Cancer

Cancer is not a single disease but a group of more than 200 distinct diseases characterized by abnormal growth of cells. Over time, these cells form masses of tissue called tumors, which may invade surrounding areas or spread to other parts of the body.

While not all tumors are the same, a cancer diagnosis profoundly impacts the lives of both the individual affected and their loved ones. The diagnosis is often perceived negatively, and the way others respond to it can sometimes exacerbate the emotional and psychological challenges faced by the patient.

Fortunately, advancements in modern science have made it possible to cure up to two-thirds of cancer cases. Additionally, since certain types of cancer are preventable or can be detected early—before they become invasive—healthcare strategies have prioritized educating the public on prevention and early diagnosis.

For instance, lung cancer, the most common cancer worldwide, is often preventable. Similarly, breast cancer, the second most common cancer globally, can often be diagnosed at an early stage, significantly improving treatment outcomes.

A tumor is an abnormal growth of cells that forms a mass that can either remain localized or spread to other areas of the body.

There are two main types of tumors:

• Benign (non-cancerous).
• Malignant (cancerous).

Benign tumors are non-cancerous and typically have the following characteristics:

• They grow only to a certain size.
• Their growth rate is usually slow.
• They do not destroy normal cells.
• They do not invade surrounding tissue.
• They rarely cause serious side effects.
• They grow in an organized and controlled manner.

Malignant tumors, commonly referred to as cancerous tumors, are characterized by their ability to invade and destroy tissues and organs, both near and distant from the original tumor. Cancer becomes fatal when it spreads extensively, damaging vital organs to the point where they can no longer function.

Cancer cells continuously multiply and aggressively attack healthy tissue. The behavior of cancer varies from person to person, depending on the type and stage of the disease.

While cancer can develop at any age, it is more prevalent in older adults, particularly after the age of 55, due to the accumulation of risk factors over time. However, cancer can also affect children and is, in fact, the second leading cause of death among children aged 1 to 15.

Cancer can be caused by internal factors, such as genetic predisposition, or external factors, such as environmental exposures and lifestyle choices.

Internal Causes of Cancer

Certain internal factors increase the risk of developing cancer, including:

• Obesity.
• Personal susceptibility to infections, such as sexually transmitted infections (e.g., HPV, hepatitis B and C, HIV).
• Family history of cancer.

External Factors of Cancer

There are nine primary external risk factors targeted by cancer prevention strategies:

1. Smoking.
2. Alcohol consumption.
3. Obesity.
4. Sedentary lifestyle.
5. Poor diet (low fruit and vegetable intake, excessive fat consumption).
6. Unprotected sex, particularly exposure to HIV, hepatitis B and C, and HPV.
7. Air pollution.
8. Inhalation of fuel smoke.
9. Exposure to contaminated materials (e.g., through unsterile injections).

Additionally, exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene and asbestos, is a significant external risk. Workers in industries like painting, tire manufacturing, distilling, and shoemaking are often exposed to benzene, while those in mining, insulation workers, and shipyard workers are frequently exposed to asbestos.

Other environmental factors that increase cancer risk include:

• Air pollution, such as automobile exhaust fumes.
• Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
• High levels of X-ray exposure.
• Exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

Cancer diagnosis is a critical process that should always be conducted by a pathologist. This involves examining either the entire tumor or a sample of it (known as a biopsy) obtained through surgical or other technical procedures.

The tissue sample is analyzed under a microscope to determine the origin of the cancer, referred to as the primary tumor. Any metastases—tissues that have spread to other organs—will share the same characteristics as the primary tumor.

To identify the precise location for a biopsy, diagnostic imaging tests are typically performed based on the patient’s symptoms and clinical signs. Common imaging techniques include contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Each type of cancer follows specific diagnostic protocols to ensure accurate detection and classification.

Many types of cancer can be prevented through proactive measures.

In cases where prevention is not possible, early detection can help avoid complications by identifying cancer before it metastasizes (spreads to other organs).

Several strategies are used to reduce cancer risk, including:

• Education: Raising awareness about personal risk factors and how to avoid them.
• Chemoprevention: Using medications, such as antibiotics, to treat infections that may lead to cancer.
• Preventive surgeries: Removing precancerous lesions before they develop into cancer, as in the case of cervical cancer.
• Systematic screening: Conducting regular screenings for high-risk groups, such as mammograms for breast cancer, colonoscopies for colon cancer, and PSA tests for prostate cancer.

The chances of survival depend on the cancer’s location and the treatment methods used.

There are five primary approaches to cancer treatment:

• Surgery.
• Radiation therapy.
• Chemotherapy.
• Hormone therapy.
• Biological therapy.

Doctors may use a single treatment method or a combination of several, depending on the specific case.

In addition to direct cancer treatment, supportive care is essential to help patients and their families manage the disease. Supportive measures include:

• Managing medication side effects, particularly nausea and vomiting.
• Pain management.
• Nutritional assessment and dietary recommendations.
• Psychosocial support.
• Palliative care to improve quality of life, especially during advanced stages of the disease.