Common Cancer Types And Risks

By Author: Make HealthEasy
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Cancer affects nearly each and every part of our body. There exist over a hundred different types of cancers. Cells in our body normally grow, divide, and produce more cells to perform specials tasks. When these normal healthy cells grow old or get damaged they die and are replaced by new cells to perform the same duties. But when they react to free radicals the normal cells get imbalanced and eventually an overgrowth of abnormal cells begins which compete with the normal cells and cause cancer. The names of many types of cancers are often associated with the organs it affects. Lung cancer is so called because the cancer is located in the lungs. Cancer is more frequently found in some parts of the body than others due to varied reasons not yet clear to science. Information on cancer can be obtained from various Health Information Centers and help one in detecting the initial signs of the disease.

Researchers and scientists have classified common types of cancer into five broad categories: (1) Central Nervous System Cancers - The brain and the tissues of ...
... the spinal cord are primarily affected. (2) Carcinoma - related cancers originate in the skin, and also in tissues that cover organs residing inside the body. The other parts affected by this type of cancer are the stomach, liver, breast, prostate, and the colon. (3) Leukemia - begins in the bone marrow (and other tissues where blood is formed), causing formation of abnormal blood cells that enter the blood stream. (4) Sarcoma - a cancer that starts from connective or supportive tissue cells. Examples include blood vessel, muscle, fat, bone and cartilage. (5) Myeloma and Lymphoma - develop in the cells located in the immune system.

Besides these common types of cancers, it is a fact that cancer can be caused due to infections. Cancer causing viruses such as human papillomavirus are known to cause cervical cancer.

The best way one can fight cancer is to stop it before it starts developing. Risk factors associated with cancer are known to aid cancer development. Studies have shown that avoiding cancer risk factors can help one in living a cancer free life. The list of risk factors is vast and varied including age, gene inheritance, hormones, obesity, specific viruses and bacteria, unhealthy eating habits, alcohol, artificial substances, sunlight, chemicals, radiation. One should not be surprised to see age among the list of common cancer risk factors. Aging is a natural process no one can avoid but leading a healthy lifestyle helps avoid cancer. Statistics show that majority of cancer patients comprise of senior citizens and they suffer mainly from common types of cancers. Those affected, led unhealthy lifestyles. Those with eating habits that are unhealthy, are obese, and are bereft of physical exercise are, as a result, not only prone to cancer but other ailments too such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, cholesterol, cold and flu to name but a few.

A healthy lifestyle is also promoted in all forms of natural cancer treatments which are usually free of side effects. Similarly, lung cancer is caused by the carcinogen substances in tobacco. Smokers can quit this habit as they are at a risk of developing lung cancer. Presence of certain chemicals and substances also comprise cancer risk factors including cadmium, benzene, nickel, and asbestos found at various workplaces. Employees exposed to such chemicals and substances in hazardous environments are at a greater risk of developing cancer. Ozone therapy is a safer option among other natural cancer treatments. It works by killing off cancer cells which are anaerobic (thrive in absence of oxygen) in nature, and cannot survive in the presence of pure oxygen. Anti cancer diets are beneficial in prevention of cancer. Even those suffering from cancer can make use of anti cancer diet to improve their health and hopefully stop further spread of the disease. Natural cancer treatments are not a substitute but should be combined with traditional treatments to improve chances of controlling and preventing cancer. All in all - joining support groups, talking to family and friends, social interaction, along with appropriate exercise can together play a vital role in alleviation, prevention, and treatment of this dreadful disease.