Cancer: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

What’s covered?

An overview

The Different Types of Cancer

Causes of cancer

Treatments and management of cancer

Cancer Research

Diagnosis of Cancer

Conclusion

Cancer is a term used to describe a group of diseases that are characterised by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. These abnormal cells can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs, and can also spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and lymphatic system. There are many different types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer, to name a few. Each type of cancer has its own specific characteristics and requires different treatment approaches.

In this medically researched article we will provide an overview of the following topics:

1. "Cancer: An Overview of the Disease"
2. "The Different Types of Cancer"
3. "Causes and Risk Factors for Cancer"
4. "Diagnosing and Treating Cancer"
5. "Preventing Cancer: Strategies and Tips"
6. "The Future of Cancer Research and Treatment"

An overview

Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells that spreads throughout the body and harms your body in many ways. Cancer has the highest mortality rate and can affect people of almost every age and gender. Cancer has the potential to invade other organs.

Many causation factors are linked with this dangerous disease like smoking, virus, poor diet, exposure to certain chemicals, etc. In its early stages, cancer disease is known to be sub-clinical and doesn't show any predominant classical signs and symptoms. As cancer approaches the advanced stage, the signs and symptoms begin to appear.

These signs and symptoms include weight loss, unusual bleeding, extreme tiredness, enlarged lymph nodes, etc.

The risk of certain types of cancers can be minimised by avoiding the risk factors associated with cancer such as known cancer causing agents (example: carcinogens). There are some encouraging signs of success that have been noticed with tobacco control. According to the American Cancer Society, a remarkable reduction in cancer occurs with the prevention of tobacco habits.

This article will describe in detail the signs and symptoms of cancer.

The Different Types of Cancer

Ovarian Cancer

is one of the most deadly forms of cancer, affecting tens of thousands of women each year. While it is difficult to detect and often goes undetected until its late stages, there are steps that women can take to prevent and manage this devastating disease.

One of the key risk factors for developing ovarian cancer is being a woman over the age of 50, so it is important to get regular screenings and tests as you age. Additionally, there are certain lifestyle factors that can increase your risk of developing this cancer, including smoking and a high-fat diet.

To help prevent ovarian cancer, it's important to maintain a healthy weight and be mindful of the foods you eat. Limiting red meat and alcohol intake, and increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetables can help reduce your risk of developing this disease. Additionally, there are certain screening tests that can be done to detect ovarian cancer early on, including a transvaginal ultrasound or a blood test for the CA-125 marker.

Throat Cancer

Throat cancer, also known as laryngeal or oral cancer, is a serious and often deadly form of cancer that affects thousands of people each year. This disease can be difficult to detect, as its early symptoms are often mistaken for more common conditions like a cold or allergies.

There are several risk factors for developing throat cancer, including age, gender, and lifestyle factors. People over the age of 50 are at a higher risk for developing this disease, as well as men and those who smoke or use tobacco products regularly. Additionally, there are certain dietary factors that can increase your risk of throat cancer, such as eating a diet high in processed foods and red meat.

If you are at risk for developing throat cancer, it is important to take proactive measures to reduce your risk. This may include quitting smoking or using tobacco products, adopting a healthy diet and exercise routine, and getting regular screenings and tests that can detect this disease early on.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancers, affecting millions of people each year. This disease can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, or lifestyle factors. However, there are certain risk factors that may make you more susceptible to developing skin cancer. These include being exposed to strong sunlight and UV light over a long period of time, having a history of sunburns, and having a family history of skin cancer.

If you are at risk for developing skin cancer, it is important to take steps to reduce your risk. This may include avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV light, wearing sunscreen whenever you are outside, and getting regular screenings from your doctor. Additionally, it is important to be aware of any changes in your skin and to see a doctor immediately if you notice anything suspicious.

Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a serious and often deadly form of cancer that affects millions of people worldwide each year. This disease can be difficult to detect early on, as its symptoms are often mistaken for more common conditions like stomach pain or gas.

There are several risk factors for developing bowel cancer, including age, gender, and lifestyle factors. People over the age of 50 are at a higher risk for developing this disease, as well as men and those who have a history of smoking or heavy alcohol consumption. Additionally, there are certain dietary factors that may increase your risk, such as eating a diet high in processed foods and red meat.

