Key Aspects of Cancer:

Common Types of Cancer:

• Breast Cancer:
  It primarily develops in breast tissue and is more common in women, though it can also affect men.. Early detection through mammography greatly improves outcomes.
• Lung Cancer:
  Often linked to smoking, this cancer affects the lungs and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
• Colorectal Cancer:
  Affects the colon or rectum, and is preventable with regular screening such as colonoscopy.
• Prostate Cancer:
  A common cancer in men, usually slow-growing and treatable in early stages.
• Cervical Cancer:
  Caused mainly by HPV infection, it can be prevented through vaccination and regular Pap smear tests.
• Blood Cancers (Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma):
  Affect blood-forming tissues like bone marrow and the lymphatic system.
• Oral and Head & Neck Cancers:
  Linked to tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and HPV infection, often affecting the mouth, throat, or voice box.
  
  

Common Symptoms of Cancer:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Persistent pain or lumps
• Changes in skin or moles
• Prolonged fever or infections
• Difficulty swallowing or persistent cough
• Unusual bleeding or discharge

Note: Symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of cancer.

Diagnosis and Screening:

• Cancer diagnosis typically involves:
  • • Blood tests and tumor markers
    • Imaging studies: X-ray, CT scan, MRI, PET scan
    • Biopsy: Removal and examination of tissue
• Endoscopy: Internal viewing of organs (for gastric, colorectal, etc.)
• Screening programs: For early detection in breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer
  
  

Treatment Options:

Treatment options are determined by the type of cancer, its stage of progression, and its location within the body. Common options include:

• Surgery: To remove tumors
• Chemotherapy: Drug treatment that targets cancer cells
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays to destroy cancer cells
• Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer

Targeted therapy works by aiming at specific molecules or pathways that contribute to the growth and spread of cancer cells.

• Hormone Therapy: Used in hormone-sensitive cancers like breast or prostate cancer
• Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant: Common in blood cancers
  
  

Focus:

The primary goal of cancer care is early detection, accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and improving quality of life. With advancements in medical science, many cancers are now treatable and even curable if caught early. Ongoing research continues to improve survival rates and reduce side effects of treatment