The medical conditions which pose a significant threat to human life are often known as life threatening diseases and they require prompt medical attention and treatment. Several factors are responsible for such diseases, some factors are:
•Genetic Mutations
•Environmental Factors
•Infections
•Lifestyle choices
They can affect anyone,regardless of age,gender or socioeconomic status. They often strike suddenly without any warning and gradually develop over time sometimes with devastating consequences.
In this blog post, we will look into one of the most common medical condition which become life threatening over a period of time. We will begin our journey by knowing about this disease along with its causes,symptoms,diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies.
CANCER
A complex and multifaceted disease which affects millions of people across the world is Cancer. On a global basis many people die due to this disease and it affects their families,communities and societies as a whole. Let's begin by knowing more about it.
>What is Cancer?
A disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. These cells are called Cancer cells or malignant cells which have the ability to invade surrounding tissues and organs which causes damage and disrupt the normal functions of the body.
>Types of Cancer
There are approximately hundreds of cancers each with its unique characteristics. However some of the most common types are as follows:
●Carcinomas: Almost eighty-five percent of cancer cases are of these type making it the most commont type. They arise from the Epithelial cells which form the lining of organs and glands.
Examples of carcinomas are ling Cancer,breasts cancer and colon cancer.
●Sarcomas: These are the type of cancers which arises from connective tissue like bone ,cartilage and fat.
Examples of sarcomas are osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and soft tissue sarcoma.
●Leukemias: These are the cancers which arises from blood cells like white blood cells,red blood cells and platelets.
Examples of Leukemias are acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
●Lymphomas: These are the type of cancers which arises from immune cells like lymphocytes.
Examples of lymphomas are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-hodgkin lymphoma.
●Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors: These are the cancers which arises from brain and spinal cord.
Examples are giloblastoma (brain cancer) and medulloblastoma (brain cancer).
>Causes of Cancer
It is a complex disease with several causes. However some of the known causes are as follows:
●Genetic Mutations: They can occur due to errors during DNA replication or exposure to environmental carcinogens. These Mutations have the ability to disrupt normal cellular functions which can cause cancer.
●Environmental carcinogens: Exposure to the smoke of tobacco,radiation and chemicals increases the risk of development of cancer.
●Infections: Some type of infections like human papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B increases the risk of development of cancer.
●Lifestyle Factors: A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of developing a cancer as diet is high in processed meat,physical inactivity and obesity.
>Symptoms of Cancer
Depending on the type of cancer symptoms may vary, However some of the most common symptoms are as follows:
●In the later stages,weight loss is the most common symptom.
●In the later stages,fatigue is also one of the most common symptoms of cancer.
●Particularly in later stages,pain is also of the most common symptom of cancer.
●Changes in the skin like a new mole or a change in size or a color of an existing mole can be indication of skin cancer.
●Changes in bladder or bowel habits such as blood in the urine or stool can be a symptom of cancer.
>Diagnosis of Cancer
The diagnosis of cancer mainly involves a combination of physical examination,medical history, laboratory tests and imaging tests. However,some common diagnostic tests include:
●Biopsy: It is a surgical procedure in which a sample of tissue is removed from the body and examined under a microscope for cancer cells.
●Imaging Tests: Tests like X-Ray ,computed tomography(CT scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) help doctors in locating and visualizing the extent of cancer.
●Laboratory tests: Tests like blood tests,urine test help the doctors in detecting cancer cells or abnormal levels of certain substances in the body.
>Treatment Options for Cancer
Depending on the type of cancer,it's location and it's stage,treatment is given. However some common treatment options are as follows:
●Surgery: For early stages of cancer,it's is often the first line of treatment.
●Chemotherapy: It is a type of cancer treatment in which drugs are used to kill cancerous cells.
●Radiation therapy: It is a type of cancer treatment which uses high-energy to kill the cancerous cells.
>Prevention strategies for Cancer
●Choosing a healthy lifestyle is essential for lowering cancer risk. Here are a few lifestyle alterations you could consider:
•Avoid Smoking: Cigarette use is a major contributor to cancer, especially lung, throat, and mouth tumors. Stopping smoking can greatly lower your risk of cancer.
•Sustain an Appropriate Weight: Carrying excess weight or being obese raises the likelihood of developing various cancers, such as breast, colon, and kidney cancer. Keeping a healthy weight with a balanced diet and regular physical activity may decrease your risk of cancer.
•Engage in Regular Exercise: Consistent physical activity can lower the chances of developing colon, breast, and various other cancer types. Strive to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each day.
•Consume a Well-Rounded Diet: A diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may lower the likelihood of cancer. Strive to incorporate a range of vibrant fruits and vegetables into your meals, along with whole grains, lean proteins, and nutritious fats.
●Immunizations and Diseases
Some vaccines and infections may elevate the chance of developing cancer. Here are several vaccines and diseases you ought to be aware of:
•HPV Vaccine: The HPV vaccine provides protection against cervical, anal, and various other cancers.
•Hepatitis B Vaccine: The hepatitis B vaccine can assist in preventing liver cancer.
•Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection: An H. pylori infection may elevate the likelihood of developing stomach cancer.
●Environmental and Workplace Exposures
Here are several environmental and workplace exposures you ought to be aware of:
•Radon Exposure: Exposure to radon may raise the likelihood of developing lung cancer.
•Exposure to Asbestos: Exposure to asbestos may elevate the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma.
•Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: UV rays from sunlight or tanning beds may elevate the likelihood of developing skin cancer.