Introduction to cancer What are the first signs of cancer?

Samar samy
2024-01-28T15:29:59+02:00
general information
Samar samyChecked by adminSeptember 17, 2023Last update: 3 months ago

Introduction to cancer

Cancer is one of the most dangerous diseases in modern times.
It is characterized by the growth of abnormal and uncontrollable cells in the bodies of individuals.
Cancer causes radical changes in the tissues and organs it affects, greatly affecting their vital functions.

According to the World Health Organization, millions of people die every year from cancer, and it is a leading cause of death worldwide.
Cancer is formed by cancer cells that can spread through the bloodstream or lymph or invade the tissues surrounding organs.

Despite the seriousness of this disease, there is an advantage to its prevention and early detection, which can greatly affect the chances of treatment and survival.
In fact, research shows that early detection significantly increases survival rates in patients.

The causes of cancer and risk factors vary among them, and some of them include genetic factors, poor eating habits, smoking, chronic exposure to carcinogens, environmental pollution, occupational factors, and some chronic diseases such as obesity and hormonal developments.

Types of cancer vary depending on the organs in which they appear.
Some examples of cancers include breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and skin cancer.
There are also less common types such as pancreatic cancer, bone cancer, and brain cancer.

Despite the increasing incidence of cancer, research continues in the field of treatment and care for this disease.
Common treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, targeted and hormonal therapy.
However, there is no treatment that guarantees complete recovery from cancer in all cases.

In general, individuals should adopt a healthy lifestyle and follow Ministry of Health guidelines regarding nutrition, physical activity and pollution prevention to reduce the risk of cancer.
It is also recommended to conduct regular examinations and periodic medical visits for early detection of any suspicious signs.

Individuals should also be aware of common cancer symptoms and go to the doctor if they experience them, such as sudden weight loss, unexplained pain, the appearance of an abnormal mass, difficulty urinating, bleeding or skin changes.

It is important to be informed about cancer and understand it better, so that we can take preventive steps to protect our health and the health of our loved ones.
Always remember that prevention is better than cure, and raising awareness and getting regular checkups can make a big difference in the fight against cancer.

What are the first signs of cancer?

The first signs of cancer may include fatigue, a lump or thickened area that can be felt under the skin, weight changes such as unintended gain or loss, changes in the skin such as yellowing, darkening, redness, sores that do not heal, or changes in existing moles. Changes in defecation and urination habits.
It may also include other symptoms such as a persistent cough or difficulty breathing, unexplained weight loss, and wounds that do not heal.
If any of these signs are present, you should consult a doctor to evaluate the condition and perform the necessary tests to detect cancer.
Early detection of cancer increases the chances of treatment and recovery.
Treatment aims to get rid of the tumor, and may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.

What are the first signs of cancer?

How does cancer form in the body?

  1. Destruction and disruption of the structural parts of cells:
    A certain change occurs in cellular genes, which leads to deformation of certain parts of the cell, such as DNA, proteins, and enzymes.
    This breakdown and change in structural parts leads to a loss of control over the normal growth processes of the cell.
  2. Increase in cell division:
    Due to changes in cellular genes, cells begin to divide abnormally and excessively, leading to the formation of large numbers of pathological cells in specific areas of the body.
  3. Formation and enhancement of tumors:
    New pathological cells form cancerous tumors in affected tissues.
    These tumors consume the body's resources and the surrounding tissue space, causing the functions of nearby organs to deteriorate.
  4. Spread of pathological cells to other parts of the body:
    The destroyed cancer cells move through the bloodstream or lymph and settle in new parts of the body, where they form secondary tumors.
    This process is known as cancer metastasis and is a major cause of treatment complexity and patient death.

Understanding how cancer forms in the body can demonstrate the importance of basic principles of disease prevention, such as:

  • Follow a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity.
  • Avoid smoking and exposing the body to toxic chemicals.
  • Conducting the recommended early detection tests for early diagnosis and effective treatment.
  • Follow the recommendations of experts in the field of cancer prevention.
How does cancer form in the body?

Why does cancer have no cure?

