What is Cancer?
Cancer refers to any one of a large number of diseases characterized by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. Cancer often has the ability to spread throughout your body.
Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the world. But survival rates are improving for many types of cancer, thanks to improvements in cancer screening, treatment and prevention.
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Lump or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin
- Weight changes, including unintended loss or gain
- Skin changes, such as yellowing, darkening or redness of the skin, sores that won't heal, or changes to existing moles
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Persistent cough or trouble breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating
- Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain
- Persistent, unexplained fevers or night sweats
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
Causes
Cancer is caused by changes (mutations) to the DNA within cells. The DNA inside a cell is packaged into a large number of individual genes, each of which contains a set of instructions telling the cell what functions to perform, as well as how to grow and divide. Errors in the instructions can cause the cell to stop its normal function and may allow a cell to become cancerous.
Risk Factors
While doctors have an idea of what may increase your risk of cancer, the majority of cancers occur in people who don't have any known risk factors. Factors known to increase your risk of cancer include:
- Your age
- Your habits
- Your family history
- Your health conditions
- Your environment
Complications
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Weight loss
- Chemical changes in your body
- Brain and nervous system problems
- Unusual immune system reactions to cancer
- Cancer that spreads
- Cancer that returns
Prevention
- Stop smoking
- Avoid excessive sun exposure
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise most days of the week
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Drink alcohol in moderation, if you choose to drink
- Schedule cancer screening exams
- Ask your doctor about immunizations
