In simple terms cancer refers to uncontrolled growth of cells, the building blocks of a body. But what are the building blocks of a body? Just as a concrete structure is made of bricks cemented together, a living body is made up of millions of microscopic units called cells. These cells are what comprise the building blocks in a living being.
What Happens In A Normal Body?
Different types of cells constitute a living body. Cells are identified on the basis of their location and/or function. Skin cells, bone cells, blood cells, muscle cells, cells of the stomach, hormone secreting cells, neurons (brain cells) are only a few types of cells. Specific type(s) of cells are responsible for controlling one or more functions/systems in the body.
Under normal circumstances, all cells are pre-programmed to go through defined stages of multiplication, growth, function and death. Their multiplication is regulated so an optimum number of a particular type of cells is maintained. Cells less than the optimum number show reduced function. Similarly, cells significantly more than the optimum number show increased incidence of the corresponding function. Old or damaged cells die to pave way for new cells.
What happens when cells deviate from their normal behavior and forget to die?
When Normal Becomes Abnormal
Occasionally, fundamental changes in cells render them incapable of dying. Such abnormal cells become immortal and continue to multiply giving rise to millions of their own kind even though the body does not need them. An abundance of abnormal cells forms lesions, nodular formations or other unusual growths on or within the body. "Tumor" is the general term used to refer to these abnormal growths.
NOT ALL TUMORS ARE CANCEROUS.
Tumors may be benign (harmless) or malignant (cancerous).
Benign Tumors
Benign tumors are harmless growths which may remain for years. Unlike cancerous growths, benign tumors are quite passive and limited in their development. Moles are one of the most common examples of benign tumors which may affect any part of the body at any time.
Most benign tumors go unnoticed unless they start affecting daily life. Some benign tumors have the potential of becoming cancerous if left untreated. Polyp development in the colon for instance may progress to colon cancer if it is not treated.
Malignant Tumors
Malignant tumors are abnormal growths that give rise to cancer. These tumors are aggressive in nature as a result of which they multiply rapidly, invade adjacent tissue and deform surrounding organs. They usually hamper general bodily functions and routine life.
Unrestricted development of malignant tumors releases some cancerous cells in blood supply. Consequently, they circulate through the body and lodge themselves in other parts giving rise to secondary malignant tumors. Spread of cancerous cells through blood supply is called metastasis. Clearly, treatment becomes extremely difficult after metastasis.
Who Is at Risk?
Though cancer can affect anyone at any age, some individuals belonging to certain age groups, gene pool, ethnic backgrounds, lifestyle patterns and/or gender have been observed to be more susceptible to particular types of cancers. For example, those who chew tobacco or smoke cigarettes have a higher incidence of oral and lung cancers. Women with family history of breast cancer are more at risk of developing the disease. Older men are more susceptible to cancer of the prostate glands.
Understand that individuals falling in none of the high risk category are NOT guaranteed against development of cancer. Unless the cancer is gender specific (e.g., cervical cancer affects only women), cancer can affect any individual.
What To Do?
Though there is no guarantee against cancer, certain measures can be taken to reduce the risk. Some of these steps are leading active lives, eating healthy, quitting smoking, moderate drinking (as compared to heavy drinking) and maintaining healthy body weight.
Aside from this, go for regular check ups. Early detection plays a significant role in success of the treatment and survival.
The author is an established freelance writer with years of experience in healthcare and medical writing. View her profile at http://www.guru.com/freelancers/ContentDesigners/444094.
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