Cancer or Neoplasm is an abnormal mass of tissue as a result of abnormal proliferation of cells. Cancer cells have lost the normal regulatory mechanisms that control cell growth and multiplication.

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.

 

The exact cause of cancer is uncertain, but genetic factors and environmental factors or those that interfere with cellular activity, including radioactive substances, chemicals, and toxic or excessive radiation are effective. Today, with the spread of science and therapies, many cancer patients are completely treated.

Some cancers tend to grow and spread very quickly. Others grow more slowly. Cancers also respond to treatment in different ways. Some types are best treated with surgery. Others do better with drugs called chemotherapy. Often 2 or more treatments are used to get the best results.

Risk Factors

Factors known to increase your risk of cancer include: age, habits, family history, health conditions and environments.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms caused by cancer will vary depending on what part of the body is affected. Some general signs and symptoms associated with, but not specific to, cancer, include:

•    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