What to Know About Types of Cancer
Cancer is a disease that affects millions of people across the US every year. To protect yourself and your loved ones, it is important to be aware of the different types of cancer, their symptoms, and how they can be prevented or treated.
This article will give you an overview of 7 types of cancer you should know about, including breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, liver cancer, and ovarian cancer.
By learning about these cancer types and understanding their symptoms, causes and treatment options, you will be better equipped to take preventative measures and stay informed about your health. So, keep reading to learn more about how you can protect yourself from this deadly disease.
Cancer Types: Understanding Breast and Lung Cancer
If you had thought breast cancer was only restricted to women, here is the truth: It can also occur in men. This cancer forms in the breast tissue and can spread to other parts of your body. Some of the risk factors for developing breast cancer are age, family history, personal health history, and lifestyle choices. The key symptoms that you may want to watch out for are a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area, changes in breast size or shape, and discharge from the nipple.
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but non-smokers can also develop it. There are different stages of lung cancer. Some lung cancer symptoms can manifest in the form of a cough that won’t go away, chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
There are various treatment options available to treat lung and breast cancer. You can treat breast cancer through methods like surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted drug therapy depending on the type and extent of cancer.
When it comes to lung cancer, and if there are patients who cannot have surgery due to different reasons like advanced age or poor health conditions, doctors may recommend radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Cancer Symptoms and Treatment: Colon, Prostate, and Skin Cancer
Let’s talk about three more types of cancer you should know about-colon cancer, prostate cancer, and skin cancer.
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects your large intestine. You may want to watch out for some common early symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, blood in your stool, and abdominal pain. Among the risk factors are family history, age, diet, sedentary lifestyle, or obesity. To prevent colon cancer, you need to make sure you get regular screening tests.
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that only affects men. If you experience difficulty in urinating or see blood in the urine, be warned. Risk factors for developing prostate cancer include age and family history. You can treat prostate cancer with surgery or radiation therapy if detected early.
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer out there. By avoiding excessive sun exposure or tanning beds, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. There are three main types of skin cancers: melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer because it can spread quickly to other parts of your body. You can treat all three types of skin cancer with surgery or radiation therapy.
Wearing sunscreen and getting regular check-ups with your doctor can reduce your risk of getting these cancers.
Cancer Causes and Prevention: Liver and Ovarian Cancer
Now, let’s move on to two more types of cancer that you should know about – liver and ovarian cancer.
Liver cancer is a result of either viral hepatitis or alcohol consumption. If you get jaundice or experience sudden weight loss, get your radar up. Opting for vaccination against Hepatitis B or making healthy lifestyle choices when it comes to alcohol consumption can go a long way in saving you from this type of cancer.
Ovarian cancer is exclusive to women and occurs when cells in the ovaries grow abnormally. Gain prior knowledge of your family history to understand whether you are at risk of developing this type of cancer. While there is no surefire way to prevent ovarian cancer, certain measures like taking birth control pills or surgery can reduce your risk.
While there are preventative measures for certain cancers, you must understand that some risks cannot be avoided entirely. That said, staying informed helps with early detection, which can make an enormous difference in treatment success rates.
Cancer research continues to advance every day, leading to new treatments and prevention strategies. The more knowledge you have about different types of cancers and their causes, symptoms, treatments, and preventative measures, the better equipped you are to fight against this disease.
Stay Informed To Help Prevent Cancer
You now know about the 7 most common types of cancer. Staying informed is the best way to prevent cancer and stay healthy. Remember, early detection is key to successful cancer treatment outcomes, so do not hesitate to see a doctor if you notice any symptoms. Here are some takeaways from this article:
- Breast cancer is most common in women, and lung cancer is often caused by smoking.
- Colon cancer can be prevented with regular screening, and prostate cancer affects only men.
- Skin cancer can be prevented by avoiding excessive sun exposure, and liver cancer can be caused by alcohol consumption or Hepatitis B.
- Ovarian cancer only affects women and can be prevented with birth control pills or surgery.
Now that you know about the different types of cancers, take a proactive role in your health management!