If you are at risk for developing bowel cancer, it is important to take steps to reduce your risk. This may include quitting smoking or using tobacco products, adopting a healthy diet and exercise routine, and getting regular screenings and tests that can detect this disease early on. Additionally, be aware of any changes in your bowel habits or body and see a doctor immediately if you notice anything unusual. Bowel polyps are often used in the diagnosis of cancer, for more information on this subject read our article: What are bowel polyps?

Bone Cancer

Bone cancer, also known as osteosarcoma, is a serious and often deadly form of cancer that affects thousands of people each year. This disease can be difficult to detect early on, as its symptoms are often mistaken for more common conditions like an injury or broken bone.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a serious and often deadly form of cancer that affects millions of people worldwide each year. This disease can be difficult to detect early on, as its symptoms are often mistaken for more common conditions like stomach pain or gas.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the breast tissue. It is the most common type of cancer in women, but it can also occur in men. Breast cancer is often first detected as a lump in the breast or as an abnormal change on a mammogram (breast x-ray).

The main risk factor for breast cancer is being a woman, as men have a much lower risk of developing the disease. Other risk factors for breast cancer include a family history of the disease, increasing age, and certain inherited gene mutations, such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, change in breast size or shape, breast pain, and nipple discharge. Treatment options for breast cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. To find out more about diagnosing breast cancer, read our research paper on "when to worry about breast pain".

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that affects the lungs. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The main cause of lung cancer is tobacco smoke, both active and passive (secondhand). Other risk factors for lung cancer include exposure to certain chemicals and pollutants, such as asbestos and radon, and a family history of the disease.

Symptoms of lung cancer may include a cough that does not go away, chest pain, coughing up blood, and shortness of breath. Treatment options for lung cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.

Pancreatic Cancer

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects the prostate gland, a small gland in the male reproductive system. It is the most common type of cancer in men in the United Kingdom. Risk factors for prostate cancer include increasing age, a family history of the disease, and being African-American.

Symptoms of prostate cancer may include difficulty urinating, weak flow of urine, and frequent urination, especially at night. Treatment options for prostate cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.

Other types of Cancer include, but are not limited by:

Click the links on the articles below for more information:

• Mouth Cancer
• Stomach Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Testicular Cancer

Following are the signs and symptoms of cancer

1. Weight Loss

When you lose weight for no reason, call your doctor or GP. A loss of 10 pounds or more could be nothing to worry about. However, in rare cases of cancer, it may be the first sign of cancer.

You should also speak to a doctor if you have lost a lot of weight over the few weeks that can't be explained by changes to your diet, exercise, or stress.

According to the National Cancer Institute, about 45 percent of people with cancer report an unexplained weight loss.

The type of cancers often related to unexplained rapid weight loss includes lung cancer, skin cancer, breast cancer, and liver cancer. Despite cancer cells' effect, cancer treatment or chemotherapy has also often caused weight loss.

The medication used for the treatment of cancers causes a noticeable loss of appetite which indirectly leads to weight loss. Radiation and chemotherapy are also attributed to unexplained weight loss.

2. Enlarged Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes often become swollen when you have a fever, but if the swelling persists after you are well, you should talk to your doctor to find out if there are any cancer signs present.

Lymph nodes are the part of body's immune system and help to capture harmful substances in the blood. Normal lymph nodes are tiny and can be hard to find. But when the lymph nodes are infection, inflammation, or cancer, the nodes can get larger. The cancer cells can enter blood trapped in the lymph nodes and lead to the enlargement of lymph nodes. Possible signs of enlarged lymph are most commonly found in the neck region.

3. Persistent Ulcers

When the lesion on your body remain for a longer time and do not seem to respond to the usual treatment, you should talk to your doctor and understand if this may be a cause for concern. The patient may experience unusual bleeding from the cancer lesions.

The lesion changes its colour from the adjacent tissue, and the patient may experience unexplained pain in that area. Doctors will then take a biopsy from the lesions and examine them pathologically to rule out any chances of malignant or benign cancer. The pathological study will show cancer cells in the lesion, if detected.

Your doctor may advise surgical excision of the entire lesion. Sometimes the cancer cells may remain in the lesion which results in recurrent cancer.

4. Changes in skin of cancer patients

Our skin is the larger organ of our body and can be a window to our health. Jaundice is one symptom that could suggest a possible sign of infection or liver cancer. Contact your doctor if you notice any signs of jaundice.

