Cancer – How it Develops and How it Can Be Prevented
Cancer is a disease that occurs when cells grow out of control and start to divide without stopping. These abnormal cells can form a mass of tissue called a tumor. They can also invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer is a serious disease that can kill a person if it’s not treated early and effectively. In recent years, scientists have made great progress in understanding how cancer cells work. This knowledge helps doctors treat cancer more effectively.
Cancer develops when changes (mutations) in genes break down the normal controls that keep cells from growing and dying at the right time. These mutations may be caused by things like radiation, tobacco, chemicals, and certain viruses. Some cancers can also be caused by genes that a person is born with or passes on from parents.
Mutations that change how a cell grows and reproduces are the basis of most cancers. Normally, when cells divide, they produce copies of themselves. But if a mutation causes these copies to make mistakes, the cells will continue to grow and multiply without stopping. In some cases, the cells will continue to grow and produce more and more abnormal cells. The abnormal cells may then build up and develop into a cancerous tumor.
The growth of cancerous tumors depends on a number of factors, including the amount of oxygen and nutrients they get from the blood. The growth of the tumor can put pressure on organs, nerves, blood vessels, and other structures in the body. This can cause pain, fatigue, and a lack of energy. Cancers can also produce other symptoms, depending on what type of cancer they are.
Because cancer develops over a long period of time, it can be hard to spot early warning signs. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you notice any unexplained changes in how you feel, look, or act. If your doctor thinks you might have cancer, he or she will be able to find out more about the problem and can recommend tests or treatment if needed.
Several types of cancer can be prevented by following healthy habits. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol can all help reduce the risk of cancer. Some cancers are harder to prevent, but even small steps can help decrease your chances of getting them. When all the evidence is analyzed, it appears that eight specific behaviors provide the greatest benefit in reducing cancer risk. These include maintaining a healthy weight, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limiting intake of sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats.
Cancer is a disease that occurs when cells grow out of control and start to divide without stopping. These abnormal cells can form a mass of tissue called a tumor. They can also invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer is a serious disease that can kill a person if it’s not treated early and effectively. In recent years, scientists have made great progress in understanding how cancer cells work. This knowledge helps doctors treat cancer more effectively. Cancer develops when changes (mutations) in genes break down the normal controls that keep cells from growing and dying at the right time. These mutations may be caused by things like radiation, tobacco, chemicals, and certain viruses. Some cancers can also be caused by genes that a person is born with or passes on from parents. Mutations that change how a cell grows and reproduces are the basis of most cancers. Normally, when cells divide, they produce copies of themselves. But if a mutation causes these copies to make mistakes, the cells will continue to grow and multiply without stopping. In some cases, the cells will continue to grow and produce more and more abnormal cells. The abnormal cells may then build up and develop into a cancerous tumor. The growth of cancerous tumors depends on a number of factors, including the amount of oxygen and nutrients they get from the blood. The growth of the tumor can put pressure on organs, nerves, blood vessels, and other structures in the body. This can cause pain, fatigue, and a lack of energy. Cancers can also produce other symptoms, depending on what type of cancer they are. Because cancer develops over a long period of time, it can be hard to spot early warning signs. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you notice any unexplained changes in how you feel, look, or act. If your doctor thinks you might have cancer, he or she will be able to find out more about the problem and can recommend tests or treatment if needed. Several types of cancer can be prevented by following healthy habits. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol can all help reduce the risk of cancer. Some cancers are harder to prevent, but even small steps can help decrease your chances of getting them. When all the evidence is analyzed, it appears that eight specific behaviors provide the greatest benefit in reducing cancer risk. These include maintaining a healthy weight, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limiting intake of sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats.