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Cancerous Diseases

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Causes and Prevention Methods of Cancer

Cancer is a disease that occurs due to the presence of abnormal cells dividing without control. It can spread to the rest of the body's organs. There are over 100 types of cancer.

Cause:

There is no single cause of cancer, as it may happen due to various factors. The causes of cancer are still largely unknown. Moreover, some factors could lead to cancer, including:

Chemical substances and carcinogens
Radiation
Hormonal imbalance and genetic mutations
Genetic factors

Symptoms:

The appearance of a lump or swelling anywhere in the body
Changes in digestion in the form of persistent constipation or diarrhea
Difficulty swallowing or digesting food
Unusual bleeding or bloody urine or stool
Unexplained menstrual cycle changes in women, or abnormal vaginal discharge
Noticeable change in moles or polyps on the body
A persistent and annoying cough or change in voice
A wound or ulcer that does not heal
Unexplained weight loss, night sweats or fever

Diagnosis:

Cancer is diagnosed through medical tests, such as:
Laboratory blood tests;
Normal screenings, CT scan, or an MRI scan;
Endoscopy such as a colonoscopy
Taking a biopsy (sample) of the lump.

Risk factors:

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight without protection.
First-hand and second-hand smoke.
An unhealthy diet.
Obesity and lack of physical exercise.
Genetic predisposition.
Unsafe exposure to pollutants or radioactivity.

Complications:

Cancer could lead to several complications. They include:

Spread of cancer cells in the body.
Unresponsiveness to treatment or the recurrence of cancer.

Treatment:

Surgical treatment
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Immunotheraphy
Hormonal therapy
Gene therapy

Prevention:

Quit smoking.
Avoid obesity and maintain a normal weight.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Eat enough vegetables and fiber-rich foods.
Exercise regularly.
See your doctor if you notice any abnormal changes in your body.

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Last Update : 02 June 2021 04:11 PM

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