CANCER

Introduction: Cancer is a disease of the body’s own cells. Our bodies

are made up of billions of cells and each one has a specific role to play. We
are complex beings and there are many different types of cell – liver cells,
brain cells, blood cells and so on. Normally these cells are kept in check so
that they only grow and divide when they are told to – such as when old
cells need replacing or an organ needs repairing. In cancer these molecular
checks are broken so cells are no longer kept under strict control. This can
cause them to divide uncontrollably ultimately leading to a mass of cells
known as a tumor – the physical manifestation of the disease we call
cancer.

Tumor may be of two types: 1) Benign Tumor 2) Malignant Tumor

1) Benign Tumor: Benign tumors are non cancerous growth in the body
and they don’t spread to other parts of the body. They are more
prevalent than the malignant ones.
2) Malignant Tumor: Malignant tumors contain cells that are cancerous,
growing out of control and capable of metastasizing.
Metastatic simply means that the cells of the tumor are able to leave
the original tumor and travel to other parts of the body.
 CAUSES OF CANCER
The causes of cancer are complex but the underlying biological reason is
mutations or mistakes to the genetic code contained within a cell’s DNA.
These mutations are caused by a variety of factors including things from
inside and outside the body, as well as just by chance when a cell is going
about its normal routine.

Some of the environmental or external factors that can cause these

mutations are well known, such as tobacco smoking or too much sun
exposure. Inside the body, certain chemicals produced through normal
biological processes can also contribute to mutations in the genetic code.

The agents causing cancer are called as carcinogens. Cancer causing

viruses called as oncogenic viruses have genes called viral oncogens.

Furthermore, several genes called proto oncogens have been identified in

normal cells which when activated under certain conditions could lead to
oncogenic transformations.
 MOST COMMON TYPES OF CANCER
1. Non-melanoma skin cancer: Affecting more than 1 million people a year, skin cancer can form in the skin
cells on any part of the body, though most commonly on skin that’s been exposed to the sun. There are
several types of skin cancers, including squamous cell skin cancer, found in the flat cells on the top of
the skin, and basal cell skin cancer, found in the round cells deeper inside skin's outer layer. Most
commonly, skin cancer affects older people or people who have a compromised immune system

2. Lung cancer: Roughly 219,440 cases of this deadly cancer were diagnosed in 2009. Lung
cancer strikes the cells inside the lining of the lungs. There are two primary types of lung
cancer — small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. Lung cancer claims nearly 160,000 lives
annually

3. Breast cancer: Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. After skin cancer, breast
cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. Breast cancer can occur in
both men and women, but it's far more common in women. Breast cancer most often begins with cells in
the milk-producing ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma). Breast cancer may also begin in the glandular tissue
called lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma) or in other cells or tissue within the breast.
4. Prostate Cancer: This is the most common cancer to affect men, most often men over age
50. The prostate gland is a part of the reproductive system in men and is found at the base
of the bladder, near the rectum. This type of cancer develops in the tissues inside the
prostate gland.

5. Colorectal Cancer: The colon is part of the large intestine, which helps to break down and
digest food, and the rectum is the end of the large intestine that is nearest the anus.
Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as bowel cancer and colon cancer, is the development
of cancer from the colon or rectum (parts of the large intestine).

6. Bladder Cancer: The bladder can be affected by cancer cells that develop within its tissues. The most
common type is transitional cell carcinoma, but others, such as adenocarcinomas and squamous cell
carcinomas, may also occur, depending on which bladder cells are involved. Low-grade superficial tumors
(Ta) are treated with TURBT followed by an optional instillation of a chemotherapy medication in the
bladder to reduce recurrence rates. These tumors have high recurrence rates but a very low chance of
progression to higher stages.
7. Melanoma: Melanoma is another type of skin cancer. It forms in the skin's melanocyte
cells, which produce the brown pigment melanin. Because melanoma occurs in skin that
contains a lot of pigment, it frequently begins in moles. Melanoma may also be found in other
pigmented parts of the body, like the intestines or even the eyes.

8. Kidney Cancer: The kidneys are the organs that help to excrete waste from the body in
the form of urine. Cancer can form inside the tissues or ducts of the kidneys. Although kidney
cancer develops mainly in people over 40, one type of kidney tumor usually affects young
children. Kidney cancer rarely causes signs or symptoms in its early stages. And currently there are no
routine tests used to screen for kidney cancer in the absence of symptoms.