  1. Complexity of the disease:
    • Cancer is caused by the transformation of healthy cells into abnormal cancer cells, and this transformation may have multiple causes and influencing factors.
    • There are many classifications and types of cancer, and each type has unique characteristics that affect its treatment.
    • In addition, there may be genetic mutations in cancer cells that cause difficulty in treating them.
  2. Resistance development:
    • Cancer cells may appear resistant to treatment after a period of time, due to genetic changes or their development to avoid the effects of drugs or radiation.
    • This resistance makes it difficult to completely eradicate the tumor or completely eliminate the cancer.
  3. Hidden cancer cells:
    • Some cancerous tumors may contain cancer cells hidden in other parts of the body.
    • Even after the primary tumor is removed, these hidden cells may metastasize and cause new cancerous growths in other places.
  4. Possibility of recurrence of the disease:
    • Even after successful cancer treatments, the disease can return after a period of time.
    • The cancer may have small, inconspicuous cells called “residual cancer cells” that can later grow and multiply.
  5. Challenges of scientific research:
    • Correcting cancer requires extensive scientific research and experiments to understand the nature of the disease and find new methods to treat it.
    • Scientific research is continuing, and despite the progress that has been achieved, there are still many technical and scientific challenges.

What is cancer prevention?

Cancer is one of the biggest health challenges facing the world today.
Although there is no sure way to completely prevent the disease, there are measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of contracting it.
In this article, we will take a look at some important preventive steps that can be taken to maintain good health and reduce the chances of developing cancer.

First prevention: healthy nutrition
Following a healthy and balanced diet is an important basis in cancer prevention.
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes should be included in the daily diet.
These foods are rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals and contain antioxidants that help defend the body against damage caused by free radicals.
You should avoid eating processed and highly processed foods high in saturated fats and salt.

Secondary prevention: early cancer screening
Secondary prevention is directed at people who may already have a type of cancer but have not yet developed symptoms.
People in certain age groups, those with a family history of cancer, and those exposed to risk factors such as smoking and radiation exposure should be screened for different types of cancer on a regular basis.
Diagnosing the disease in its early stages increases the chances of complete recovery and reduces the risk of serious complications.

Tertiary prevention: healthy living and avoiding negative factors
In addition to regular check-ups, cancer can be prevented by modifying some daily and dietary routine choices and taking into account some precautionary medical measures.
For example, you should completely abstain from smoking, as smoking is considered one of the main risks of cancer.
Research has also proven that drinking a large amount of alcohol increases the risk of some types of cancer.
Therefore, it is recommended to abstain from drinking alcohol or reduce it to a reasonable extent.

Advice for cancer patients - topic

What pain does a cancer patient feel?

When patients have cancer, they may experience many symptoms, including pain.
Pain is a common symptom of cancer and can vary in severity and is determined by the location and stage of the disease.
Therefore, early understanding of the patient's pain is important to provide comfort and appropriate care.

  1. Pain resulting from enlarged tumors:
    Patients may feel multiple pains resulting from the pressure of tumors on adjacent body parts.
    This type of pain can be constant or intermittent and may gradually increase over time.
    Examples of this include bone pain or pain resulting from the spread of cancer to vital organs such as the liver or lung.
  2. Pain resulting from treatments:
    Chemotherapy or radiation may cause pain as a side effect.
    For example, patients may develop skin sensitivity and irritation that may cause persistent pain or itching.
    The treatment can also cause pain in nerves and sensitive organs.
  3. Psychological pain:
    Patients may experience psychological and emotional pain as a result of the impact of cancer and its treatment on their quality of life.
    Anxiety, depression, and psychological stress may cause severe and persistent pain.
    In addition, psychological stress can cause actual pain to be ignored or exacerbated.
  4. Pain in advanced stages of the disease:
    In the final stages of cancer, patients may feel increased pain and fatigue.
    They may have difficulty moving around and need to spend more time in bed.
    Symptoms of weakness and fatigue become more evident at this stage.

What is the difference between a tumor and cancer?

  1. Definition of tumor:
    The term “tumor” refers to any abnormal formation in a tissue or organ that appears as a mass or swelling.
    Tumors may be benign or cancerous (malignant).
  2. Formation and change:
    Tumors and cancer are similar in point of history of formation.
    Both are formed due to abnormal cell growth.
    However, cancers differ from tumors in that they grow and develop rapidly and unregulated, causing cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body.
  3. Benignity versus malignancy:
    While benign tumors are often non-cancerous and not dangerous, cancerous tumors have malignant properties and have the potential to cause disfigurement of surrounding tissue and spread to distant areas of the body.
    In addition, malignancy can pose a real health and life concern.
  4. Diagnosis and treatment:
    Determining whether a tumor is cancerous or benign may require additional tests such as medical imaging, CT scan, and endoscopy.
    Treatment for benign tumors is usually simple and aims to remove the tumor, while treatment for cancerous tumors may require removal of the entire tumor and additional treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation.
  5. Possibility of return:
    The chances of benign tumors returning after treatment are usually low, while cancerous tumors may return more aggressively and greatly threaten the patient's life.
    Cancer requires careful monitoring of the possibility of recurrence and continued treatment to protect the patient.

