In the world of medicine, cancer has long been known as a name that brings anxiety and panic to those who hear it, as people previously considered it an inevitable end to life. However, medical progress has overturned this view, and shown us that there is hope and opportunities for recovery from this devastating disease. 

What is cancer?

 Cancer occurs when the body's cells undergo uncontrolled growth and division.

This abnormal growth can lead to tumors forming and burrowing into healthy tissue.

Is cancer a tumor?

Tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that may be benign or malignant. 

As for malignant tumors, they are cancerous and have the ability to invade surrounding tissues and spread to other sites and organs in the body.

Tumors can be a manifestation of cancer, but not all types of cancer are tumors.

What are the symptoms of cancer?

Cancer may present with a wide range of symptoms, depending on the type and stage of the disease.

• Unexplained weight loss.
• Constant fatigue.
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits.
• Persistent cough or hoarse voice.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Skin changes.
• Abnormal bleeding or discharge.
• Constant pain.

It is important to note that these symptoms result from various factors, and that their presence does not necessarily mean the presence of a cancerous condition, and that many cases of cancer are asymptomatic at the beginning.

However, if any unusual and sudden symptoms appear, it is necessary to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions and obtain appropriate diagnosis and treatment if necessary.

Book your consultation now at Oncology center At Al-Mousa Hospital and get an accurate evaluation and integrated treatment plan from elite doctors specializing in cancer treatment.

Causes of cancer

There are many causes of cancer, and they are often the result of an interaction between genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. The most prominent causes of cancer are:

• Prolonged exposure to carcinogens such as smoking, radiation, and toxic chemicals.
• An unhealthy diet rich in fats and sugars and poor in dietary fiber.
• Some viral infections such as human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and C have a role in stimulating the growth of cancer cells.
• Genetic factors have a major influence. Inherited genetic mutations increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
• The effect of lifestyle on increasing the likelihood of developing cancer, such as lack of physical activity, obesity, and chronic stress.

Stages of cancer

Cancer goes through many sequential stages, which begin with molecular changes in cells and end with the spread of the disease throughout the body. Below we explain the most prominent of these stages:

• The stimulation stage begins when healthy cells are exposed to DNA damage as a result of various factors such as smoking, radiation, or carcinogenic chemicals, and thus leads to genetic mutations.
• Promotion phase, in which transformed cells begin to divide rapidly and form an abnormal cell mass due to cofactors such as hormones or chronic inflammation.
• The progression stage, in which cancer cells grow aggressively, and those cells become more able to invade surrounding tissues, thus forming a clear and spreadable malignant tumor.
• The stage of local spread, in which the tumor extends to nearby tissues, thus leading to disturbances in the functions of nearby organs.
• The metastasis stage, which is the most dangerous stage of cancer, during which cancer cells move through the blood or lymphatic system to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lung, or bones, and begin to form secondary tumors.

 Does cancer appear in a regular blood test?

Although blood tests are essential in diagnosing and monitoring various health conditions, they may not always detect cancer directly, as any specific markers in the blood may not be associated with the presence of a specific cancer. 

However, blood tests can be used to measure certain substances or markers associated with certain types of cancer, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer.

Although blood tests may not always detect cancer, they play a crucial role in early detection when combined with other diagnostic methods. 

Regular screenings, such as breast and colon exams and endometrial smears, are recommended to detect some types of cancer in the early stages.

Methods of treating cancer

Many cancers are treatable, and the best treatment depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, the individual's general health, and personal preferences. 

Cancer treatment options

• Surgery: in order to remove cancerous tumors and surrounding tissue.
• Chemotherapy: Uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
• Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. 
• Immunotherapy: This treatment aims to support the healthy functioning of the body’s immune system.
• Targeted therapy: Uses drugs or substances that target cancer cells based on their unique characteristics.
• Hormone therapy: It is used to treat tumors that are sensitive to hormones, such as breast and prostate cancer.

The cancer treatment journey includes the use of more than one treatment method, such as surgery followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Cancer is a complex disease that requires a comprehensive understanding and multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis, treatment and management. 

Remember, early detection and rapid intervention play a crucial role in improving outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by cancer.

Tips for preventing cancer

To prevent cancer, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle that helps reduce the possibility of infection and strengthen the body’s immunity. Below we will share with you the most important tips for preventing cancer:

• Quit smoking.
• Follow a healthy diet and focus on eating vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, while reducing processed meats and saturated fats.
• Maintain a healthy weight, and avoid obesity, which is linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, such as colon and breast.
• Practice regular physical activity to strengthen immunity and regulate hormones.
• Reducing exposure to radiation and harmful chemicals.
• Stay away from alcohol or drink it in moderation, as excessive drinking is linked to liver, mouth and breast cancer.
• Protection against viral infections such as human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and C.
• Regular examination and early detection, especially for those with a family history, such as breast, colon and prostate examinations.
• Reducing chronic stress and psychological stress.
• Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight to protect against skin cancer.

Frequently asked questions

Can cancer be cured?

In many cases, yes, cancer can be cured, especially when it is detected in its early stages. The possibility of a complete cure depends on several important factors, including:

• Type of cancer, its behavior and aggressiveness. 
• The stage of the cancer at diagnosis. 
• The extent of the cancer. 
• The extent of response to available treatments. 

Among the types of cancer with very high survival rates, especially when detected early:

• Prostate cancer more than 99%. 
• Thyroid cancer is more than 99.5%. 
• Skin cancer more than 99%. 
• Breast cancer 99%.

How long does cancer treatment take?

Determining the necessary treatment plan for cancer depends greatly from one person to another, and depends on several important factors, including: 

• Type of cancer: Some types of cancer respond better and faster to treatment than others. Lymphoma is one of the types that responds well to treatment, especially if it is detected early.
• The stage of the cancer. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed, that is, before it spreads, the greater the chances of recovery and the shorter the duration of treatment.
• The treatment plan followed: Chemotherapy often takes from 6 months to a year. 
• The body's response to treatment. The tumor's response to treatment works well and its size decreases, shortening the duration of treatment. 
• The patient's general health condition and ability to tolerate the side effects of treatment also affect the treatment plan and duration.

How do I deal with a cancer patient?

Dealing with a cancer patient is a journey that requires a lot of love, patience and understanding, and a combination of emotional, psychological and practical support, through:

• Listen carefully to the patient's expression of his feelings of sadness, anger, or fear, without judging him or trying to belittle what he feels.  
• Encourage him to speak and do not pressure him. 
• Avoid stereotypical phrases, such as you have to be strong or don't be sad, as these phrases may increase the pressure on him.
• Avoid comparisons. Every patient's experience with cancer is unique.
• Show empathy and understanding for what he or she is going through, not pity.
• Be patient, as the patient's feelings and mood may change frequently.
• Offer actual help. You can offer to help with everyday tasks like preparing meals, going shopping, taking care of the kids, or doing housework, and don't wait for him to ask.
• Accompany him to medical appointments and help him take notes and ask questions. 
• Learn about the possible side effects of the treatment he is receiving to help him deal with them.
• Make sure the home environment is as comfortable and quiet as possible, especially during periods of treatment that may cause fatigue.
• Assist with nutrition, by preparing small, frequent, easy-to-digest meals, and making sure he gets proper nutrition. 
• Encourage him to engage in physical activity appropriate to his condition and after consulting a doctor, as it can help improve mood and reduce fatigue.
• Help him manage his pain and make sure he receives pain medications regularly and as directed by his doctor.

Medical sources

This information was based on:

health line

cancer