Introduction
Cancer is an umbrella term for a group of diseases that are marked by uncontrollable cell growth and spread throughout the body. Damage to the DNA section known as the genes causes it. DNA damage is referred to as a mutation. After that, the cells can infiltrate and destroy nearby tissues before spreading to other parts of the body via the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Causes
A variety of factors, depending on the type of cancer, can cause gene mutations. The following are some of the most common risk factors for cancer development:
- Inherited gene mutation in genetics.
- Tobacco smoke, exposure to certain chemicals (such as arsenic, asbestos, and benzene), radiation, pollution (including air, water, and soil pollution), and alcohol use.
- Lifestyle factors include an unhealthy diet, unprotected sun exposure, stress, obesity, and a lack of physical activity.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B and C viruses, Epistein-Barr virus (EBV), Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and other viruses can cause cancer.
Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, but the general ones are unintended loss or gain of weight, fatigue, persistent unexplained fevers or night sweats, and persistent pain. Specific to the affected organ, people might experience lumps, changes in bowel or bladder habits, persistent coughs or trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness of voice, a change in a previous wart or mole, unusual bleeding or discharge, and so on.
Prevention
Some prevention methods include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and alcohol use, eating a healthy diet, using sun protection, and protecting oneself from sexually transmitted infections. The importance of early detection in improving treatment outcomes and survival rates cannot be overstated. Regular cancer screenings, such as mammograms for breast cancer, colonoscopies for colorectal cancer, and Pap smears for cervical cancer, play an important role in improving survival rates.
Conclusion
Cancer is caused by cell overgrowth due to uncontrolled cell division caused by damage to a DNA section known as a gene. The signs and symptoms depend on the affected organ. Prevention and early detection are very important in prolonging one’s life.