What is cancer?

It is a broad category of disorders with the characteristic of developing from healthy cells to malignant cells that proliferate and spread. Instructions from genes are transmitted to cells as to when they should begin and stop growing. Normal cells obey these instructions, but cancerous ones defy them.

According to WHO's estimates, around 33% of deaths from cancer result from tobacco, alcohol, a high body mass index (BMI), low fruit and vegetable intake, and inactivity without physical exercise.

Early detection and new treatments are making cancer curable, and patients are living longer with the disease.

What are the types of cancer?

There are more than 100 types of cancer. They are classified by medical experts based on the type of tissue they affect and the location of their origin in your body. There are three broad categories of cancer:

• Solid cancers: These are the most common type of cancer, accounting for between 80% and 90% of all cases. These include carcinoma, which develops in epithelial tissue, such as your skin, breast, colon, and lungs, and sarcoma, which develops in bone and connective tissues.
• Blood cancers: These are malignancies that begin in your blood or lymphatic cells. Examples include multiple myeloma, leukaemia, and lymphoma.
• Mixed cancers: Mixed cancers are those that fit into more than one group or subtype. Examples include carcinosarcoma and adenosquamous carcinoma.

What are the signs of cancer?

Cancer symptoms vary from person to person. They depend on the type and stage of your cancer.

General cancer symptoms may include:

• Tiredness.
• Fever that usually occurs at night.
• Loss of appetite.
• Night sweats.
• Persistent pain.
• Changes in the skin, particularly new moles or moles that change in size and shape.
• Unexplained weight loss.

Sometimes, other symptoms that are specific to a particular organ may be caused by cancer. This may include:

• You have blood in your stools or urine.
• The skin mole changes in terms of its size, color or shape.
• Coughing up blood.
• New lumps or bumps

This list is not all-inclusive. More importantly, you do not always have cancer if you have these symptoms.

The disease now termed cancer represents a group of diseases. Symptoms differ for various types of cancers. And you could have cancer for decades without ever feeling a thing. In other words, you may experience overt symptoms that worsen quickly.

Generally, if you have a change in your body that lasts more than two weeks, you should see your healthcare physician.

What causes cancer?

The main cause of cancer is mutations, which are changes in your cells' DNA. Mutations in genes can be inherited. They may also be caused by environmental factors that occur after birth.

These environmental factors, sometimes referred to as carcinogens, can include:

• Physical carcinogens, such as ultraviolet (UV) and radiation Air pollution, cigarette smoke, asbestos, alcohol, and contaminated food and water are mild chemical carcinogens.
• Examples of biological carcinogens are parasites, bacteria, and viruses.

What are the risk factors of cancer?

Cancer does not have a single cause. Instead, several factors can raise your risk of getting it, such as:

• Family background: You are more likely to have cancer if you have close biological relatives who have it, such as parents, siblings, or grandparents.
• Smoking: The risk of lung, esophageal, pancreatic, and oral cancers is increased when you smoke tobacco or use e-cigarettes.
• Environmental factors: Cancer can indirectly be caused by environmental contaminants such as radon, insecticides, and asbestos.
• Poor nutrition: Diet rich in calories from fat or sugar increases the risk of multiple cancers. Not being physically active also increases your likelihood of getting some cancers.
• Hormone therapy: Women who received a female gender assignment at birth (AFAB) and have been prescribed hormone replacement therapy.
• Hormone treatment: Women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) might face a heightened risk of developing cancer of the uterus and breasts when receiving hormone replacement therapy.
• Radiation exposure: UV radiation from the sun elevates your likelihood of getting skin cancer very highly. An overabundance of radiation therapy also could be another risk factor.

How is a cancer diagnosed?

A cancer diagnosis is first initiated through a complete physical examination. They will inquire about your family's medical history as well as the symptoms you have. They might also have to:

• Complete blood count (CBC), blood protein, and tumour marker tests are some examples of blood testing for cancer.
• Imaging tests such as iodine metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIGB), CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds.
• Biopsies, which can be nonsurgical (performed using a needle) or surgical (involving an incision).
• Genetic testing is utilized for the diagnosis and treatment planning of inherited cancers.

