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Common Types of Cancer
Cancer
Cancer is a complex group of over 100 different types
of cancer. Cancer can affect just about every organ
in the human body.
How Does Cancer Develop?
The organs in our body are made up of cells. Cells divide and multiply as the body needs them. When these cells
continue multiplying when the body doesn't need them, the result is a mass or growth, also called a tumor.
The classification of these growths is either benign or malignant. Malignant is regarded as cancerous while benign is
non-cancerous. Rarely are benign tumors life-threatening, and they do not spread to other body parts. They can
often be removed.
How Does Cancer Spread to Other Parts of the Body?
The cells within malignant tumors have the ability to invade neighboring tissues and organs, thus spreading
the disease. . Additionally, cancer may spread to other organs if cancerous cells escape from the tumor and get
into the bloodstream.
This process of spreading is called metastasis.
When cancer has metastasized and has affected other areas of the body, the disease is still referred to the
organ of origination. For instance, if cervical cancer spreads to the lungs, it is still called
cervical cancer, not
lung cancer Although most cancers develop this way, diseases like leukemia do not. They affect the
organs that produce blood and the blood itself before invading nearby tissues.Each type of cancer is unique
and has a different course of treatment. What might work for prostate cancer most likely won't work for bladder
cancer. Depending on the organ involved, cancer diagnosis varies as well.
Causes and Risk Factors for Cancer
- Tobacco
According to the National Cancer Institute, smoking causes 30% of all kidney, pancreatic,
cervical, and stomach cancers and acute myeloid leukemia.
Quitting smoking immediately decreases your risk factor for
cancer.
- Physical Activity
Exercising at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week greatly reduces your
cancer risk. Exercise like yoga, aerobics, walking
and running are great activities to lower your
cancer risk factor. Not only is physical activity important to preventing other diseases, it reduces
the chances of becoming obese. Obesity is a major cause for many cancers. Exercising on a regular basis can
prevent prostate, colon, breast,
endometrial and lung cancer.
- Genetics
Genetics can play a big role in cancer, such as
breast cancer, taking extra precautions is vital.
An altered gene has been passed down when cancer is hereditary. Many hereditary
cancer are eligible for genetic
testing. Remember that having a family history of cancer does not guarantee that you will also get it. You
simply have a higher likelihood of getting it.
- Environmental Factors
The environment you are in can cause cancer.
Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals used in residential and commercial building materials, can result
in a number of health issues, including mesothelioma.According to studies, those who are exposed
to large amounts of benzene run the risk of developing cancer. The chemical benzene is present in
tobacco smoke, gasoline, and pollution.
- Unsafe Sex
Safeless sex Having unclean sex increases your risk of getting the HPV virus.
Over 100 viruses collectively known as HPV are HPV increases your risk factor for cervical,
anal, vulvar and vaginal cancer.
There is a test available to see if you have contracted HPV. It involves scraping of cervical cells and then the
sample is sent to a lab. The lab test can even identify the strain of the virus, also.
- Sun Exposure
Skin cancer is caused by exposure to the UV rays of the sun. A sunburn, or a tan
is actually the result of cell damage caused by the sun. Skin cancer can be
prevented in most cases. Wearing sunscreen when outdoors and staying out of the sun between the hours of 10 a.m.
and 2 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest is your best defense.