What Are the Most Common Types of Cancer?
The number of online cancer cases has increased in recent years, with cancer becoming the leading cause of death globally. Cancer refers to a collection of related diseases and occurs when damaged cells begin to divide and spread to other tissues in the body continuously.
There are several types of cancers, and they are typically defined based on the tissue they start and the affected body part. Early diagnosis can help in successfully treating the ailment. Here are the most common types of cancer and their warning signs:
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer occurs when the cells in the breast begin to grow and get out of control and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. It can affect males and females but is more common in females, with less than 1% of cases being males. It accounts for over ten percent of all confirmed cancer cases worldwide.
There are different breast cancer types, and early detection can be made by performing a mammogram and regular screening. Aging and a history of breast cancer in the family can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Signs
- Pain and change in the appearance of the nipple and breast area.
- Discharge from the nipple that is not breast milk.
- Irritation of the breast area
- Formation of a lump or mass in the region around the breast and armpit.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer occurs when a cell in an individual’s lung grows out of control. Although there are many different types of lung cancer, the most common are non-small cells. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.
Most cases are directly attributed to smoking, although it can also develop in non-smokers.
Other causes of lung cancer include a family history of the disease and exposure to carcinogenic materials such as radon gas or asbestos.
Studies have shown that giving up smoking can be highly beneficial to one’s health. It significantly reduces the risk of lung cancer even after years of smoking. You may fail to notice any signs indicating you have lung cancer until the late stages. It is crucial to see a doctor as soon as you notice any of the symptoms.
Signs
- Constant shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Pain in the chest when coughing or even breathing
- Sudden weight loss
- Constant fatigue
- Changes in the voice with the tone becoming harsher.
- Appetite loss
- Lung infections
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland cells in males. Over a million people die annually from prostate cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death among men. It may not display signs until it has spread to other body parts, making it difficult to treat.
Men need regular screening to increase the chances of detecting the disease early on and successfully treating it. The risk increases with age, with most cases involving men over 55.
Medical advancements have led to less invasive treatments that are highly effective in treating prostate cancer.
Getting a swift cancer diagnosis can be life saving. You can find more information on https://delayedcancerdiagnosis.org/. Treatment may not be immediately required, especially in the early stages of the disease. However, patients may require radiotherapy, hormone therapy, or even therapy to treat the ailment.
Signs
- Problem urinating, which may include difficulty starting or holding back urination.
- Increased urge to urinate.
- Pain when urinating.
- Difficulty in getting and maintaining an erection.
- Blood specks in semen or urine
- Pain in the lower back region
Regular medical checkups and screening can help diagnose cancer early on before it advances and spreads to other parts of the body. Most cancer types can be successfully treated if diagnosed early. Take the necessary steps to live a healthy life to reduce the risk factors leading to cancer.
