Cancer Types Treatments

Cancer is the uncontrollable growth and division of cells.  

What is cancer, types, treatments, tips. Designed by NazihPharmacy

  

In this article:

1. What is cancer 
2. Causes and risk factors
3. Types of cancer
4. What is bladder cancer
5. What is colorectal cancer
6. Treatment
7. Cancer prevention
8. Tips for cancer patients
9. FAQ
10. Summary

Cancer can affect different parts of the body, such as the breasts, lungs, heart, prostate and colon. 

It can lead to tumors, immune system damage, and other damage that can often be fatal after it spreads in the body.

What is cancer, what are its types, and methods of treatment.

Let us delve deeper into cancer.

What is cancer?  

Cancer is cellular changes(1) in the DNA of cells that result in uncontrolled cell growth and division.  

Types of cancer are divided according to the speed of their growth into: 

• Cancers that lead to rapid cell growth

• Cancers that cause slow growth and division

Some forms of cancer cause visible growths called tumors, while others do not cause tumors.

Normal cells are characterized by: 

• Specific functions 

• Fixed age

• You die at a specific time  

Cancer cells are characterized by: 

• Undefined functions
• Age not specified
• You don't die at a specific time 
• Spread throughout the body

The cell receives instructions to die so that the body can replace it with a better cell.  

What is cancer, the difference between normal cell and cancer cell, types and treatments. Designed by NazihPharmacy

Cancer cells lack components that tell them to stop dividing and die, and as a result, they accumulate in the body.  

Cancer cells can form: 

• Tumors

• Weak immune system  

• It prevents the body from performing vital functions regularly

Cancer cells may form in one area and then spread through lymph nodes throughout the body. 

What are the different types of tumors?

Not all tumors are cancerous, there are three main types of tumors(2): 

• Benign, these tumors are not cancerous. It does not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body.

• Pre-cancerous in these tumors, the cells are not yet cancerous, but have the potential to grow and develop into malignancy.  

• Malignant tumors are cancerous. The cells can grow and spread to other parts of the body and may cause death.  

Therefore, it is recommended to follow up on tumors regularly with a healthcare professional to avoid their development into malignancy. 

Causes and risk factors

There are many causes of cancer and risk factors that enhance cancer, some of which can be prevented, including: 

• Excessive alcohol consumption 

• Excessive energy drink consumption

• Excessive smoking

• Having type 2 diabetes

• Obesity and overweight 

• Hormone therapy for certain conditions such as menopause in women

• Kidney stones

• Eating unhealthy foods

• Food poverty is an important factor

• Physical inactivity 

• Magnesium deficiency

• Human papillomavirus infection 

There is a risk factor that cannot be prevented, which is age.  According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), 88% of cancer(3) cases are in people age 50 or older.  

Is cancer hereditary? 

Genetic factors can contribute to the growth and division of cancer cells, as a person’s genetic code gives instructions to his cells when to divide and expire.  

Changes in genes may lead to wrong instructions, and cells turn cancerous.  

Genes play the role(4) of regulating the production of proteins in cells, as proteins carry many instructions for cell growth, division, shelf life, and repair of damaged cells.  

Cancer genes passed from parents change proteins inside cells to give them wrong instructions that turn them into cancer cells. 

There are many types of genetic(5) mutations:

• Inherited genetic mutation. These mutations may contribute to the development of up to 10% of cancer cases.  

• An acquired genetic mutation, which is the most common, may occur after birth or as a result of smoking and exposure to too much sunlight, which is the most common mutation.  

• Epigenetic mutations occur in chemical signals that determine how cells turn certain genes on and off.  

The genetic factor has no role in cancer, but acquired mutations remain one of the most common causes. 

Types of Cancer

The most common(6) type of cancer is breast cancer, followed by prostate, lung, and prostate cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. 

Types of cancer, colorectal, lungs, breast, thyroid, bladder, endometrial, pancreas. Designed by NazihPharmacy

There are many types of cancer, the most common of which include: 

• Bladder cancer

• Cervical cancer or endometrial

• Blood cancer or leukemia

• Colorectal cancer 

• Breast cancer

• Kidney cancer 

• Liver Cancer 

• Pancreas cancer

• Thyroid cancer 

• Skin cancer or melanoma

• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Other forms are less common. There are more than 100 types of cancer.  

Cancer development and cell division

Cancer is differentiated according to its location in the body and the tissues in which it forms, for example: 

• Sarcomas in bones or soft tissues

• Cancerous tumors in the cells that cover the internal or external surfaces of the body

• Basal cell carcinoma of the skin

• Adenocarcinomas in the glands  

• Malignancy occurs when cancer cells spread to other parts of the body 

A person may also develop more than one type of cancer at the same time, often after it has spread. 

