By the year 2020, the experts expect there to be about 15 million new reports of cancer according to the prediction of The World Health Organization – WHO. Most of the deaths worldwide till now are because of malignant cancers, and if it goes on like this, then the disease will easily become the number one killer very soon.

What is This Disease?

This is unrestrained cell growth. The human body has small cells, and they are the functional as well as the structural body units. This medical condition is noticed almost everywhere in the body. The splitting up and development of body cells are an extremely restricted process, and if there is any commotion in its rule can lead to unrestrained cell growth. This growth may form a tumor. These tumors can be either malignant or benign. If it is benign, then it isn’t that worrisome. That is because, these tumors will not spread and just a surgery can remove it. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, is dangerous and even life threatening. These tumors spread, and these are the ones that are called cancer.

The Causes

It can be caused by many factors. What most experts agree upon is the term “risk factors,” as many people argue on whether they should be termed as causative agents or not. They are viruses, some chemicals as well as environmental factors. The viruses causing cancerous growths are known as oncoviruses. The human papillomavirus is one such virus here, and the others include hepatitis C and B, human T-lymphotropic, and the Epstein – Barr.

Cancerous growths in the lung cancer may be caused by smoking. Growths in the skin may be caused by UV radiation.

Various types of cancerous growths can be caused by carcinogens such as radionuclides, formaldehyde, talc, pesticides, and such others. People whose immune systems are suppressed are also often prone. For instance, those who are getting immunosuppressive therapy or individuals who have HIV/AIDS may develop this. It can also be hereditary.

The Symptoms

There are hundred plus cancerous growth types, and they can affect various body parts. The symptoms depend on the type of cancer. Some symptoms can be quite vague, such as persistent fatigue, loss of weight without any apparent reason, bowel changes, pain, fever, as well as chronic cough. If any of these indications continue, it is necessary to check with a physician.

Treatment

At present, there are 4 typical treatment methods. They are – radiation therapy, surgery, immunotherapy and chemotherapy. The kind of cancerous growth, how much the malignancy has spread, age, and the patient’s condition will determine the therapy. Following consultation with an oncologist, the patient has to take the ultimate decision. Hormone therapy, gene therapy and angiogenesis inhibitors are a few therapeutic measures.

Although it is a fatal disease, it can be checked. Smoking, a major cause, should be shunned. Protect yourself from the Sun’s UV rays that can be harmful. Eat a well-balanced and healthy diet that consists of fruits and vegetables, and limit alcohol to stay healthy.