Cancer, also called malignancy, is an abnormal growth of cells. There are more than 100 types of cancer, including breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma. Symptoms vary depending on the type. Cancer treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery. Cancer harms the body when altered cells divide uncontrollably to form lumps or masses of tissue called tumors (except in the case of leukemia where cancer prohibits normal blood function by abnormal cell division in the blood stream). Tumors can grow and interfere with the digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems, and they can release hormones that alter body function. Tumors that stay in one spot and demonstrate limited growth are generally considered to be benign.
Differences between Cancer Cells and Normal Cells
Cancer cells grow out of control and become invasive. Cancer cells are less specialized than normal cells. Cancer cells continue to divide without stopping. Cancer cells are able to ignore signals that normally tell cells to stop dividing or that begin a process known as programmed cell death, or apoptosis, which the body uses to get rid of unneeded cells. Cancer cells may be able to influence the normal cells, molecules, and blood vessels that surround and feed a tumor an area known as the microenvironment. Cancer cells are also often able to evade the immune system, a network of organs, tissues, and specialized cells that protects the body from infections and other conditions. Tumors can also use the immune system to stay alive and grow.
Cancer Classification
There are five broad groups that are used to classify cancer.
1. Carcinomas are characterized by cells that cover internal and external parts of the body such as lung, breast, and colon cancer.
2. Sarcomas are characterized by cells that are located in bone, cartilage, fat, connective tissue, muscle, and other supportive tissues.
3. Lymphomas are cancers that begin in the lymph nodes and immune system tissues.
4. Leukemias are cancers that begin in the bone marrow and often accumulate in the bloodstream.
5. Adenomas are cancers that arise in the thyroid, the pituitary gland, the adrenal gland, and other glandular tissues.
Classification By Grade
Cancers can also be classified according to grade. The abnormality of the cells with respect to surrounding normal tissues determines the grade of the cancer. Increasing abnormality increases the grade, from 1–4.
Cells that are well differentiated closely resemble normal specialized cells and belong to low grade tumors. Cells that are undifferentiated are highly abnormal with respect to surrounding tissues. These are high grade tumors.
Grade 1 – well differentiated cells with slight abnormality
Grade 2 – cells are moderately differentiated and slightly more abnormal Grade 3 – cells are poorly differentiated and very abnormal
Grade 4 – cells are immature and primitive and undifferentiated
Most Common Types of Cancer
Oral Cavity Cancers, Lung Cancer, Brain Tumor, Skin Cancer, Throat ( Larynx ) Cancer, Liver Cancer, Bone Tumors, Colon and Rectal Cancer, Lymphoma, Breast Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Stomach Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Pediatric Oncology & Hematology, Prostate Cancer, Endometrial ( Uterus ) Cancer, Cervical ( Cervix ) Cancer, Thyroid Cancer and Ovarian Cancer.
What Causes Cancer?
Cancer is caused by a special type of microbe which gets inside of normal
Cancer cells actually form by one of two ways:
1. A special type of microbe is able to get inside of a normal cell.
2. A cell which is already cancerous, and already has many of these microbes, divides.
Actually, everyone has cancer cells forming in their body at all times. The immune system generally safely kills them. However, a weakened immune system and many other things can allow cancer cells to overcome the immune system. But the actual formation of cancer cells is exclusively caused by microbes which get inside of normal cells.
Risk factors for cancer
Tobacco use, Alcohol use, Overweight and obesity, Dietary factors, including insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, Physical inactivity, Chronic infections from helicobacter pylori, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and some types of human papilloma virus (HPV). Environmental and occupational risks including ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
Cancer Spreads
A cancer that has spread from the place where it first started to another place in the body is called metastatic cancer. The process by which cancer cells spread to other parts of the body is called metastasis.
Metastatic cancer has the same name and the same type of cancer cells as the original, or primary, cancer. For example, breast cancer that spreads to and forms a metastatic tumor in the lung is metastatic breast cancer, not lung cancer. Metastatic tumors can cause severe damage to how the body functions, and most people who die of cancer die of metastatic disease.
Cancer Causing Agents
Agents that may cause cancer include:
- Chemical carcinogens
- Ionizing radiations
- Viral and bacterial infections
- Genetic or inherited cancers
- Hormonal changes
- Immune system dysfunction.
Types of Cancer Treatment
There are many types of cancer treatment. The types of treatment that you receive will depend on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is.
The main types of cancer treatment include
Surgery, is a procedure in which a surgeon removes cancer from your body
Radiation Therapy, is a type of cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Chemotherapy, is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy, is a type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer.
Targeted Therapy, is a type of cancer treatment that targets the changes in cancer cells that help them grow, divide, and spread.
Hormone Therapy, is a treatment that slows or stops the growth of breast and prostate cancers that use hormones to grow.
Stem Cell Transplant, are procedures that restore blood-forming stem cells in cancer patients who have had theirs destroyed by very high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Precision Medicine, is an approach to cancer care that allows doctors to select treatments that are most likely to help patients based on a genetic understanding of their disease.
