[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-65px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-17px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” text_line_height=”2em” header_2_text_color=”#0e4cea” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases characterized by the growth of abnormal cells that divide rapidly, uncontrollably and have the ability to invade and destroy other cells or tissues of the body. It is induced by carcinogens which are substances that cause gene mutation. Once cancer develops, then treatment is required because it cannot go on its own. Although several treatment options such as <\/span>Chemotherapy<\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Targeted therapy<\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Surgery<\/strong>, <\/span>radiotherapy<\/strong>, <\/span>Hormone therapy<\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Immunotherapy<\/strong>, and\u00a0<\/span>Clinical Trials<\/strong><\/span> exist, none is guaranteed\u00a0to cure cancer. But early diagnosis can lead to successful cure of cancer.\u00a0 C<\/span>ancer cells can grow anywhere in the body and because cancer is a collection of diseases,\u00a0 it has varying names such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer etc. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.3″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” text_line_height=”2em” header_2_text_color=”#0e4cea” background_color=”rgba(221,208,232,0.28)” custom_padding=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The human body is made up of trillions of cells and each day at least 10 million of these cells die and need to be replaced. For example the cells in your skin need to be replaced after every 2 to 3 weeks. The body has therefore put in place a way (or mechanism) to control how cell grow and die naturally (programmed cell death or apoptosis). This mechanism is under instructions from genes within your DNA. Therefore, anything that interferes with these instructions will cause normal cells to behave abnormally. Abnormal cell behavior will eventually lead to cancer. <\/span><\/p>\n Cancer cells, therefore results from<\/a><\/span> a sequential or progressive mutation overtime of essential genes that are responsible for maintaining a balance between cell growth and cell death. Because the body also fights back in trying to repair these mutations, the development of cancer (called carcinogenesis) is a slow process. It usually becomes successful when there is an accumulate damage to these genes such that the body finds it difficult to repair them anymore.<\/span><\/p>\n Once enough genetic damage has taken place, cells may start to divide uncontrollably or fail to die. This results to the formation of an abnormal mass of solid tissue called a tumor. A tumor can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A benign tumor is not cancer and will not spread to other parts of the body and can easily be treated. However, if left untreated, then a benign tumor can become cancerous. A malignant tumor on the other hand is cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body. Also, not all types of cancer form a solid tumor. This includes most types of cancer of the blood such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Cancer is hardly inherited although you can be genetically predisposed to it. Genetic predisposition means that you may have certain genetic diseases or characteristics that make you vulnerable under certain environmental conditions or lifestyle such as smoking.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.3″ text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” text_line_height=”2em” header_2_text_color=”#0e4cea” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Cancer cells and normal cells have key major differences that are usually used for their identification and to develop suitable treatments.\u00a0 Cancer cell differ from normal cell in the following ways:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” text_line_height=”2em” header_2_text_color=”#0C71C3″ background_color=”rgba(238,239,160,0.78)” custom_padding=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Cancer can also be referred to as a tumor. A primary tumor is cancer that is still localized at its primary site (the site where it started). Cancer that has moved away from its primary site to other parts of the body is called a metastasis or a secondary tumor<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” text_line_height=”2em” header_2_text_color=”#0C71C3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There exist more than 100 different types of cancer. They can be named\u00a0 based on their site of origin. For example, liver cancer originates from the liver and lung cancer originates from the lungs.\u00a0 A more general description or classification is based on the type of cell or tissue structure the cancer is made up of. Based on this, the following types of cancer exist:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n In addition to these, many other types of cancer such as multiple myeloma, carcinoid, endometrial\u00a0 cancer etc. exist.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” text_line_height=”2em” header_text_color=”#0C71C3″ header_2_text_color=”#0C71C3″ background_color=”rgba(178,216,143,0.18)” custom_margin=”-45px|||||” custom_padding=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u00a0The DNA within a cell is made up of genes. A\u00a0<\/span>gene is the basic physical and functional unit of inheritance and code for specific proteins, or segments of proteins, which have differing functions within the body. <\/span><\/span>Cancer is primary caused by gene mutation within the DNA of cells. But, there is no single cause for\u00a0 gene mutation. Therefore, c<\/span><\/span>ancer can be caused by several factors including:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” text_line_height=”2em” header_2_text_color=”#0C71C3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Cancer can be prevented in the following ways:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” text_line_height=”2em” header_2_text_color=”#0C71C3″ background_color=”rgba(224,192,123,0.25)” custom_padding=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are different types of cancer and they are present in different parts of the body. Each type can come with specific signs and symptoms. However, general signs and symptoms associated with all cancer types include:<\/span><\/p>\n Careful observation and you will realize that these signs and symptoms are similar to that with most other diseases. It is therefore the responsibility of the individual concern to be vigilant and to quickly go for check if you suspect something is not right.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” text_line_height=”2em” header_2_text_color=”#0C71C3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n No single test is used to diagnose cancer because some diseases or infectious agents can mimic the signs and symptoms of cancer. Effective diagnosis of cancer can be achieved with the following test:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” text_line_height=”2em” header_2_text_color=”#0C71C3″ background_color=”rgba(237,239,107,0.18)” custom_padding=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHow does a Normal Cell Develops into a Cancer Cell?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
sDifferences between a Cancer cell and a Normal Cell<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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Difference between a Primary and a Secondary Tumor<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Types of Cancer<\/h2>\n
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Epithelial cells are cells which line both the inner and the outer surfaces of the body such as the skin and the bladder. There are different types of epithelial cells or tissues in the body. Based on this, a carcinoma can have a specific name based on the type of epithelial tissue it originated from. Adenocarcinoma is cancer which originates from epithelial cells that produce fluids or mucus. Examples of adenocarcinomas include breast, colon, and prostate cancer.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/li>\nCauses of Cancer<\/h2>\n
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How to Prevent cancer<\/h2>\n
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Signs and Symptoms of Cancer<\/h2>\n
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Diagnosis of Cancer<\/h2>\n
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Treatment of Cancer<\/h2>\n