Changes in moles can also be a cause for concern. A shift in the appearance of a mole should be assessed by a doctor. Similarly, a lump anywhere on your body should be examined by a qualified doctor. Changes to an existing mole on your skin such as itching, bleeding, or a change in shape or colour may be an alarming sign of cancer.

5. Feeling tired

Most often, cancer patients will experience feeling tired without doing any physical work. It is important to speak to your doctor if you feel unwell and tired and you are not sure why.

The bone and muscles of cancer patients become weak and are easily fatigued with minimal physical activity.

To view an at-home tiredness test, click here.

6. Changes in bowel habits

If you have noticed changes in your bowel habits and they last for a few weeks or more you should speak to a GP. Along with this, tummy discomfort, swollen tummy, blood in your stool, diarrhoea, or constipation for no obvious reason are signs of concern for cancer. For more details on diarrhoea and cancer read our article on Is frequent diarrhoea a sign of cancer?

In female cancer patients, vaginal bleeding has been also observed. Vaginal bleeding occurs in pelvic cancers. Find out if bowel leakage is a sign of cancer here.

7. Persistent pain

Pain is another symptom that can be caused by various diseases, but persistent pain for longer periods can also hint at an underlying disease. Cancer can cause pain in different ways, including the mass or cancer lesion pressing the nerves which send pain signals to the brain.

Generalised unexplained pain is one way our bodies show that something is wrong. Persistent unexplained pain could be a sign of something more serious.

Although shoulder pain is not often associate with cancer, it is a commonly asked question from our users. therefore Dr Williams has answered the question: Is Shoulder pain a sign of cancer?

8. Difficulty swallowing

If you feel as though food is getting stuck in your throat or you have trouble swallowing for more than two weeks, this can be a sign of throat, lung, or stomach cancer.

Similarly, it is normal to feel slight discomfort or pain sometimes after eating a large, fatty, or spicy food, but persistent heartburn or indigestion can link with cancer signs.

9. Frequent urination

Urine habits can also change with bladder and prostate cancer. Cancer patients will feel an urge to urinate frequently, and the bladder will be full sooner than usual.

The urine of cancer patients will contain cancer cells and other cancers marker. Pain during urination has been also observed in some cancer patients.

10. Cancer marker

A cancer marker is a specialised substance found in the blood of cancer patients. It can be seen in the blood under microscopic examination. These substances have been released by the cancer cells.

Different cancers have different cancer markers. These include CEA for lung cancer, CA125 for breast cancer, AFP for liver cancer, and PSA for prostate cancer.

11. Other signs and symptoms

a. Night sweats

b. Belly pain

c. New mole on the skin

d. Fatigue

e. Frequent flatulence - read our article on the link between passing wind and cancer

f. Burping - read our article on whether burping frequently is a sign of cancer

Causes of cancer

Genetic Factors

One of the main causes of cancer is genetics. Certain inherited gene mutations can increase a person's risk of developing cancer. These gene mutations can be passed down from a parent to a child, meaning that cancer can run in families.

For example, people who have a family history of breast cancer may be more likely to develop the disease themselves due to inherited gene mutations. Similarly, people with certain inherited syndromes, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and BRCA1/2 gene mutations, have a higher risk of developing cancer.

Environmental Factors

Another major cause of cancer is exposure to certain environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke, radiation, and certain chemicals and pollutants.

Tobacco smoke contains numerous carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemicals, and is a leading cause of lung cancer. Passive exposure to tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke) can also increase the risk of cancer.

Radiation, such as that from the sun or medical procedures, can also increase the risk of cancer. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can lead to skin cancer, while exposure to radiation from medical procedures, such as CT scans, can increase the risk of cancer in the affected body part.

Certain chemicals and pollutants, such as asbestos and benzene, are known to cause cancer. These substances can be found in the air, water, and soil, and can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, can also play a role in the development of cancer. A diet high in processed and red meats, as well as sugary drinks, has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. On the other hand, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help to reduce the risk of cancer.

Similarly, a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, while regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk.

Other Factors

There are other factors that can increase a person's risk of developing cancer, such as certain infections, certain medical conditions, and certain medications.

Certain infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B and C, can increase the risk of certain types of cancer.

Certain medical conditions, such as a weakened immune system, can also increase the risk of cancer. For example, people with HIV/AIDS have a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer due to their compromised immune systems.

