Cancer – Causes, Symptoms and Prevention
Cancer is an abnormal group of cells that can start in many different parts of the body and spread to other areas. Symptoms of cancer are often difficult to recognize because they can be very similar to symptoms of other conditions. This is why it is important to be screened regularly.
The causes of cancer are many and vary greatly from person to person. These include lifestyle habits, genes you get from your parents and environmental factors such as smoking or sun exposure.
How cancer starts is usually a result of genetic changes that occur within the DNA of the cell. These changes cause the cells to mutate and divide in an abnormal way. This process can go on for years, as the mutated cells slowly build up to form a tumor or cancerous mass of tissue.
These tumors can become large and may spread to other parts of the body, which is called metastasis. These other areas can be bone marrow, the blood or lymph fluid.
The tumor can also grow in another part of the body by spreading through the bloodstream to other organs, such as the lungs or brain. These are called metastases and can lead to death if not treated.
Some people with cancer have no known symptoms of the disease, so they are diagnosed when a doctor finds a lump or other area that looks abnormal during a screening test. These tests can include colonoscopies, mammograms and a Pap test.
When the diagnosis is made, it is important to talk with the doctor about your goals and treatment options. The team will weigh the risks and side effects of various treatments against the potential benefits.
One of the most important aspects of a cancer prevention plan is a healthy diet. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts and omega-3 fatty acids helps prevent certain types of cancers.
Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that help prevent cancer-causing free radicals from forming. Berries are a good source of these antioxidants, as are citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables.
Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to reduce the risk of some types of cancers. Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and herring are great choices for a healthy, anti-cancer diet.
A diet rich in protein, especially lean meats and fish, helps to keep cancer-causing agents from forming. Proteins are also needed to make new cells and repair damaged ones.
Avoiding high-fat, processed foods can also help to prevent some types of cancer. These are high in calories and can cause weight gain, which may increase the risk of cancer.
Other healthy choices for a cancer-fighting diet include berries, nuts and seeds. These foods are high in protein and fiber, which can help to keep the immune system strong and protect against cancer.
The best way to prevent cancer is by keeping up with regular checkups and screenings, such as a yearly physical exam and routine testing for colon, breast, prostate and lung cancers. These tests can catch problems early and allow treatment to begin before the disease progresses.
Cancer is an abnormal group of cells that can start in many different parts of the body and spread to other areas. Symptoms of cancer are often difficult to recognize because they can be very similar to symptoms of other conditions. This is why it is important to be screened regularly. The causes of cancer are many and vary greatly from person to person. These include lifestyle habits, genes you get from your parents and environmental factors such as smoking or sun exposure. How cancer starts is usually a result of genetic changes that occur within the DNA of the cell. These changes cause the cells to mutate and divide in an abnormal way. This process can go on for years, as the mutated cells slowly build up to form a tumor or cancerous mass of tissue. These tumors can become large and may spread to other parts of the body, which is called metastasis. These other areas can be bone marrow, the blood or lymph fluid. The tumor can also grow in another part of the body by spreading through the bloodstream to other organs, such as the lungs or brain. These are called metastases and can lead to death if not treated. Some people with cancer have no known symptoms of the disease, so they are diagnosed when a doctor finds a lump or other area that looks abnormal during a screening test. These tests can include colonoscopies, mammograms and a Pap test. When the diagnosis is made, it is important to talk with the doctor about your goals and treatment options. The team will weigh the risks and side effects of various treatments against the potential benefits. One of the most important aspects of a cancer prevention plan is a healthy diet. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts and omega-3 fatty acids helps prevent certain types of cancers. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that help prevent cancer-causing free radicals from forming. Berries are a good source of these antioxidants, as are citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables. Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to reduce the risk of some types of cancers. Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and herring are great choices for a healthy, anti-cancer diet. A diet rich in protein, especially lean meats and fish, helps to keep cancer-causing agents from forming. Proteins are also needed to make new cells and repair damaged ones. Avoiding high-fat, processed foods can also help to prevent some types of cancer. These are high in calories and can cause weight gain, which may increase the risk of cancer. Other healthy choices for a cancer-fighting diet include berries, nuts and seeds. These foods are high in protein and fiber, which can help to keep the immune system strong and protect against cancer. The best way to prevent cancer is by keeping up with regular checkups and screenings, such as a yearly physical exam and routine testing for colon, breast, prostate and lung cancers. These tests can catch problems early and allow treatment to begin before the disease progresses.