Before we begin: If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer, learn about.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about cancer. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is cancer? Cancer is not just one disease but many diseases. Cancer begins in your cells, which are the building blocks of your body. Usually, your body forms new cells as needed, replacing old cells that die. Sometimes this process goes wrong. New cells grow even when you don’t need them, and old cells don’t die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass called a tumor.
Tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors aren’t cancer, while malignant ones are. Cells from malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues. They can also break away and spread to other parts of your body. The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another is called metastasis. Symptoms and treatment depend on the type of cancer and how advanced it is.
What are the types of cancer? There are more than 100 different types of cancer. Cancer can start almost anywhere in your body. Most cancers are named for where they start. For example, lung cancer starts in the lung, and breast cancer starts in the breast.
Cancer may also be described by the type of cell that formed it, such as sarcoma if cancer begins in your bone and soft tissue. Carcinoma is the most common type of cancer. It is formed by epithelial cells, the cells that cover the inside and outside surfaces of your body.
How does cancer develop? Cancer is a genetic disease. That means changes in your genes cause it. Changes in your genes are also called gene variants or mutations. Genes are parts of DNA in your cells that you inherit from your parents. However, only some cancers are caused by genes passed down from your parents.
Genetic changes can occur to your genes over your lifetime that affect how your cells function. Usually, your body gets rid of damaged cells before they turn cancerous, but this ability goes down as you age. Other factors that may affect your risk of developing cancer can include:
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun
Smoking
Your diet
Physical inactivity
What are the symptoms of cancer? Cancer symptoms depend on the type of cancer. For example, some of the symptoms that cancer may cause can include:
A lump in your breast
Blood in your urine (pee) or stool (poop)
Bleeding or bruising for no known reason
A sore that doesn’t heal
Trouble swallowing
A new mole or a change to a mole you already have
Cancer may cause various symptoms but often doesn’t cause pain. Don’t wait until you’re having pain before seeing your health care provider. See your provider if you have symptoms that don’t get better in a few weeks.
How is cancer diagnosed? There is no single test that can diagnose cancer. The tests ordered are usually based on your symptoms. Your provider may:
Ask about your medical history
Ask about your family health history, including relatives who have had cancer
Do a physical exam
Do a screening test such as a mammogram, colonoscopy, or a Pap test
Order blood tests or imaging tests
To find out if you have cancer, your provider may order a biopsy. A biopsy is the procedure of removing and examining tissue, cells, or fluids from your body.
What are the treatments for cancer? Treatment depends on the type of cancer and how advanced it is. Most treatment plans may include surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. Some may involve hormone therapy, immunotherapy or other types of biological therapy, or stem cell transplantation.
Can cancer be prevented? It’s usually not possible to know exactly why cancer develops in some people but not others. There are some things that you can’t control which may increase or decrease your risk of getting cancer, such as inheriting certain genes or your age. But some lifestyle habits may increase your risk of certain types of cancer. Avoid or reduce lifestyle habits such as:
Smoking and tobacco use
Having too much sun exposure
Drinking too much alcohol
Not getting enough physical activity
Having obesity
NIH: National Cancer Institute
Also known as: Carcinoma, Malignancy, Neoplasms, Tumor.
Related topics: Carcinoma, Malignancy, Neoplasms, Oncology, Tumor.
Categories: Cancers.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Cancer Institute.
Key Takeaways
Understanding cancer is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.