According to the Journal of Cancer for Clinicians, cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. That's not all - more than 100 types of cancer have been discovered to date. Some diseases have no symptoms in the early stages and are harder to detect than others. If you are at risk due to family history or environmental factors, it would be wise to learn about the most common types of cancer, their symptoms, and how to prevent them.
Common Cancers
The body is made up of billions of cells that form various organs and tissues. When someone develops cancer, cells in the body develop abnormally and crowd out other healthy body tissues, impairing their normal function.
These abnormal cells grow into cell clumps and repeat the uncontrolled cycle of proliferation in the body. Cancers are usually named after the tissue in which they arise. For example, lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, etc. Some of the most common cancers you should know about are:
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world today. It is estimated that by 2035, more than 2.1 million people will die from the disease worldwide. This type of cancer can form anywhere in the lungs. Some of the most common causes of lung cancer include:
- Passive smoking
- Genetics
- Family history
- Air pollution
- HIV
- Radiation from CT scans
Some symptoms of the disease include chest pain, chronic cough, wheezing, hoarseness, blood in sputum, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. Although it is a common cancer, it can be prevented by reducing exposure to risk factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Breast cancer
As the name suggests, breast cancer occurs when the cells of one or both breasts begin to grow uncontrollably. Although it can occur in both men and women, it is more common in women. According to research, some of the causes of this type of cancer are as follows:
- Inherited genes
- Family history of this type of cancer
- High body mass index
- Inactive lifestyle
Here are some common symptoms of this type of cancer:
- Breast lumps or thickening
- Changes in breast size and shape
- Dimpling of the chest skin
- Flakes or peeling of the areola
There are some things you can do to reduce your risk of breast cancer. This includes exercising and reducing radiation exposure.
Kidney cancer
About 80,000 adults in the country have kidney cancer. It is the sixth most common cancer in men and the ninth most common cancer in women. Although the exact cause of kidney cancer is unknown, certain factors increase a person's chance of developing kidney cancer. This includes:
- Family history
- Genetics
- Increasing age
- Gender
- Chronic kidney disease
- Long-term dialysis
Some typical symptoms of this type of cancer include blood in the urine, lower back pain, loss of appetite, a mass in the lower back, unexplained weight loss, and unexplained low-grade fever. Like other cancers, kidney cancer can be prevented by leading an active lifestyle and exercising, optimizing your weight, and eating a nutritious diet.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. It primarily affects men and is one of the most common causes of death after lung cancer. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and may only require monitoring. However, some can spread severely and require immediate surgery. The exact cause of prostate cancer remains unknown. Experts attribute it to changes in a person's DNA, increasing age, and family history, among other factors. Some common symptoms of this type of cancer include:
- Problems with urination or decreased urine flow
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Pain in the bones
- Pain in the pelvic area, thighs, hips, or lower back
- Erectile dysfunction
Lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management, may help prevent prostate cancer from occurring.
The key to preventing cancer and treating the disease at an early stage is to know the symptoms. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms. However, you should also know that these symptoms do not necessarily mean cancer. Some symptoms can also be the result of other diseases. It is recommended to talk to a certified physician rather than making a decision independently and opting for a generic prescription. It is also important not to make drastic changes to your lifestyle.