What is bladder cancer

Bladder cancer develops when cells in the bladder tissue begin to divide uncontrollably.

Types of bladder cancer

Bladder cancer usually begins in the transitional epithelium lining the bladder.  

There are different types of bladder cancer, but the most common (7) are: 

• urothelial carcinoma (TCC) in the cells that line the inside of the bladder and urinary tract.

•  Squamous cell carcinoma occurs in the thin, flat cells found on the surface of the bladder tissue, most squamous cell carcinomas are invasive. 

• Adenocarcinoma of the cells of the bladder glands that secrete mucus, most bladder adenocarcinomas are invasive.  

• Small cell cancer of nerve-like cells called neuroendocrine cells.  

• Sarcoma originates in the muscle cells of the bladder.  

If the cancers are invasive, they are often difficult to treat.  

Symptoms of bladder cancer

In the early stages, common symptoms(8) include:

• Frequent urination and a burning sensation during urination

• Blood in the urine, this is common

• Swelling in the feet

• Back ache

• Weight loss

• Bone pain

• Inability to urinate

Symptoms of bladder cancer may resemble those of inflammatory bladder infections.  

Therefore, the specialist doctor is the one who determines the condition. 

What is colorectal cancer 

Colorectal cancer refers to any cancer that affects the colon and rectum.   

Common signs of colon and rectal cancer include(9): 

• Diarrhea

• Golding 

• Changes in bowel habits 

• Feeling that the intestines do not empty completely  

• Bright red blood in the rectum 

• The presence of blood in the stool

• Abdominal pain and bloating  

• Feeling tired

• Feeling full  

• Weight loss 

• Anemia

The symptoms can be similar to those of many other digestive diseases.  

Early signs

Some early signs that may indicate that people have colon and rectal cancer include(10): 

• blood in the stool or from the rectum 37%

• Abdominal pain 34%  

• Anemia 23%

• Inflammation of the stomach lining 25%

• Intestinal obstruction 57%

• Intestinal perforation 18%

Some people are accompanied by other symptoms when the cancer spreads to the lungs, liver, or other areas. 

Treatment

The treatment method depends on the type of cancer, its stage at diagnosis, and the general health of the affected person. 

Collaboration we create life, without cancer, with the support of treatment centers, with psychological support for cancer patients. By NazihPharmacy

Cancer treatment includes(11) the following:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy aims to kill cancer cells using drugs that target rapidly dividing cells. 

Types of chemotherapy include: 

• Alkylating agents that affect DNA and kill cells at different stages of their lives.  

• Antimetabolites that mimic these proteins that cells need to survive. When cells consume them, they provide no benefit. 

• Plant alkaloids that prevent cells from growing, dividing and spreading.  

• Anti-tumor antibiotics that prevent cells from multiplying. It is different from antibiotics for bacterial infections.

Medications can also help shrink tumors, but the side effects of chemotherapy can be severe. 

Hormone therapy

Hormonal therapy aims to change the way some hormones work or interfere with the body's ability to produce them.  

Hormone therapy reduces the levels of androgens (male sex hormones) in the body or prevents their production.   

The main androgens in males are: 

• Testosterone

• Dihydrotestosterone

These androgens help normal cells grow and cancer cells grow

This treatment is useful for prostate cancer and breast cancer. This is a common method. 

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy aims to strengthen the immune system and encourage it to fight and kill cancer cells. 

There are many types of immunotherapy(12) and medications that affect the immune system, including: 

• CAR T-cell therapy, which removes some of a person's T cells (a type of white blood cell) and mixes them with a virus. The virus helps them learn how to bind to cancer cells and kill them. 

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors that help the immune system recognize cancer cells. 

• Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs or moAbs) that can target cancer cells.  

• Therapeutic vaccines that help strengthen the immune system of people with cancer.

• Immunomodulators that can boost certain parts of the immune system.  

• Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) which increases the number of antibodies in a person's blood.  

• Allergen injections that help desensitize the immune system to certain substances. 

• Immunization is vaccinating a person against certain diseases. 

This method is commonly used

Radiation therapy

It is done by taking high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells.  

There are several types of radiation therapy that doctors use to treat cancer, including: 

• External beam radiation, which means that energy beams come from a machine outside the body to the cancer site.  

• Internal(13) radiation therapy, where the doctor places an implant containing radiation at or near the site of the cancer. 

• Systemic radiation therapy, which requires the person to swallow or inject a radioactive substance to find and kill the cancer cells.

Radiation is recommended to shrink the tumor before surgery or reduce symptoms associated with the tumor.  

Stem cell transplantation

aims to remove cells destroyed by other treatments, then strengthen the cells and return them to the body.  

Different types of stem cell transplants include:

• Autologous, where the doctor collects cells from bone marrow or blood. After completing treatment, the doctor will transplant the cells back into the bone marrow. 