What is the most dangerous type of cancer in order?

  1. Lung Cancer:
    Lung and bronchial cancer are considered among the most dangerous and common types of malignant cancers.
    More than one million three hundred thousand cases are diagnosed annually.
    It causes about 80 million deaths annually worldwide.
  2. breast cancer:
    Breast cancer is abnormal cell growth in breast tissue.
    It is considered one of the most common types of cancer in women around the world.
    It is estimated that about 2.1 million new cases are diagnosed annually, and it claims the lives of approximately 630 women each year.
  3. Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma:
    This type of liver cancer occurs in the bile ducts within the liver.
    Liver cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, and although it is uncommon in the United States, it is on the rise.
    The treatment success rate is only about 10-20%.
  4. Bowel cancer:
    Bowel cancer refers to abnormal growth of cells in the lining of the intestine.
    Bowel cancer may involve both the colon and rectum.
    It is one of the most common types of cancer and causes about 1.8 million new cases each year and about 880,000 deaths.
  5. Retinoblastoma:
    Retinoblastoma is a rare type of eye cancer that occurs in the cells of the retina.
    It can affect children and adults, and accounts for about 3% of all eye cancer cases.
    The success rate of treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the size of the tumor.

Is cancer scary?

Cancer is a major concern for many people.
It is usually associated with fear and fears of death and suffering.
However, it is important to understand that cancer is not necessarily a terrifying disease.
Medical technology and modern treatments have developed significantly in recent years, which has increased the chances of recovery and survival for many cancer patients.
In addition, you may have the chance to live a normal life with cancer, as people live longer than ever after a cancer diagnosis.

What are the types of cancer?

  1. breast cancer:
    Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women.
    This type consists of abnormal cells that multiply in the breast tissue.
    With early diagnosis, the chances of recovery from this condition can be increased.
  2. Lung Cancer:
    Lung cancer is one of the most dangerous and common types of cancer.
    This type consists of abnormal cells that grow in the tissues of the trachea and lungs.
    Smoking is usually a major factor in developing this cancer.
  3. Prostate cancer:
    Men develop prostate cancer, which is a cancer that grows in the male reproductive gland called the prostate.
    Although it may be slow to develop in most cases, it can sometimes be serious.
  4. Colorectal cancer:
    The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age.
    This cancer forms in the large intestine or rectum, where abnormal cells form.
    Regular colon screening can help detect this cancer early.
  5. skin cancer:
    This cancer occurs when skin cells grow abnormally.
    There may be several reasons for developing this type of cancer, including excessive exposure to sunlight and a family history of it.
  6. Cervical cancer:
    Women develop cervical cancer, which is a cancer that grows in the cervix.
    It is important to have regular cervical screening test for early detection of this cancer.
  7. Pancreas cancer:
    Pancreatic cancer is considered an aggressive cancer that is difficult to detect in the early stages.
    This type of cancer forms in the cells of the pancreas, which is found in part of the digestive system.

When was cancer discovered?

  1. in the old ages:
    • British archaeologists discovered the skeleton of a young man who lived 3 years ago in ancient Egyptian times, and they discovered that he had cancer.
    • This discovery is believed to have provided the first evidence of the disease in ancient civilizations.
  2. In the Middle Ages:
    • There were no accurate records of cancer detection in the Middle Ages.
    • Treatment with traditional medications and superstitious beliefs has been replaced by limited treatment.
  3. In the modern era:
    • In 1761, surgeon Professor Bernhard C. Heinerman from Germany made the first accurate and detailed record of a cancerous lesion.
    • In the following decades, scientists developed earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments.
  4. In the early modern period:
    • In 1913, physician Frederick Grann in the United States discovered an association between the spread of cervical cancer and infection with human oncolytic virus.
    • This discovery paved the way for the development of vaccines to prevent cervical cancer.
  5. In the modern era:
    • In 1971, US President Richard Nixon announced his declared war against cancer.
    • Since that date, research and development efforts have continued in the field of treatment and early diagnosis.
  6. In the early modern period:
    • Advanced technologies such as radiology, scanners, and radiography have made significant advances in diagnosing and monitoring the growth of cancer cells.
  7. In the modern era:
    • Future modular sensing for cancer treatment is becoming a sustainable pattern.
    • Currently, studies and research are continuing in the field of treating cancer, monitoring its symptoms, and early diagnosis.