Certain medications, such as those used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of chemotherapy, can also increase the risk of cancer.

It is important to note that not all cases of cancer can be prevented. However, understanding the various causes of cancer can help individuals take steps to reduce their risk of developing this disease. This may include quitting smoking, practicing safe sun exposure, eating a healthy diet, and staying physically active.

Treatments and management of cancer

This section will cover the treatment options and management for cancer.

Surgery

Surgery is a common treatment for cancer that involves the removal of cancerous tumors or tissues. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the cancer as possible while minimizing the impact on healthy tissues. There are several different types of surgery that may be used to treat cancer, including:

• Lumpectomy: This type of surgery involves the removal of the cancerous tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue. It is often used to treat breast cancer.

• Mastectomy: This type of surgery involves the removal of the entire breast, including the nipple, areola, and some of the surrounding tissue. It is often used to treat breast cancer.

• Hysterectomy: This type of surgery involves the removal of the uterus. It may be used to treat cancer of the uterus or ovaries.

• Prostatectomy: This type of surgery involves the removal of the prostate gland. It is often used to treat prostate cancer.

• Colectomy: This type of surgery involves the removal of part or all of the colon. It is often used to treat colon cancer.

• Lobectomy: This type of surgery involves the removal of a lobe of the lung. It is often used to treat lung cancer.

• Brain surgery: This type of surgery involves the removal of cancerous tumors or tissues in the brain. It is often used to treat brain cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment for cancer that involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. Chemotherapy drugs work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which includes cancer cells but also affects healthy cells that divide quickly, such as those in the hair, gut, and bone marrow.

Chemotherapy is often given in cycles, with periods of treatment followed by periods of rest to allow the body to recover. The side effects of chemotherapy can include hair loss, nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, and an increased risk of infection. Readmore about the relationship between chemotherapy, radiotherapy and treatment options for prostate cancer.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a treatment for cancer that uses high-energy beams, such as x-rays or protons, to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally, using a machine to deliver the radiation to the cancerous area, or internally, using a device that is placed inside the body near the cancerous tissue.

Radiation therapy can cause side effects, such as skin irritation, fatigue, and nausea. These side effects are usually temporary and go away after treatment is completed.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that targets specific molecules or pathways involved in cancer cell growth and survival. These therapies are often used in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to enhance their effectiveness. Examples of targeted therapies include monoclonal antibodies, which target specific proteins on cancer cells, and small molecule inhibitors, which target specific enzymes or signaling pathways.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is a treatment for cancer that involves the use of drugs or surgery to block the production or action of hormones that can promote cancer cell growth. This type of therapy is often used to treat hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. It works by helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. There are several different types of immunotherapy, including monoclonal antibodies, which target specific proteins on cancer cells, and T-cell therapies, which involve the engineering of immune cells to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Immunotherapy can cause side effects, such as fatigue, fever, and skin rash. These side effects are usually temporary and go away after treatment is completed.

Stem Cell Transplant

A stem cell transplant is a treatment for cancer that involves the replacement of damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy stem cells. Stem cells are immature cells that can develop into different types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

There are two main types of stem cell transplants: autologous transplants, which use the patient's own stem cells, and allogeneic transplants, which use stem cells from a donor. Stem cell transplants can be used to treat certain types of cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies that investigate new treatments for cancer. They provide an opportunity for patients to access new, innovative treatments that are not yet widely available. Clinical trials are an important part of the process of developing new cancer treatments, as they help researchers determine the safety and effectiveness of these treatments.

Palliative Care

Palliative care is a type of medical care that focuses on relieving the symptoms and stress of cancer. It is often provided in addition to cancer treatment and can help improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Palliative care can include pain management, symptom control, and emotional and spiritual support.

Choosing a Treatment

The choice of cancer treatment will depend on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and the patient's preferences. It is important for patients to discuss their treatment options with their healthcare team and to consider their personal values and goals when making treatment decisions.

It is also important for patients to be aware of the potential risks and side effects of each treatment and to consider the impact on their daily life. It is also important to be aware of clinical trials and to discuss them with a healthcare professional as they may be an option for certain patients.

Cancer treatment can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, but with the support of a healthcare team and loved ones, it is possible to manage the physical and emotional challenges of treatment and improve the chances of successful recovery.

Cancer Research

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