Cancer Basics

Cancer Basics: A Simple Overview

Cancer is a group of diseases that involve abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Not all tumors are cancerous; benign tumors do not spread, while malignant tumors can.
Genetics behind Cancer:

Cancer is caused by genetic mutations that cause cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, which can result from a combination of inherited genetic factors, environmental exposures, and lifestyle choices. Major causes include exposure to carcinogens like tobacco smoke and radiation, certain infections (like viruses that cause HPV or hepatitis B), and lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, and excessive alcohol use. Age is also a significant risk factor, as the risk of cancer increases with age due to the accumulation of genetic mutations over time.

---

🔬 What Causes Cancer?

• DNA in cells is damaged, causing mutations.
• These mutations affect genes that control how cells grow and divide.
• Damaged cells grow uncontrollably, forming tumors.

Common risk factors include:

• Smoking and tobacco
• Excessive alcohol
• Radiation exposure (UV or medical)
• Poor diet and physical inactivity
• Viruses (e.g., HPV, Hepatitis B/C)
• Family history (genetics)

---

🧬 Types of Cancer

Cancer can occur anywhere in the body. Major types include:

• Carcinoma – in skin or tissues that line organs (e.g., lung, breast)
• Sarcoma – in bone, muscle, or connective tissue
• Leukemia – in blood or bone marrow
• Lymphoma and Myeloma – in the immune system
• Central nervous system cancers – in the brain and spinal cord

---

🩺 Common Symptoms

• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Pain that doesn't go away
• Skin changes (e.g., new mole, jaundice)
• Persistent cough or hoarseness
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits
• Lumps or swelling

Note: These can also be signs of other conditions — always consult a doctor.

---

🧪 How is Cancer Detected?

• Physical exam and history
• Blood tests (e.g., tumor markers)
• Imaging scans (e.g., CT, MRI, X-ray)
• Biopsy – removing and testing tissue
• Genetic testing (in some cases)

---

💊 Cancer Treatment Options

Depends on type, location, and stage:

• Surgery – to remove the tumor
• Radiation therapy – to kill or shrink cancer cells
• Chemotherapy – using drugs to destroy cancer cells
• Immunotherapy – boosts the immune system to fight cancer
• Targeted therapy – targets specific genetic mutations
• Hormone therapy – for hormone-related cancers like breast/prostate
• Bone marrow transplant – for blood cancers

---

🛡 Prevention & Early Detection

• Don’t smoke or use tobacco
• Maintain a healthy weight and diet
• Exercise regularly
• Get vaccinated (e.g., HPV, Hepatitis B)
• Limit alcohol intake
• Protect your skin from UV rays
• Regular screenings (e.g., mammograms, colonoscopies, Pap tests)

---

🧠 Key Takeaway