- By BlueBC_Admin
- In Blog
Cancer: Types, Causes, and More
What is cancer?
Cancer is a broad category of disorders that arises when aberrant cells undergo fast division and can potentially metastasize (spread to other body parts) to other organs and tissues.
These quickly dividing cells could lead to the development of malignancies. Additionally, they may interfere with the body’s normal functioning.
The progression of some forms of cancer results in accelerated cell proliferation, whereas other types of cancer cause cells to proliferate and divide at a more gradual pace.
While some types of cancer, like leukemia, do not result in the development of visible growths termed tumors, other types of cancer do.
The vast majority of cells in the body are specialized and have predetermined lifespans. A phenomenon known as apoptosis is both normal and advantageous, although the death of cells may appear to be a negative event.
A cell can be instructed to die so that it can be replaced by a newer cell with improved functionality. Cancerous cells are missing the components that tell them to cease dividing and to die when they reach a certain stage.
What causes cancer?
Mutations, also known as changes to your cells’ DNA, are the primary cause of cancer. It is possible to inherit genetic mutations. The effects of environmental factors can also manifest themselves after delivery in some cases.
These exogenous factors, often known as carcinogens, can include the following:
- Carcinogens present in the environment, such as ultraviolet radiation (UV), cigarette smoke, asbestos, alcohol, air pollution, contaminated food and drinking water, and other light chemical carcinogens, can lead to cancer.
- Biological toxins such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites can cause cancer.
Major Causes
Cancer can be caused by various factors, some of which can be avoided.
According to statistics collected in 2014, for instance, smoking cigarettes is responsible for the deaths of more than 480,000 people in the United States each year.
In addition to smoking, the following are also considered to be cancer risk factors:
- Excessive use of alcoholic beverages
- Extra fat on one’s body
- Idleness in physical pursuits
- Inadequate nourishment
Other factors that can lead to cancer cannot be avoided. Age is currently the most important element that cannot be avoided as a risk factor.
Is cancer genetic?
There is some evidence that genetic factors play a role in cancer development.
An organism’s genetic code instructs cells how often to increase and when they should die. Alterations in the genes can cause malfunctioning instructions, contributing to cancer development.
Additionally, genes affect the production of proteins within cells. Proteins are responsible for transporting many of the instructions necessary for the growth and division of cells.
Certain genes can change the proteins that normally help injured cells heal.This may eventually result in cancer. A parent can pass on the altered instructions to their children if that parent carries these genes.
Some of the body’s genetic material can be altered after birth, including in ways that can be determined by behaviors and environmental influences like smoking and sun exposure.
Other changes that can result in cancer occur in the chemical signals that determine how the body deploys or ” expresses” particular genes. These changes occur in the chemical signals, determining how the body deploys specific genes.
Last, a propensity for particular cancers might be passed down through families. A cancer syndrome in families is what a physician may call this condition.
What are the five types of cancer?
There are primarily five different kinds of cancer. These are the following:
1. Carcinoma
The lungs, breasts, pancreas, and skin are only some of the organs and glands that might be affected by this form of cancer. The most prevalent kind of cancer is known as carcinoma.
2. Sarcoma
This cancer attacks soft or connective tissues, like muscle, fat, bone, cartilage, or blood vessels. It can also spread to other organs.
3. Melanoma
Cancer can sometimes develop in the cells responsible for pigmentation in your skin. Melanoma is the name given to this type of cancer.
4. Lymphoma
Your lymphocytes, often known as your white blood cells, are what this malignancy attacks.
5. Leukemia
This form of malignancy impacts the blood.
Wrapping Up
Cancer is characterized by the unchecked proliferation of aberrant cells within the body. Cancer forms when the normal control mechanism in the body is unable to function properly. Old cells do not die but rather continue to divide uncontrollably, giving rise to the formation of new aberrant cells.
