Cancer is a broad category of disorders that have the characteristic of developing from healthy cells into malignant cells that proliferate and spread. Your cells receive instructions from your genes, such as when to begin and stop developing. Cancer cells disregard these directives, while healthy cells do.

In the United States, cancer is the second leading cause of death. However, compared to 20 years ago, fewer individuals are dying from cancer. Cancer is being cured and cancer patients are living longer because to early detection and cutting-edge therapies.

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Cancer types

More than 100 varieties of cancer exist. Medical professionals classify them based on the tissue type they impact and where they originate in your body. Three general categories of cancer exist:

About 80% to 90% of all cancer cases are solid cancers, making them the most prevalent kind. This includes sarcoma, which develops in bone and connective tissues, and carcinoma, which develops in epithelial tissue, such as your skin, breast, colon, and lungs.

Cancers that originate in your lymphatic or blood cells are known as blood cancers. Leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma are a few examples.

Mixed: Cancers that fall into more than one category or subtype. Adenosquamous carcinoma and carcinosarcoma are two examples.

How widespread is cancer?

Globally, cancer is the second leading cause of mortality. According to research, more than 611,000 Americans will lose their lives to cancer in 2024, and more than 2 million will be diagnosed with the disease.

One in four individuals will get cancer at some point in their lives.

In the United States, the most prevalent cancers are:

carcinoma of the breast.

lung cancer.

prostate cancer.

colorectal cancer.

malignancies of the blood.

Although cancer can strike everyone, incidences differ according to sex and race. The 2022 Annual Report on Cancer states that the illness:

has a somewhat greater impact on those who were assigned male at birth (AMAB) than those who were assigned female at birth (AFAB).

More persons over 60 are affected than anyone else.

More Black males (AMAB) are affected than members of other racial groupings.

More American Indian or Alaska Native women (AFAB) are affected than members of other racial groups.

What is the cause of cancer?

A genetic disorder is cancer. However, that does not imply that it is inherited. It occurs when genes that control cell function undergo mutations. They produce aberrant cells that proliferate and divide, ultimately interfering with your body’s natural functions.

These cells produce tumors, or clusters of malignancy. Cancerous cells can separate from tumors and move via your circulation or lymphatic system to other parts of your body. (Medical professionals refer to this as metastasis.)

For instance, breathing becomes difficult if a tumor in your breast spreads to your lungs. Your bone marrow produces aberrant blood cells that proliferate out of control in certain forms of blood cancer. Normal blood cells are eventually displaced by the aberrant cells.

Medical experts estimate that between 5% and 10% of all malignancies are caused by inherited genetic abnormalities, or uncontrollable alterations. The most common cause of cancer is an acquired genetic mutation. This implies that it occurs throughout your lifetime. Numerous risk factors that raise your likelihood of getting cancer have been found by medical experts.

How does one diagnose cancer?

A thorough physical examination is the first step in a cancer diagnosis. They will question you about your family’s medical history as well as your symptoms. They could also have to:

Complete blood count (CBC), blood protein, and tumor marker tests are examples of blood testing for cancer.

imaging tests such as iodine metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIGB), CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds.

biopsies, which may be nonsurgical (with a needle) or surgical (including an incision).

For the diagnosis and treatment planning of hereditary cancers, genetic testing is used.

How is the stage of cancer identified?

Cancer staging systems are used by medical professionals to organize therapy and provide a prognosis, or anticipated result.

Most malignancies go through four stages. A number of variables, such as the size and location of the tumor, influence the precise stage.

Cancer that has migrated to neighboring lymph nodes or grown straight into surrounding tissue is often classified as stage I–III (1-3), sometimes known as early-stage or locally progressed.

When cancer cells reach stage IV (4), often known as metastatic, they have traveled to other parts of your body via the lymphatic or circulatory systems.

How does one treat cancer?

Depending on your circumstances, medical professionals may employ a variety of therapies, occasionally combining them. Typical cancer therapies include of:

Cancerous tumors that have not spread can be removed surgically.

Chemotherapy: Uses strong medications administered intravenously (with a needle into a vein) or as pills to kill cancer cells.

High radiation doses are used in radiation treatment to kill cancer cells.

Immunotherapy: Uses your body’s defenses against illness.

Targeted treatment focuses on the genetic alterations, or mutations, that cause healthy cells to develop into cancerous ones.

Hormone therapy: Prevents the hormones that cause cancer. For instance, individuals with prostate cancer who were designated male at birth may be given medicines that reduce testosterone, which can exacerbate the disease.

Through a bone marrow transplant, healthy blood stem cells are substituted for damaged ones.

Treatments for cancer may have a number of adverse consequences. Depending on the therapy you receive and how well your body handles it, these side effects might change. Inform your healthcare practitioner of any adverse effects you experience while receiving treatment for cancer. They might be able to offer helpful drugs or treatments for you.

Is it possible to avoid cancer?

Cancer cannot always be prevented, particularly when it is brought on by unavoidable risk factors. However, there are steps you may take to reduce your risk:

Try to quit using tobacco products or smoking. Consult a healthcare professional about programs that can assist you in quitting tobacco use.

Adhere to your own healthy eating plan.

Make exercise a part of your everyday schedule.

Steer clear of environmental pollutants such as insecticides and asbestos.

Take precautions against solar damage.

Get screened for cancer on a regular basis.