risk of oral and lung cancer.
• Aflatoxin contamination in food (especially in nuts and grains) is a risk factor for liver cancer.
• Carcinogens found in grilled, smoked, or fried foods, particularly charred or burnt meat.
• Hydrocarbons and chemical preservatives like nitrosamines, or non-food grade dyes used in food, increase the risk of various cancers.

2. Internal Factors

• Genetic abnormalities or hereditary factors, such as those seen in testicular, breast, and ovarian cancers.

Symptoms of Cancer

• In the early stages, cancer often presents no symptoms. As the disease progresses (with growth rates varying by cancer type), patients may experience non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, feeling full quickly, and unexplained weight loss.
• In advanced stages, symptoms become more apparent depending on where the cancer has spread. For example, if it spreads to the lungs, it may cause a chronic cough, coughing up blood, or shortness of breath. If it spreads to the bones, it may cause bone pain or frequent fractures.

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following warning signs:

1. Abnormal bleeding from any orifice (e.g., rectum or cervix).
2. Difficulty swallowing or frequent chronic indigestion/abdominal discomfort.
3. Blood in the urine (hematuria).
4. Black/tarry stools or stools mixed with mucus/blood.
5. Hoarseness or a chronic cough.
6. Coughing up blood (hemoptysis).
7. Wounds or sores that are slow to heal or become chronic.
8. Unexplained lumps or masses in any part of the body.
9. Changes in moles, warts, or birthmarks (e.g., rapid growth or color change).
10. Loss of appetite and significant unexplained weight loss.

Treatment Options

1. Surgery
2. Radiation Therapy
3. Medical Therapy: Including Chemotherapy, Hormonal Therapy, Targeted Therapy, and Immunotherapy.