How does cancer spread in the human body?

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Growth of the original tumor: The cancerous tumor grows at a specific point in the body and begins to attack the tissues surrounding it.

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Cancer cell detachment: Cancer cells separate from the original tumor and move to other places in the body.

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Spread via the blood and lymphatic circulation: Detached cancer cells travel through the blood circulation or lymphatic system to other areas of the body.
This type of spread is common among cancerous tumors.

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Getting trapped in other parts of the body: After arriving in new areas, cancer cells may get trapped there and begin to grow and multiply.

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Formation of secondary tumors: Cancer cells may grow in new areas to form secondary tumors.
These tumors can be malignant and spread to other places in the body.

Symptoms of cancer spreading:

  • Changes in the shape or size of organs or tissues.
  • The appearance of an unusual mass or swelling in any part of the body.
  • Changes in the external appearance of the skin.
  • Problems with the functions of the affected organs.
  • Symptoms such as pain, loss of appetite, or unexplained weight loss.

What analysis detects cancer?

Cancer screening tests are an important tool in diagnosing this deadly disease.
These tests rely on blood testing and detecting early signs of tumors.
Here are six common tests that can be used to detect cancer:

  1. Complete blood count (CBC) examination:
    A blood count test is used to detect changes in the numbers of different blood cells.
    A change in these numbers may indicate the presence of tumors such as leukemia.
  2. Breast cancer screening:
    Breast cancer screening is recommended for women over 40 years of age.
    This examination is based on a mammogram, which is a test that looks for chemical changes in genes that can indicate the presence of cancerous tumors.
  3. Radiographic examination:
    Diagnostic imaging is a necessity of life when cancer is suspected.
    It uses X-rays to detect abnormal tumors in the body.
    CT and MRI can also be performed to detect cancers of the brain, bones, and spinal cord.
  4. Tumor marker testing:
    This test is used to detect the presence of chemicals associated with tumors in the blood.
    These substances can detect changes in cancer-causing genes and help diagnose the disease.
  5. Tissue biopsy:
    Sometimes, doctors may need to take tissue samples to confirm the presence of a tumor.
    This is done by performing a biopsy with a fine needle and sending the sample for analysis in the laboratory.
  6. Laboratory tests:
    Besides the tests listed above, other laboratory tests may be used to help doctors diagnose cancer.
    These tests may be analyzes of plasma, urine, or stool, and these tests may reflect changes in enzymes or hormones associated with tumors.

How long does cancer spread?

The duration of cancer spread in the body is an important factor in evaluating and diagnosing the disease and determining appropriate treatment methods.
This duration varies based on the cancer profile and other factors.
Below we review some information about this:

  1. Detecting cancer in early stages: If cancer is detected in its early stages before it spreads to other parts of the body, the chances of treatment and recovery are generally more successful.
  2. Slow-spreading cancers: Some types of cancer take a long time to spread to other parts of the body, averaging about 75 days or more.
    In case of recovery, the chances of success are higher.
  3. Fast-growing cancers: Some types of cancers grow rapidly and may double in a short period of time, making them more challenging to treat and control.
  4. Cancer stage: The extent of the cancer and its development in the human body determines the stage of the disease.
    There are different stages of development, identified by numbers, such as stage 1 to 4.
    The higher the stage, the greater the chances of cancer spreading in the human body.
  5. Other factors: There are many other factors that can affect the duration of cancer spread, such as the type of cancer and its interaction with chemotherapy and radiation treatments, as well as the patient’s condition and immune system.
factorsImpact on the duration of cancer spread
Type of cancerThe time for cancer to spread varies depending on its type and how it reacts to treatments.
cancer stageThe higher the stage, the greater the chances that the cancer will spread to other parts of the body.
Cancer treatmentsChemotherapy and radiation are procedures used to reduce the spread and duration of cancer.
Patient's condition and immune systemThe general health condition and the strength of the patient's immune system affects his ability to confront the spread of cancer in his body.

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