What is Cancer?

Introduction

Cancer is an umbrella term for a large group of diseases caused when abnormal cells divide rapidly, and spread to other tissue and organs. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world.

Growth and Metastasis

In a healthy body, the trillions of cells it’s made of grow and divide, as the body needs them to function daily. Healthy cells have a specific life cycle, reproducing and dying off in a way that is determined by the type of cell. New cells take the place of old or damaged cells as they die. Cancer disrupts this process and leads to abnormal growth in cells. It’s caused by changes or mutations in DNA.

DNA and Genes

DNA exists in the individual genes of every cell. It has instructions that tell the cell what functions to perform and how to grow and divide. Mutations occur frequently in DNA, but usually cells correct these mistakes. When a mistake is not corrected, a cell can become cancerous.

Mutations

Mutations can cause cells that should be replaced to survive instead of die, and new cells to form when they’re not needed. These extra cells can divide uncontrollably, causing growths called tumors to form.

Tumors

Tumors can cause a variety of health problems, depending on where they grow in the body. But not all tumors are cancerous. Benign tumors are noncancerous and do not spread to nearby tissues. Sometimes, they can grow large and cause problems when they press against neighboring organs and tissue. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can invade other parts of the body.

Cells and Metastasis

Some cancer cells can also migrate through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to distant areas of the body. This process is called metastasis. Cancers that have metastasized are considered more advanced than those that have not. Consequently, metastatic cancers tend to be harder to treat and more fatal.

Types of Cancer

• Carcinoma is a cancer that starts in the skin or the tissues that line other organs.
• Sarcoma is a cancer of connective tissues such as bones, muscles, cartilage, and blood vessels.
• Leukemia is a cancer of bone marrow, which creates blood cells.
• Lymphoma and myeloma are cancers of the immune system.
• Risk Factors of Cancer.
• Exposure to chemicals, called carcinogens.
• Exposure to radiation.
• Unprotected exposure to the sun.
• Certain viruses, such as human papilloma virus (HPV).
• Smoking.
• Lifestyle choices, such as type of diet and level of physical activity.

A healthy lifestyle can decrease your cancer risks. According to experts, here are the ways to prevent cancer:

1. Stop using tobacco and avoid secondhand smoke.
2. Eat a healthy, balanced diet:

• Limit your intake of processed meats.
• Consider adopting a “Mediterranean diet” that focuses mainly on plant-based foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Avoid alcohol, or drink in moderation. Moderate drinking is defined as one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than 65, and up to two drinks a day for men 65 years of age and younger.

3. Keep a healthy weight and stay active by getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
4. Stay protected from the sun:

• Cover up with clothing, sunglasses, and a hat, and apply sunscreen frequently.
• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
• Stay in the shade as much as possible when you’re outside.
• Avoid tanning beds and sunlight, which can damage your skin just as much as the sun.

5. Get vaccinated against viral infections that can lead to cancer, such as hepatitis B and HPV.
6. Don’t engage in risky behaviors. Practice safe sex and don’t share needles when using drugs or prescription medications. Only get tattoos at licensed parlors.
7. See your doctor regularly so they can screen you for various types of cancer. This increases your chances of catching any risks as early as possible.

Cancer treatment has different objectives, depending on the type of cancer and how advanced it is. These objectives include:

• Firstly, finding a cure: This is not possible for all cancers and situations.
• Secondly, primary treatment: Killing the cancer cells in your body.
• Thirdly, adjuvant treatment: Killing cancer cells that remain after primary treatment to reduce your risk of the cancer coming back.
• Lastly, providing palliative treatment: Relieving health symptoms associated with cancer, such as trouble breathing and pain.

Common types of Treatment:

Surgery – surgically removes as much of cancer as possible.

Chemotherapy – uses medications that are toxic to cells to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy – uses powerful, focused beams of radiation inside (brachytherapy) or outside (external beam radiation) your body to kill cancer cells.

Stem Cell (Bone Marrow) Transplant – repairs diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can have a variety of functions. These transplants allow doctors to use higher doses of chemotherapy to treat cancer.

Immunotherapy (Biological Therapy) uses antibodies to help your body’s immune system recognize cancer so it can fight it off.

Hormone Therapy – removes or blocks hormones that fuel certain cancers to stop cancer cells from growing.

Targeted Drug Therapy – uses drugs to interfere with certain molecules that help cancer cells grow and survive.

Clinical Trials – Investigates new ways of treatment.

Alternative Medicine is used to decrease symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea, fatigue, and pain. Alternative medicine includes:

• Acupuncture.
• Hypnosis.
• Massage.
• Yoga.
• Meditation.
• Relaxation techniques.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the direct cause of cancer is changes (or mutations) to the DNA in your cells. They can also occur after birth as a result of environmental forces. However, any type of cancer can be treated if found early in your system. You are advised to do a regular test or checkups with your doctor.

Mens Clinic International deals with any sexual problems that are related to Weak Erections, Early Ejaculation, Low Libido, STIs or Circumcision. Do get in touch with us to book a consultation with our professional doctors who specialise in Men’s Sexual Health.

Contact us now to find out more about Mens Clinic prices and the effects of weak erections. Or click here to book an appointment with one of our friendly doctors in your area.

To read more about cancer, click here.