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CANCER:-

Cancer is a disease where the body’s cells grow in an uncontrolled way, forming a mass called a tumor.

These abnormal cells can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body, causing harm to the body’s normal functions.

COMMON TYPES OF CANCER:-

1.Breast cancer-

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of the breast.

It can occur in both women and men, but is more common in women.

It is a serious disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the breast

2. Lung cancer-

Lung cancer is a serious disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs.

There are two main types: Non-small cell lung cancer and Small cell lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer is more common and typically grows and spreads more slowly, while small cell lung cancer is more aggressive and tends to spread quickly.

3. Prostate cancer–

Prostate cancer is a disease that occurs in the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid. It is one of the most common types of cancer in men, especially in older individuals.

4. Kidney cancer–

Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the kidneys when cells grow out of control.

5. Bladder cancer-

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder, which is part of the urinary system. It often starts in the urothelial cells lining the bladder.

6. Pancreatic cancer-

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. It is one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of cancer.

7.Thyroid cancer-

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of the neck.

It is more common in women than men.

8.Liver cancer-

Liver cancer occurs when malignant cells develop in the liver. It can be primary (originating in the liver) or secondary (metastasized from other parts of the body).

9.Endometrial cancer-

Endometrial cancer is cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium.

It is the most common type of uterine cancer and typically affects postmenopausal women.

10.Melanoma –

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes, the cells that produce skin pigment.

It is the most serious form of skin cancer and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early.

11.Leukemia –

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood.

It is characterized by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells.

12.Colorectal cancer-

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum.

It usually begins as a growth called a polyp, which can become cancerous over time.

ETIOLOGY (CAUSES)OF CANCER:-

Genetic mutations.

Poor diet .

Lack of physical activities.

Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and obesity.

Exposure to certain enviromental pollutants.

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation and toxins.

Certain viral infections.

Auto immune diseases.

SYMPTOMS OF CANCER:-

A.Common Symptoms:

1. Fatigue.

2. Unintended weight loss.

3. Pain.

4. Changes in bowel or bladder habits.

5. Cough or hoarseness.

6. Skin changes, such as darkening of the skin, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

7. Changes in moles or skin sores that do not heal.

8. Difficulty swallowing..

9. Fever that doesn’t go away.

10. Lumps or masses, especially in the breast, testicles, or lymph nodes.

B. Rare Symptoms:

1.Paraneoplastic syndromes (uncommon conditions triggered by an immune response to cancer).

2. Neurological symptoms like seizures, headaches, or weakness.

3. Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

4. Abnormal menstrual cycles or unusual vaginal bleeding.

5. Voice changes or difficulty speaking.

6. Difficulty in thinking, memory, or concentration.

7. Unexplained bruising or bleeding.

8. Enlarged lymph nodes without an obvious cause.

9. Unexplained persistent nausea or vomiting.

10. Sudden vision changes

PREVENTION STEPS FOR CANCER:-

1.Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

3. Engage in regular physical activity and maintain a healthy weight.

2. Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption.

4. Protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.

5. Stay up to date with vaccinations, such as the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer.

6.Get regular screenings for cancer, such as mammograms and colonoscopies.

7. Be aware of any family history of cancer and discuss with your doctor.

8. Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins in the environment.

9. Practice safe sex to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

10. Stay informed about the latest research and guidelines for cancer prevention.

TREATMENT OF CANCER:-

Surgery: Removal of the cancerous cells or tumor.

Chemotherapy: Use of drugs to kill cancer cells.

Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.

Stem cell transplant: Replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells.

Palliative care: Care focused on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for cancer patients.

Precision medicine: Tailoring treatments based on a person’s specific genetic makeup and the characteristics of their cancer.

Immunotherapy: Activating the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Targeted therapy: Using medications that target specific genetic changes in cancer cells.

Hormone therapy: Blocking hormones that fuel certain types of cancers, such as breast or prostate cancer.

Radiofrequency ablation: Using high-energy radio waves to destroy cancer cells.

Photodynamic therapy: Administering a light-activated drug to kill cancer cells.

Bone marrow transplant: Replacing unhealthy bone marrow with healthy stem cells.

Cancer vaccines: Stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Cryotherapy: Freezing and destroying cancer cells.

Gene therapy: Introducing genes into cancer cells to stop their growth or kill them.

Supportive care: Providing strategies to manage side effects and improve quality of life during cancer treatment.

Herbal treatment:Dried leaves of Catharanthus Roseus(sadabahar).