Some people with cancer will have only one treatment. But most people have a combination of treatments, such as surgery with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
Side Effects
Cancer treatments can cause side effects. Side effects vary from person to person, even among those receiving the same treatment. Some people have very few side effects while others have many. The type of treatment(s) you receive, as well as the amount or frequency of the treatment, your age, and other health conditions you have may also factor into the side effects you may have.
Common Side Effects Caused By Cancer Treatment Include:
Anemia, Appetite Loss, Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia), Constipation, Delirium, Diarrhea, Edema, Fatigue, Hair Loss (Alopecia), Infection and Neutropenia, Lymphedema, Memory or Concentration Problems, Mouth and Throat Problems, Nausea and Vomiting, Nerve Problems (Peripheral Neuropathy), Pain, Sexual and Fertility Problems (Men (, Sexual and Fertility Problems (Women(, Skin and Nail Changes, Sleep Problems and Urinary and Bladder Problems.
Change your habits, to defend your life
Cancer is a devastating affliction, the frequency of which is gradually increasing all over the world. Although it differs according to the type of cancer and where it occurs, cancer may be cured if you changed your food habits. The correct treatment starts from yourself by change your habits and return to the nature.
Foods and Habits to fight cancer
poor diet, exposure to environmental toxins, genetics, viruses or infections, high stress levels, poor digestion and nutrient absorption, and lack of physical activity. there’s mounting evidence that cancer risk can be dramatically reduced by following a healthy diet filled with anti-inflammatory foods and controlling other factors that kick off heightened oxidative stress. Lots of fruit and vegetables can help lower the risk of cancer and offer protective elements so these should be the bases of your diet. On top of that, obtaining enough healthy proteins and fatty acids keeps your immune system working properly and prevents muscle wasting, deficiencies, or hormonal and nerve problems. Leafy greens of all kinds, nutritious spinach, kale, collard greens, romaine, arugula salad, watercress, etc. Cruciferous veggies, like cabbage and broccoli contain contain sulforaphanes and indoles two types of strong antioxidants and stimulators of detoxifying enzymes that protect the structure of DNA and contain vitamin C. Other vegetables are beneficial for lowering cancer risk, including onions, zucchini, asparagus, artichokes, peppers, carrots and beets. Citrus fruits and squash, contain carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, cryptoxanthin) are derivatives of vitamin A found in many citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, berries, pumpkin, squashes and other plant foods. One of the most researched is beta-carotene, an essential nutrient for immune functioning; detoxification; liver health; and fighting cancers of the skin, eyes and organs. Freshly juice daily, drink a lot of glasses of freshly juice daily Fresh Herbs and Spices, turmeric, has been shown to decrease tumor size and fight colon and breast cancer. Additionally, other herbs include ginger, raw garlic, thyme, cayenne pepper, oregano, basil and parsley. Wild-caught fish, Wild and especially small fish, including salmon, mackerel and sardines contain Omega-3 . Omega-3 fatty acids exert anti-inflammatory effects, and therefore recent studies have connected them to cancer prevention and natural enhancement of antitumour therapies. Healthy Unrefined Oils, replace refined vegetable oils, hydrogenated oils and trans fats with quality oils, including flax oil, extra virgin olive oil, cod oil and coconut oil. These nourish your gut and promote better immune function, help you reach and maintain a healthy weight, plus flaxseed and cod liver oil contain essential omega-3 fatty acids that can help energize your cells. Essential oils, frankincense essential oil (Boswellia serrata) has been clinically shown to be a vital treatment for various forms of cancer, including breast, brain, colon and prostate cancers. Other helpful anti-inflammatory essential oils include clove, rose, tea tree and oregano oils. Mushrooms, reishi, cordyceps and maitake in particular can improve immune function and cell regeneration. Look for them in capsule or tincture form. Traditional teas, teas derived from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis, such as green tea it contains the highest percetange of polyphenolic compounds, catechin, gallocatechin and EGCG. The antioxidant EGCG appears to be the most potent of all the catechins, and its anticancer effects have activity about 25–100 times more effective than that of vitamins C and E.
Avoid These Foods
Sugar, Refined oils, Refined carbohydrates, Conventional dairy products, Farm-raised meats, Excess sodium and Processed foods.
Cancer Prevention
Cancers that are closely linked to certain behaviors are the easiest to prevent. For example, choosing not to smoke tobacco or drink alcohol significantly lower the risk of several types of cancer – most notably lung, throat, mouth, and liver cancer. Even if you are a current tobacco user, quitting can still greatly reduce your chances of getting cancer. Skin cancer can be prevented by staying in the shade, protecting yourself with a hat and shirt when in the sun, and using sunscreen. Diet is also an important part of cancer prevention. Physicians recommend diets that are low in fat and rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grain Some cancer prevention is based on systematic screening as early as possible even if there are no clear symptoms present. Breast self-examination, mammograms, testicular self-examination, and Pap smears are common screening methods for various cancers.