Cancer

Cancer

               The term Cancer is derived from the Greek word, which means "Crab and Tumor." Cancer is used to describe a large group of diseases that are characterized by cellular malfunction.

Cancer is defined as, " An abnormal growth of cells which has the ability to involve adjacent tissues and even distant organs and eventually cause the death of affected patients if it remains untreated."

Types

          Cancer has many types of cancer. It can develop anywhere in the body and also spread to the adjacent cells to destroy them. 

Cancer is divided into two categories;

1)  Hematologic Cancer

                                        Hematologic Cancer begins in the bone-forming organs, such as bone marrow, or in the cells of the immune system. It is also called Blood Cancer. Hematologic Cancer includes;

• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Multiple Myeloma

2) Solid Tumor Cancer

                                       Solid Tumor may be benign or malignant. Different types of solid tumors are named for the type of cells that form them. Solid Tumors include;

• Sarcoma
• Lymphomas
•  Carcinomas
• Brain Tumor
• Neuroblastoma

Tumor

             A Tumor is a mass or lump of tissues that may resemble swelling. All tumors are not cancerous.

1)  Benign Tumor

2)  Malignant Tumor

Benign Tumor

                         "A tumor is said to be benign when its microscopic and gross characteristics are considered to be relatively innocent, implying that it will be localized and is amendable to a local surgical removal."

Examples

• Fibroma
• Chondroma
• Osteoma
• Lipoma
• Lymphoma

Malignant Tumor

                              "Malignant implies that lesions can invade and destroy adjacent structures and metastasize to cause death."

Examples

• Fibrosarcoma
• Chondrosarcoma
• Osteosarcoma
• Liposarcoma
• Lymphosarcoma

Causes and Risk Factors

• Tobacco and Smoking
• Obesity
• Physical Inactivity
• Family History 
• Viruses
• Medications
• Pollutions
• Carcinogens
• Ultraviolet Radiations
• Poor Diet
• Stress/ Insomnia
• Weakened immunity

Symptoms

• Headache
• Seizure
• Vertigo
• Cough
• Dyspnea
• Lymphadenopathy
• Hepatomegaly
• Jaundice
• Skeletal Pain
• Skeletal Fractures
• Spinal Cord Compression

 Preventive Measures of Cancer

• Physical Activity
• Avoiding Obesity
• Healthy Eating Practices
• Reducing Occupational and Environmental Exposure
• Reducing Alcohol Use
• Immunization Against Hepatitis B Virus
• Safe Sexual Practices For Avoiding Cancer Genesis
• Limit Consumption Of Red Meat
• Get Regular Checkup
• Wear Sunscreen
• Eat a Plant-Based Diet
• Limit the Use of Salt
• Limit the Use of Sugars and Sweetened Drinks
• Limit the Use of Fast Foods and Other Processed Foods
• Eat a Diet Rich in Vegetables, Fruits, and Whole Grains 

The Diet Therapy of Cancer is discussed in the upcoming article where we will discuss how Cancer can be prevented and treated through optimum and proper nutrition and diet.