The Basics of Cancer
The medical term cancer refers to the disease, which is a class of diseases with more than 200 different types. The body’s immune system, which helps fight infection, is also responsible for the formation of blood cells and other tissues that are called plasma. Blood cells are made in bone marrow, which is a soft, spongy area located in most bones. Some forms of cancer require surgery or chemotherapy. The full-text transcript is available at BioDigital Systems.
Normal cells are constantly growing in the body, following a strict life cycle that is governed by the type of cell. But cancer cells can break away from the site of the tumor and travel to different parts of the body, causing problems in other organs. Cancer is caused by mutations in the DNA of cells, which contains the instructions for cell growth and division. DNA mutations are common, and a cell’s ability to repair mistakes can lead to the formation of cancerous cells.
Surgical removal of the tumor is the most common treatment for cancer. In some cases, however, the tumor may be too large for surgery, or in an inaccessible location. Treatments may include immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. These treatments are usually performed by specialists in specialized clinics. Research is ongoing to develop new cancer treatments. The aim of any treatment is to cure the disease. The symptoms and treatment of cancer will vary from patient to patient.
Many cancers are diagnosed during routine screening exams. However, many people may experience no symptoms of the disease. Often, the doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about their health history. Then, the medical caregiver will order tests to determine the type and location of the cancer. A biopsy may include a blood test, X-rays, and contrast CT scans. It is a way to identify cancer in otherwise healthy individuals. Some screenings are simple and do not require surgery.
Although the death rate of patients suffering from cancer is increasing globally, the number of people diagnosed with the disease continues to rise. This disease puts a tremendous strain on individuals, families, communities, and health systems. Unfortunately, many low-income and middle-income countries are ill-prepared to handle the burden of cancer. Many cancer patients suffer without timely diagnosis or quality treatment. On the other hand, countries with good health systems experience an improvement in cancer survival rates.
Although the causes of cancer are still unknown, doctors do know that some people are more likely to get cancer than others. Unlike many other types of diseases, cancer is not contagious. People who have cancer cannot catch it from others. This is why doctors encourage people to avoid smoking and other tobacco products. They should also encourage people to play with and talk to each other – these are two ways to increase their immunity to cancer. And finally, they should not eat fatty and processed foods because they may contain harmful chemicals that increase the risk of cancer.
Cancers are classified according to the stage at which they have spread. Stage 0 is called cancer in situ and is confined to the primary organ. Stage 2 and 3 are called locally advanced cancer, while stage 4 is considered metastatic cancer, a type that has spread to other parts of the body. It can also spread to distant organs. For this reason, it’s important to know the cancer stage and how it progresses. In the end, the treatment for cancer is based on the stage it has reached.
The medical term cancer refers to the disease, which is a class of diseases with more than 200 different types. The body’s immune system, which helps fight infection, is also responsible for the formation of blood cells and other tissues that are called plasma. Blood cells are made in bone marrow, which is a soft, spongy area located in most bones. Some forms of cancer require surgery or chemotherapy. The full-text transcript is available at BioDigital Systems. Normal cells are constantly growing in the body, following a strict life cycle that is governed by the type of cell. But cancer cells can break away from the site of the tumor and travel to different parts of the body, causing problems in other organs. Cancer is caused by mutations in the DNA of cells, which contains the instructions for cell growth and division. DNA mutations are common, and a cell’s ability to repair mistakes can lead to the formation of cancerous cells. Surgical removal of the tumor is the most common treatment for cancer. In some cases, however, the tumor may be too large for surgery, or in an inaccessible location. Treatments may include immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. These treatments are usually performed by specialists in specialized clinics. Research is ongoing to develop new cancer treatments. The aim of any treatment is to cure the disease. The symptoms and treatment of cancer will vary from patient to patient. Many cancers are diagnosed during routine screening exams. However, many people may experience no symptoms of the disease. Often, the doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about their health history. Then, the medical caregiver will order tests to determine the type and location of the cancer. A biopsy may include a blood test, X-rays, and contrast CT scans. It is a way to identify cancer in otherwise healthy individuals. Some screenings are simple and do not require surgery. Although the death rate of patients suffering from cancer is increasing globally, the number of people diagnosed with the disease continues to rise. This disease puts a tremendous strain on individuals, families, communities, and health systems. Unfortunately, many low-income and middle-income countries are ill-prepared to handle the burden of cancer. Many cancer patients suffer without timely diagnosis or quality treatment. On the other hand, countries with good health systems experience an improvement in cancer survival rates. Although the causes of cancer are still unknown, doctors do know that some people are more likely to get cancer than others. Unlike many other types of diseases, cancer is not contagious. People who have cancer cannot catch it from others. This is why doctors encourage people to avoid smoking and other tobacco products. They should also encourage people to play with and talk to each other – these are two ways to increase their immunity to cancer. And finally, they should not eat fatty and processed foods because they may contain harmful chemicals that increase the risk of cancer. Cancers are classified according to the stage at which they have spread. Stage 0 is called cancer in situ and is confined to the primary organ. Stage 2 and 3 are called locally advanced cancer, while stage 4 is considered metastatic cancer, a type that has spread to other parts of the body. It can also spread to distant organs. For this reason, it’s important to know the cancer stage and how it progresses. In the end, the treatment for cancer is based on the stage it has reached.