What is cancer
Cancer is not a single disease. In fact, there are over a hundred different diseases. Because the cells in the body are different, the type of cancer depends on the type of cell it comes from. However, what all cancers have in common is abnormal cell growth. This is called malignancy, which is a tendency to gradually worsen and eventually lead to death.
A large category of cancers is known as carcinoma. These are the most common. They come from cells in tissues that line or line tissues, such as the skin and mucous membranes of organs such as the lungs, stomach, gastrointestinal tract, and mouth. Sarcoma is another important category, very cancerous, but not as common. These come from connective tissues, such as cartilage, muscles, and bones. Several other types, such as B leukemia, do not fall into any of these general categories.
Cells in the body usually die, but others divide in half, replacing the lost ones. In cancer cells, however, the regulation of cell division is disrupted. This is how some cells become cancerous. At first, there may be only a few of the most normal millions. But as soon as cancer starts, these cells start to grow abnormally and out of control. They divide much faster than they should and over time form a lump or tumor.
As cancer cells multiply, they tend to expel normal cells, sometimes depriving them of the food they need. Some tumors tend to exceed the limit of their blood supply, so parts of the tumor can degenerate from lack of food and turn into smelly sores, even if they are still malignant and growing. Ultimately, cancer destroys everything in its own way. When cancerous tumors invade vital organs, their function is impaired. Death is often accelerated by dysfunction of this organ.
One of the main characteristics of cancer cells is the ability to metastasize, that is, to break away from the original tumor and move to other parts of the body. This can happen through the arteries and veins of the bloodstream or the lymphatic ducts through which the watery fluid called lymph flows. The traveling cancer cells then settle in other parts of the body and begin to develop additional or secondary tumors called metastases.
However, not all tumors are cancerous or malignant. Some are benign or non-cancerous. Although they are also flowers, they remain localized and generally encapsulated. They are only dangerous if, due to their size or location, they continue to grow and damage vital organs or functions. For example, a relatively small benign brain tumor can cause pressure death on the brain because the rigid skull does not allow for expansion. However, a much larger benign tumor elsewhere may not be fatal if there is more room for growth.
Warning sign?
Are there any warning signs that cancer is starting? At the beginning, there is no clear and precise warning. It can be placed where it cannot be seen or heard.
In the early stages of cancer, it is usually painless. When the cancer reaches a dangerous stage, it can usually become painful. This happens when the tumor puts pressure on a sensitive area or when a vital internal pathway such as the intestines or urinary tract is blocked.
While the early stages are difficult, if not impossible to identify, there are things a person can look for. This may indicate that there is a case of cancerous or real cancer. The American Cancer Society lists seven warning signs.
Of course, other diseases can be responsible for these conditions. And they might have nothing to do with cancer. However, since these conditions can be warning signs of cancer, they deserve immediate attention. And the earlier the cancer is treated, the more effective the treatment will be.
Does a certain age group seem to have more cancer? Although it occurs in young and old alike, it certainly has a much higher cost in older groups, although some types affect younger people more often. Therefore, it can be said that cancer in general is mainly a disease of old age.
What causes cancer
Why do cells grow in the wild? And why do some people have cancer and others whose circumstances are not the same?
It turns out that some people are more prone to cancer than others. When a certain factor or a combination of factors develops, the most vulnerable people can develop cancer.
Of course, there are degrees of sensitivity. For example when it comes to smoking. If no one smoked, no one would get lung cancer from smoking. However, heavy smokers are ten to twenty times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers. This does not mean that smoking affects everyone the same. Heavy smokers don't have lung cancer either. Their resistance to this is obviously greater.
So it can be seen that there are a number of variable factors that can increase the likelihood that some people will develop cancer. Over the years, some of the factors that "cause" or increase the risk of suffering have been observed: cigarette smoke, radiation energy from the sun and X-rays, certain chemicals or combinations of these, including various abnormalities. hereditary and congenital, chronic tissue irritation, hormonal imbalance and possibly emotional factors. Viruses have been shown to "cause" cancer in animals in recent years, but their role in human cancer is not fully understood.
However, for cancer to occur where there is a "cause" there must be some fundamental defect in the body's immune system. This means that the body's defenses against disease are somehow destroyed.