Cancer is a term that often brings worry and uncertainty, but understanding what it is can help demystify this complex group of diseases. Essentially, cancer is not just one illness but many different types, all involving cells in our body that begin to grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.Under normal circumstances, our body's cells grow and divide as needed. When cells are old or damaged, they die off, and new cells take their place. However, in the case of cancer, this orderly process breaks down. Old or damaged cells survive when they should die, and instead of them, new cells form when they're not needed. These extra cells can divide without stopping and may form growths called tumours, which can be harmful to the body.There are over 100 different types of cancer, and they are usually named for the organs or tissues where they form. For instance, lung cancer starts in the lungs, while leukaemia is a cancer of the blood that originates in the bone marrow. The causes of cancer are varied; some are inherited from our parents, while others are due to errors as cells divide or from exposure to environmental factors like tobacco smoke, radiation, and the sun's ultraviolet rays.The symptoms of cancer vary widely depending on the type of cancer and where it has spread. Common symptoms include unusual lumps, weight changes, persistent coughs, changes in bowel habits, fatigue, and unusual bleeding. Diagnosing cancer involves a variety of approaches including physical exams, blood tests, imaging like X-rays and MRIs, and biopsies where small tissue samples are examined for cancerous cells.Treating cancer has greatly advanced over the years and includes surgery to remove tumours, radiation therapy, chemotherapy to target cancer cells, and immunotherapy which helps the immune system fight the cancer. The type of treatment depends largely on the type of cancer and how advanced it is.Preventing certain types of cancer is also possible by making healthy lifestyle choices. These include maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, not smoking, and protecting skin from the sun. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can also help lower the risk of some cancers.Living with cancer can be challenging not just physically but emotionally. Support from doctors, counsellors, and support groups can help those diagnosed and their families navigate through this difficult time. Fortunately, many cancers can now be cured or managed as chronic diseases thanks to medical advances.Scientists continue to research and develop new treatments that target specific aspects of cancer cells, improving the effectiveness of treatments and reducing side effects. Advances in genetics and immunotherapy hold promise for future breakthroughs in how we treat or even prevent cancer. Ancient HistoryCancer is not a modern disease; it has been around since ancient times. The earliest recorded case of cancer was found in ancient manuscripts from Egypt, dating back to around 1600 BC. The text describes breast cancer and suggests cauterisation (burning) as a treatment.Cells That Don’t StopNormal cells in our body know when to stop growing through signals from their environment. Cancer cells lose this ability and grow uncontrollably, forming new, abnormal cells that can invade other parts of the body.Sun’s RoleNot all cancers are caused by smoking or genetics; some are influenced by the sun. Skin cancer is largely caused by unprotected exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun, making it one of the most preventable cancers.Cancer’s Favourite Colour Might Be BlueResearch has shown that people with light-coloured eyes, such as blue or green, are more at risk for melanoma of the uvea, which is a part of the eye, compared to those with brown or black eyes.Cancer Cells Can TravelCancer cells can break away from where they started and travel through the blood or lymph system to form new tumours far from the original tumours, a process known as metastasis.Gold in TreatmentTiny particles of gold are being used in research to help doctors target cancer cells more accurately. Gold nanoparticles can help improve the delivery of drugs to tumour cells and minimise damage to healthy tissue..Even Animals Get CancerCancer affects animals too, not just humans. Domestic animals like dogs and cats can develop cancer, and even wild animals and dinosaurs had it. Scientists have found evidence of bone tumours in dinosaur fossils..Bananas and PreventionBananas, along with other fruits and vegetables, are great sources of dietary fibre and vitamins that may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, particularly those of the gastrointestinal tract..Origin of the NameThe term "cancer" comes from the Latin word for 'crab' - a name coined by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates. He used it because the finger-like spreading projections from a cancer called to mind the shape of a crab.
