Cancer – Types, Symptoms, Causes, And Prevention

Cancer

The human body system was wired and configured to function in a certain way, any deviation from this normality can result in sickness or disease.

Cancer is a disease that has been a serious medical problem globally. According to the World Health Organization, this sickness is the second leading cause of death in the world with an estimation of about 9.6 million death in 2018.

It is a disease resulting from an uncontrollable multiplication or division of cells in any part of the body system or organ.

Symptoms of Cancer Disease

The symptoms of this disease lies in the type of cancer and its location. Some of which include;

Breast Cancer

Feeling of lump in the breast
Nipple discharge
Pain

Cancer of the lungs

Extreme fatigue
Pain

Brain Cancer

Seizures

Some general symptoms include;

Difficulty in swallowing food
Strong cough or hoarseness
Changes in bladder habits
Chronic sore throat
Unexplained loss of appetite
Regular steady increase in pain at that part of the body or bone
Vomiting
Reoccurring infections

Note that these symptoms mentioned above can also arise from noncancerous health conditions and if you have any of these symptoms do not hesitate to consult your doctor.

The Common Types of Cancer

Liver cancer
Breast cancer
Bladder cancer
Kidney cancer
Colon and Rectal cancer
Endometrial cancer
Leukemia
Lung cancer
Melanoma
Pancreatic cancer
Prostate cancer
Thyroid cancer
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Possible Causes of Cancer

There are many possible risk factors for cancer and some of which include;

Smoking
Excess alcohol consumption
Excess body weight
Poor nutrition
Physical inactivity
Genetic factor

How You Can Prevent Cancer

Stop Smoking

One of the leading causes of cancer globally is the smoking of tobacco and the report has shown that it kills about 6million people annually as it causes cancer and many other diseases.

Tobacco smoke has been known to contain more than 7000 chemicals and out of these chemicals, more than 250 are harmful with about 50 of them causing cancer disease.

Some types of cancer that can result from smoking tobacco includes;

Lung cancer
Cancer of the esophagus
Cancer of the bladder
Kidney cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Stomach cancer
Mouth cancer

Engage in Regular Physical activities

Taking part in sporting activities and exercise can help you reduce the risk of having cancer. Do not be lazy about this try to always stay fit and healthy by carrying out the exercise. There are several lists of exercises that you can do to stay active and healthy.

Dietary Modification

What you eat can also predispose you to the risk of cancer. Reduce the intake of refined and processed food as they increase the risk of having cancer. Diets high in fruits and vegetables have been found to protect one against cancer.

Food that can help you reduce your risk of cancer

Carrot
Beans
Berries
Nuts
Olive oil
Turmeric
Citrus fruits
Flaxseed
Fatty fish
Garlic
Tomatoes
Cinnamon
Broccoli

Obesity and overweight have also been linked to some types of cancer such as breast cancer, kidney, colorectal, endometrium, and cancer of the esophagus.

Reduce the intake of alcohol

Statistics have shown that about 337,400 deaths have been recorded worldwide resulting from alcohol-attributable cancer.

Some types of cancer that can result from the excessive intake of alcohol include; cancer of the oral cavity, liver, breast, esophagus, pharynx, larynx, and colorectal.

Environmental Pollution

Living in a polluted environment can also increase the risk of cancer. The pollution of the air that will breathe and water with carcinogenic chemicals contribute to the risk of cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimate of 3.2 million deaths was recorded in 2012 with more than 200,000 death from lung cancer as a result of air pollution.

Household air pollution from Generators and cooking with firewood has also been found to double the risk of cancer.

Infections

Infections from agents such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis Band C, and helicobacter pylori has been found to also cause cancer.

Radiation

Exposure to both natural and artificial radiation can also increase the risk of cancer.

This can be very severe in young people who expose their bodies to high ultraviolet radiation.

Exposure to high radiation can cause different types of skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Cancer – Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention