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Cancer is a broad term used to describe a group of diseases characterized by the abnormal growth and proliferation of cells in the body. It is a complex and complex disease that can affect various organs and systems, leading to significant health challenges. This wiki page provides an in-depth overview of cancer, including its causes, types, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and preventive measures.
	'''Cancer''' is a broad group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way. Cancer can start in almost any tissue, may invade nearby tissue, and may spread to other parts of the body through metastasis.

	Cancer is not one single disease. The NHS describes more than 200 different types of cancer, including cancers of organs, blood, bone marrow, skin, and the immune system. The causes, symptoms, treatment options, and outlook vary greatly between cancer types and between individual patients.

== Overview ==	== Overview ==
Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. These cells can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through a process known as metastasis. Cancer can affect individuals of all ages, genders, and ethnicities, and it remains a significant global health concern.
	Cancer begins when genetic changes affect how cells grow, divide, repair damage, or die. Some changes are inherited, but many are acquired during life. A tumour may be benign or malignant. Benign tumours do not invade nearby tissue or spread around the body, while malignant tumours can invade, damage tissue, and spread.

== Causes ==
Cancer can have various causes, including genetic factors, environmental exposures, lifestyle choices, and infectious agents. Some common risk factors associated with cancer development include:
	Cancer care usually depends on the type of cancer, where it started, whether it has spread, the person's general health, and the aim of treatment. Some cancers can be treated with curative intent, especially when found early. Others are managed as long-term or advanced conditions, with treatment focused on control, symptom relief, and quality of life.

# Genetic Mutations: Certain gene mutations inherited from parents or acquired during a person's lifetime can increase the risk of developing specific types of cancer.
# Environmental Exposures: Exposure to certain substances and environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke, radiation, chemicals, and pollutants, can contribute to the development of cancer.
# Lifestyle Factors: Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as tobacco and alcohol use, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity, can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
# Infectious Agents: Some infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C viruses, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are linked to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer.
	== Causes and Risk Factors ==
	Cancer can develop for many reasons, and in some cases there is no single clear cause. Risk factors can include:

== Types of Cancer ==
Cancer can affect various organs and systems in the body, and there are more than 100 different types of cancer identified to date. Some common types of cancer include:
	* Age, as cancer risk generally rises with age.
	* Inherited genetic risk or a strong family history of certain cancers.
	* Tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke.
	* Alcohol use.
	* Being overweight or obese.
	* Too much ultraviolet exposure from sunlight or tanning devices.
	* Some infections, including human papillomavirus, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
	* Workplace or environmental exposures such as asbestos, air pollution, and ionising radiation.
	* Some long-term inflammatory or inherited conditions.

# Breast Cancer: Affects the breast tissue, primarily in women but can also occur in men.
# Lung Cancer: Develops in the lungs and is often associated with smoking, but it can also occur in non-smokers.
# Colorectal Cancer: Affects the colon or rectum and usually develops from precancerous polyps.
# Prostate Cancer: Occurs in the prostate gland in men and is one of the most common cancers in males.
# Leukaemia: A cancer of the blood or bone marrow, characterized by the abnormal production of white blood cells.
	The World Health Organization estimates that about 38% of cancers can currently be prevented by avoiding risk factors and using evidence-based prevention strategies. Prevention does not remove all risk, but it can reduce the chance of several common cancers.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other types of cancer that can affect different parts of the body.
	== Common Types ==
	Cancer may be grouped by the tissue or organ where it begins. Common examples include:

	* '''Breast cancer''', which starts in breast tissue and can affect women and men.
	* '''Lung cancer''', which starts in the lungs and is strongly linked to smoking, though it also occurs in non-smokers.
	* '''Bowel cancer''', including cancers of the colon and rectum.
	* '''Prostate cancer''', which starts in the prostate gland.
	* '''Leukaemia''', a cancer of blood-forming tissues such as bone marrow.
	* '''Lymphoma''', which affects lymphocytes and the lymphatic system.
	* '''Skin cancers''', including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

	These examples do not cover all cancer types. Each type has its own pattern of risk, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.

== Symptoms ==	== Symptoms ==
The symptoms of cancer can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. Some common signs and symptoms include:
	Symptoms depend on the cancer type and where it is in the body. Possible warning signs can include:

# Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden and unexplained weight loss can be an early sign of various types of cancer.
# Fatigue: Persistent fatigue and weakness that do not improve with rest can be a symptom of cancer.
# Pain: Chronic pain that does not have an obvious cause and does not improve with standard treatments may be a symptom of cancer.
# Changes in the Skin: Changes in the skin, such as darkening, yellowing, redness, or the development of new moles or growths, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
	* A lump, swelling, or unusual thickening.
	* Unexplained weight loss.
	* Ongoing tiredness that is not explained by normal activity.
	* Unusual bleeding.
	* A persistent cough, breathlessness, or coughing blood.
	* Changes in bowel or bladder habits.
	* A mole or skin change that is new, changing, bleeding, or not healing.
	* Persistent pain or discomfort without a clear cause.

It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate the presence of cancer. Consulting with a healthcare professional is essential for proper diagnosis.
	These symptoms can also be caused by many conditions that are not cancer. Persistent, unexplained, or worrying symptoms should be checked by a GP or appropriate healthcare professional.

== Diagnosis ==	== Diagnosis ==
The diagnosis of cancer usually involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, imaging tests (e.g., X-rays, CT scans, MRIs), laboratory tests, and tissue biopsies. Medical professionals, such as oncologists and pathologists, analyse the collected information to determine the type, stage, and extent of cancer.
	Cancer diagnosis can involve several steps. A clinician may take a medical history, examine the person, and arrange tests. These may include blood tests, imaging such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, or PET scans, endoscopy, or biopsy.

== Treatment Options ==
The treatment of cancer depends on various factors, including the type, stage, and location of the disease, as well as the individual's overall health. Common treatment options include:
	A biopsy, where a sample of tissue is examined, is often important for confirming the type of cancer. After diagnosis, staging is used to describe the size of the cancer and whether it has spread. Grading may describe how abnormal the cells look under a microscope.

# Surgery: Surgical procedures aim to remove the cancerous tumour and surrounding tissues. Surgery may be curative in early-stage cancers or used for palliative purposes to relieve symptoms in advanced cases.
# Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill or slow down the growth of cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy may be used before surgery to shrink tumours, after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells, or as the primary treatment for advanced cancers.
# Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, are used to destroy or damage cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be administered externally (external beam radiation) or internally (brachytherapy).
# Immunotherapy: Treatment options that stimulate the body's immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. This can be done through the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and adoptive cell transfer, among other approaches.
# Targeted Therapy: Drugs that specifically target cancer cells by interfering with specific molecules involved in their growth and survival. Targeted therapies are often used in cancers with specific genetic or molecular characteristics.
	== Treatment ==
	Treatment depends on the cancer type and stage. Common treatments include:

Additional treatment options may include hormone therapy, stem cell transplantation, and precision medicine approaches, depending on the specific characteristics of the cancer and individual patient factors.
	* '''Surgery''', used to remove a tumour or affected tissue.
	* '''Radiotherapy''', which uses radiation to damage or destroy cancer cells.
	* '''Chemotherapy''', which uses medicines that kill cancer cells or stop them dividing.
	* '''Immunotherapy''', which helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer.
	* '''Targeted therapy''', which acts on specific features of cancer cells.
	* '''Hormone therapy''', used for some hormone-sensitive cancers.
	* '''Stem cell or bone marrow transplant''', used for some blood cancers and related conditions.

	Cancer treatment is often planned by a multidisciplinary team. A person may receive one treatment or a combination of treatments. Supportive and palliative care may be given alongside active cancer treatment to manage symptoms, side effects, emotional needs, and quality of life.

	== Prevention and Screening ==
	Not all cancer can be prevented. Measures that can reduce the risk of some cancers include not smoking, keeping alcohol within recommended limits, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, using sun protection, taking part in vaccination programmes such as HPV or hepatitis B where offered, and attending cancer screening when invited.

	Screening is intended for people without symptoms and does not replace medical advice for symptoms. Anyone with concerning symptoms should seek medical assessment rather than waiting for a screening invitation.

	== References ==
	* [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/ NHS: Cancer]
	* [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer World Health Organization: Cancer fact sheet]
	* [https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/advanced-cancer/care-choices/palliative-care-fact-sheet National Cancer Institute: Palliative care in cancer]

	[[Category:Health]]
	[[Category:Medicine]]