What is Cancer?, Types of Cancer

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a life threatening disease, inspite of its various medical and technological advancements in the way it is treated. Cancer basically arises due to the abnormal growth of cells that grow and divide in an uncontrollable fashion. Generally the body produces new cells, when they are damaged or become old. This is necessary to maintain the overall health of your body. This process is normally disrupted in the cancer patients. The normal cell growth, its division is hampered because of change in the material of DNA leading to mutations. These gene mutations in turn do not let the cells die, or keep on forming new cells even if it is not required by the body leading to tumors. Mutation of genes can even occur due to the environmental factors such as tobacco smoke. Hereditory factors may also increase the risk of cancer.

Every tumor is not cancerous. The benign tumors can be removed and do not spread to the other body parts. On the other hand, malignant tumors invade and attack the surrounding tissues and spread it to other parts of the body.  In case of leukemia, that is the cancer of blood and bone marrow, there is no formation of tumor.

There are several types of cancer and are named depending on the type of the cell or the organ that is getting affected by it. The stage and type of the cancer will be the crucial factors that will be taken into account before proceeding with the treatment. The treatment may include chemotherapy, sugery, radiation, etc. The earlier the detection of cancer, better and more effective is the treatment.

The cancer cases are growing day by day and the death rate is increasing as well. Although researchers are putting in their best efforts to discover new drugs, it is essential that every individual must be well-equipped with the basic knowledge about the signs, symptoms, various types of cancers and their treatment. Good knowledge of cancer will make you realize how to prevent it and get acquainted with the latest techniques used to cure cancer. Therefore, take this small little step to move ahead and make people around you aware of this dangerous disease. Go and take the initiative to save your life as well as of your near and dear ones.