• Allogeneic organ transplants use donated stem cells.

This treatment is especially useful for people with blood-related cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma.  

Targeted therapies

They prevent cancer cells from multiplying.  

The many types of targeted cancer therapies include: 

• Monoclonal antibodies

• Angiogenesis inhibitors such as bevacizumab

• Signal transduction inhibitor

• Proteasome inhibitors that disrupt cell functions in cancer cells

They can also boost an infected person's immune system.

Surgery

Surgery is part of the treatment plan when a person has a cancerous tumor.  

The tumor is removed to prevent the spread of the disease.

The goal of treatment includes: 

• Preventing cancer cells from multiplying

• Killing cancer cells

• Prevent the spread of cancer

• Avoid complications of cancer on the heart and bones.

• Boost the immune system

Cancer itself or bone tumors may stimulate the production of osteoclasts that cause osteoporosis.  

In addition, some types of treatment may cause calcium and potassium deficiency.

Cancer may spread from the lungs, liver, or through the blood to the heart by direct invasion, often into the sac that surrounds the heart (pericardium), causing arrhythmias, heart failure, and more. 

Cancer may affect the menstrual cycle of women due to chemotherapy or radiation and change the psychology of patients.  

Therefore, changes occur in the menstrual cycle and its symptoms, and may even lead to cessation of the menstrual cycle.

Vitamin C may help in treating some types of cancer, due to its role as an antioxidant. Oxidative stress leads to cell damage and they may develop into a type of cancer(15).

Doctors may use more than one type of treatment to achieve maximum results. 

Cancer prevention

Cancer prevention does not prevent the disease, but it reduces the symptoms and suffering experienced by the affected person.  

By taking some personal measures, prevention can be activated, such as: 

• Eating a balanced diet, most of which is vegetarian and omega-3, while reducing sugars, foods rich in bad fats, and ready-made meals

• Lose weight up to a certain level and maintain the new weight, And away from eating disorders

• Eating anti-inflammatory foods to avoid cancer complications 

• Eating foods that contain vitamin D to reduce symptoms and boost immunity in cancer patients 

• Practicing physical and sporting activities such as walking and running daily 

Not everyone can prevent cancer, and people may continue to get infected, but limit its complications and spread, and you may not get cancer if it is caused by unhealthy food. 

Tips for cancer patients

After the doctor diagnoses someone with cancer. 

Tips for cancer patients, healthy diet, physical activity, vegetables, fruits and grains. Designed by NazihPharmacy

Your doctor recommends lifestyle changes to support weight management, daily living, and overall health through nutrition and activity.

Tips to get the most benefit from your treatments.  

Steps a person can take to manage cancer include: 

• Avoid fried and grilled foods that are high in bad fats and prepared foods that may also raise blood cholesterol. 

• Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol and energy drinks, as they have a bad effect on cancer patients

• Eating foods rich in omega-3 and vitamin E to reduce the symptoms and diseases associated with cancer such as almonds.

• Eating a healthy diet rich in fresh, nutritious plant foods, including whole grains like sesame and oats

• Eating fruits such as bleuberries and avocados, vegetables such as okra, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, and healthy plant fat sources such as spinach and nuts   

• Do physical activity daily, such as walking for 30 minutes, exercising or swimming between treatments

• Follow up laboratory tests on a regular basis to determine the extent of the development of the condition

The specialist doctor is the first advisor to determine the appropriate steps for managing cancer, as they differ from one person to another.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about cancer: 

Can people with cancer live long lives?

Life expectancy among people with cancer depends on the type of cancer they have and other factors, such as their general health and whether the disease has spread.  

However, the ACS notes that the overall cancer death rate has decreased(14) by 33% between 1991 and 2020.  

How can I recognize cancer before it starts causing serious health problems?

Some types of cancer may cause early symptoms, but others do not show symptoms until an advanced stage.   

Many of these symptoms are often caused by causes unrelated to the cancer. Regular doctor review is the best way.  

Is it possible to have sex while suffering from cancer?

During chemotherapy, feeling tired or other side effects, including effects on hormone levels, may reduce your desire to have sex.  

If you do not want to have intercourse, remember that there is an intimate relationship more comprehensive than sex.  

Find other ways to express affection, such as kissing, holding hands, or other shared activities.

How long can a person live with cancer without knowing they have it?

A person may not know that he has the disease until it reaches more advanced stages, such as cancerous tumors that may not show any symptoms for years.  

Summary

Cancer is a serious disease that causes cell division in a way that cannot be easily controlled.  

Genetic factors and lifestyle choices, such as smoking, can contribute to the development of the disease.  

A healthy diet helps a lot in reducing symptoms and limiting the spread at an early stage.