What is the treatment for cancer?

Depending on your case, medical providers may use several treatments at times together. Common cancer treatments include of:

• Surgery: Cancerous tumors that have not spread can be surgically removed.
• Chemotherapy: Uses strong medicines injected into a vein, or taken by mouth to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: High levels of radiation are used in radiation therapy to kill cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Uses your body's immunity against illness.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy targets the genetic mutations or alterations that trigger ordinary cells to turn malignant.
• Hormone therapy: Blocks the cancer-causing hormones. For example, men with prostate cancer may be prescribed drugs that suppress testosterone, which can sometimes worsen the disease.
• Bone marrow transplant: Healthy blood stem cells replace the bad ones via a bone marrow transplant.

The cancer treatments can result in a variety of adverse effects. Depending on the treatment you are undergoing and the way your body reacts to it, these side effects can change. Inform your healthcare practitioner about any adverse effects you experience during cancer treatment. They may be able to offer helpful drugs or treatments for you.

Can cancer be prevented?

Not all cancers can be prevented, especially when it is caused by unavoidable risk factors. However, you can do several things to reduce your risk:

• Quit using tobacco products or smoking. Talk to your doctor about quitting programs that can help you quit using tobacco.
• Follow your own healthy eating plan.
• Exercise regularly as part of your daily routine.
• Avoid environmental pollutants like insecticides and asbestos.
• Protect yourself from the sun's harmful effects.
• Undergo routine tests for cancer.

What's the prognosis for cancer?

Both you and your prognosis are different. Your prognosis will be decided by your doctors according to factors like:

• General well-being.
• Type of your cancer.
• Stage of your cancer.
• How you respond to treatment.

There isn't one single cure for this disease. Many people even find that the severity of their symptoms and indicators reduces as they react to treatment. In such cases, the medical world calls it remission. It's called partial remission if reduction in symptoms happens. A person is said to have had complete remission if all their symptoms disappear completely.

Results are different because cancer types vary and are treated differently. The prognosis is usually much more favorable when the cancer is cervical and treatment is initiated before the disease has spread. Still, treatment can slow the growth of your cancer, ease your symptoms, extend your life, and improve your quality of life, even though your cancer may have spread beyond its original location.

How can I take care of myself?

Self-care is what living with cancer requires, and it comes in many forms for each person. You can enhance your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being and reduce stress by treating yourself when you need it. Here are some ideas for self-care:

• Explore music therapy or art.
• Seek out a support group to talk to others who are experiencing similar things.
• Get a massage, but only after getting your doctor's permission.
• Consult a dietician on individualized tactics
• Practice meditation, yoga and enjoy your favorite film and book
• Watch your favorite movie or read a book you have always enjoyed.
• Take breaks not only when you can but also when you need to.
• Set your own "visiting hours" so that you can protect your downtime while still spending time with your loved ones.
• Talk about the psychological impact of your condition with a therapist or counselor.
• Maintain a journal to write down your thoughts.

Do things that make you happy and fulfilled. Find worthwhile activities to fill your time.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

If you have cancer, you should gather as much information as possible. You should ask your medical provider the following questions:

• What type of cancer do I have?
• Has the cancer spread to other parts of my body?
• How likely am I to survive?
• Which treatments are you recommending?
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of my treatment?
• How long will it take to begin treatment?
• Can I work while having cancer treated?
• Will my treatment affect my fertility?
• Will I need to stay in the hospital for my treatment?
• Would I be a good candidate for clinical trials?

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for cancer?

Tender Palm Hospital, owned by doctors, is renowned for attracting the most experienced professional in the country, with the finest neurologist and neurosurgeons specialized in cancer. Tender Palm stands out as the premier Neurology hospital in Lucknow, India. Boasting cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technology, Tender Palm ensures top-notch medical care for its patients.

To seek an expert consultation for any Neurology condition

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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