Cancer is a term that is used to refer to a number of conditions where the body’s cells begin to grow and reproduce in an uncontrollable way. This rapid growth of cancerous cells is known as a malignant tumour. These cells can then invade and destroy healthy tissue, including organs.

Types of cancer

Cancer is a common condition and is a serious health problem across the world. It is estimated that 7.6 million people in the world died of cancer in 2007.

There are hundreds of different types of cancer. The most common cancers in the UK are:

• Breast cancer.
• Prostate cancer.
• Lung cancer.
• Cancer of the colon, or rectum.
• Bladder cancer.
• Cancer of the uterus (womb).

Risk factors for cancer include smoking, drinking alcohol, obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, and prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Treatments for cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Some cancers can be cured if detected early enough.

Making some simple changes to your lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of developing cancer. Eating a healthy diet, taking regular exercise, and avoiding smoking will all help to lower your risk of getting major health conditions, such as cancer.

Cancer begins with an alteration to the structure of DNA that is found in all human cells. This is known as a genetic mutation. The DNA provides the cells with a basic set of instructions, such as when to grow and reproduce.

The mutation in the DNA changes these instructions, so that the cells carry on growing. This causes the cells to reproduce in an uncontrollable manner producing a lump of tissue, known as a tumour.

How cancer spread in the body

Cancer sometimes begins in one part of the body before spreading to other parts. This process is known as metastatis. Cancer is known to affect two specific genes known as the:

• oncogene, and
• tumour suppresser gene.

The oncogene is responsible for encouraging cell growth. Cancer seems to cause the oncogene to go into ‘overdrive’ so that the cells grow and multiply at a faster rate.

Cancer also deactivates the tumour suppresser gene. This gene is designed to regulate cell growth by making sure that cells only reproduce when needed.

The combination of the overactive onocgene, and the deactivated tumour suppressor gene means that the cancer can quickly grow and spread to the other parts of the body, usually via the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system is a series of glands (or nodes) that are spread throughout your body, much like your blood circulation system. These glands produce many of the specialised cells needed by your immune system.

Once the cancer reaches the lymphatic system it is capable of spreading to any other part of your body, including your bones, blood, and organs.

How to tell you have Cancer

The symptoms of cancer vary depending on what part of your body is affected. However, cancer symptoms can be broadly grouped into three categories. These are:

• local symptoms – these occur when the cancer is contained in one part of your body,
• symptoms of metastasis – these are symptoms caused by the cancer beginning to spread to other parts of your body, and
• systemic symptoms – these are symptoms that are caused by the cancer having spread throughout your body.

Common local symptoms include:

• unusual swelling, or lumps,
• pain,
• jaundice, and
• ulcers.

Common metastasis symptoms include:

• swollen glands,
• coughing blood, and
• bone pain.

Common systemic symptoms include:

• weight loss,
• loss of appetite,
• tiredness, and
• night sweats.

Many of the above symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer. Therefore, if you have any of the above symptoms, you should not assume that you have cancer. Your doctor will be able to advise you.

Related Articles:

1. Causes of Cancer part 2
2. Tests to determine specific types of breast cancer treatment
3. Treating breast cancer — part 1
4. Introduction part 3: Treating cancer (1)
5. Cervical Cancer – Knowing is saving a life!

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