What Do You Want to Know about Cancer?

Introduction to Cancer

Cancer is a term used to describe a large group of diseases that can affect any part of your body. It is also known as neoplasms or malignant tumors. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, with almost 10 million deaths in 2020. The most common types of cancer include breast, lung, colon and rectum, prostate, skin, and stomach cancer. In the UAE, there are approximately 4,500 new cancer cases reported annually.

Understanding Cancer

Cancer is a disease that causes some of the body’s cells to grow uncontrollably and spread to other areas of the body. It can start anywhere in your body, as your body is made up of many cells that grow and multiply to produce new cells. When cells get damaged or grow old, they are replaced. However, sometimes this process breaks down, leading to damaged or abnormal cell growth and abnormal multiplication. These cells can form tumors that can be either benign or malignant. Cancerous tumors can invade or spread to nearby tissues and travel to other parts of the body to form new tumors. Unlike benign tumors, cancerous tumors can grow back after removal.

Signs and Symptoms of Cancer

It is important to know the signs and symptoms of cancer, regardless of your age, as they can help you and your doctor detect the disease and start early treatment. However, it's important to note that these symptoms alone are not enough to diagnose cancer. Some common signs and symptoms of cancer include:

• Lumps or thickness in the breasts
• Changes in the color or shape of the breasts
• Unusual pain
• A nipple that turns inward
• Coughs that won't go away
• Coughing up blood
• Mouth ulcers that last for more than three weeks
• Unusual swelling in any part of the body
• Changes in bowel habits
• Problems peeing
• Blood in the urine
• Changes in moles or new moles
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Persistent indigestion or heartburn
• Persistent bloating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Heavy night sweats
• Difficulty swallowing
• Breathlessness

Causes and Risk Factors of Cancer

There is no single cause for cancer, but experts believe that the interaction of various factors can lead to its development. These factors can be environmental, genetic, or constitutional characteristics of individuals.

Risk factors are things that increase your chances of developing a disease. While a risk factor does not directly cause cancer, it can make you more susceptible to it. Some risk factors associated with cancer include:

• Certain genetic disorders that affect the immune system
• Lifestyle causes like smoking and exposure to toxic chemicals
• Viruses that can cause cancer
• Family history and genetics
• Inheritance
• Environmental exposures to certain substances

Common Types of Cancer

There are more than 100 types of cancer, but some of the most common include:

• Carcinoma
• Sarcoma
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Melanoma
• Myeloma

Conclusion

Cancer is a serious disease, and it's important to be aware of its signs and symptoms, as well as the risk factors associated with it. If you have any concerns or questions about cancer, it is recommended to consult with the best general practitioners in Dubai clinics for expert advice.