9. Leukemia: The four main types of leukemia are acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphocytic
leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and chronic myeloid leukemia. These types of
cancer often form inside the bone marrow or other cells and tissues that form blood cells, and
are known as blood cancers. Leukemia results in overproduction of certain kinds of white
blood cells, which then circulate in the bloodstream. Leukemia can be chronic — a slow-
growing type of cancer that begins without symptoms — or acute, meaning the cells can't
function normally and symptoms progress rapidly. It affects both adults and children, and
kills more children under age 20 than any other cancer.
 SYMPTOMS OF CANCER
Unexplained weight loss: Most people with cancer will lose weight at some point.
When you lose weight for no known reason, it’s called an unexplained weight loss. An
unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more may be the first sign of cancer. This happens
most often with cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus (swallowing tube), or lung

Fever: Fever is very common with cancer, but it more often happens after cancer has spread
from where it started. Almost all people with cancer will have fever at some time, especially if
the cancer or its treatment affects the immune system. (This can make it harder for the body to
fight infection.) Less often, fever may be an early sign of cancer, such as blood cancers
like leukemia or lymphoma.

Fatigue: Fatigue is extreme tiredness that doesn’t get better with rest. It may be an important
symptom as cancer grows. But it may happen early in some cancers, like leukemia.
Some colon or stomach cancers can cause blood loss that’s not obvious. This is another way
cancer can cause fatigue.

Pain: Pain may be an early symptom with some cancers like bone cancers or testicular
cancer. A headache that does not go away or get better with treatment may be a symptom of
a brain tumor. Back pain can be a symptom of cancer of the colon, rectum, or ovary. Most often,
pain due to cancer means it has already spread (metastasized) from where it started.

Skin changes: Along with skin cancers, some other cancers can cause skin changes that
can be seen. These signs and symptoms include:

 Darker looking skin (hyperpigmentation)

 Yellowish skin and eyes (jaundice)

 Reddened skin (erythema)

 Itching (pruritis)

 Excessive hair growth

Change in bowel habits or bladder function: Long-term constipation, diarrhea,

or a change in the size of the stool may be a sign of colon cancer. Pain when passing urine,
blood in the urine, or a change in bladder function (such as needing to pass urine more or less
often than usual) could be related to bladder or prostate cancer. Report any changes in bladder
or bowel function to a doctor.
Sores that do not heal: Skin cancers may bleed and look like sores that don’t heal. A
long-lasting sore in the mouth could be an oral cancer. This should be dealt with right away,
especially in people who smoke, chew tobacco, or often drink alcohol. Sores on the penis or
vagina may either be signs of infection or an early cancer, and should be seen by a health
professional.

White patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue: White
patches inside the mouth and white spots on the tongue may be leukoplakia. Leukoplakia is a
pre-cancerous area that’s caused by frequent irritation. It’s often caused by smoking or other
tobacco use. People who smoke pipes or use oral or spit tobacco are at high risk for
leukoplakia. If it’s not treated, leukoplakia can become mouth cancer. Any long-lasting mouth
changes should be checked by a doctor or dentist right away.

Unusual bleeding or discharge: Unusual bleeding can happen in early or advanced

cancer. Coughing up blood may be a sign of lung cancer. Blood in the stool (which can look like
very dark or black stool) could be a sign of colon or rectal cancer. Cancer of the cervix or
the endometrium (lining of the uterus) can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. Blood in the urine
may be a sign of bladder or kidneycancer. A bloody discharge from the nipple may be a sign
of breast cancer.

Thickening or lump in the breast or other parts of the body: Many cancers can
be felt through the skin. These cancers occur mostly in the breast, testicle, lymph nodes
(glands), and the soft tissues of the body. A lump or thickening may be an early or late sign of
cancer and should be reported to a doctor, especially if you’ve just found it or notice it has
grown in size. Keep in mind that some breast cancers show up as red or thickened skin rather
than a lump.

Indigestion or trouble swallowing: Indigestion or swallowing problems that don’t go

away may be signs of cancer of the esophagus (the swallowing tube that goes to the
stomach), stomach, or pharynx (throat). But like most symptoms on this list, they are most often
caused by something other than cancer.

Recent change in a wart or mole or any new skin change: Any wart, mole,
or freckle that changes color, size, or shape, or that loses its sharp border should be seen by a
doctor right away. Any other skin changes should be reported, too. A skin change may be
a melanoma which, if found early, can be treated successfully.

Nagging cough or hoarseness: A cough that does not go away may be a sign
of lung cancer. Hoarseness can be a sign of cancer of the larynx ( voice box) or thyroid gland.
Other symptoms: The signs and symptoms listed above are the more common ones seen
with cancer, but there are many others that are not listed here. If you notice any major changes
in the way your body works or the way you feel – especially if it lasts for a long time or gets
worse – let a doctor know. If it has nothing to do with cancer, the doctor can find out more about
what’s going on and, if needed, treat it. If it is cancer, you’ll give yourself the chance to have it
treated early, when treatment works best.
 PREVENTION OF CANCER

1. Don't use tobacco

Using any type of tobacco puts you on a collision course with cancer. Smoking has been linked
to various types of cancer — including cancer of the lung, mouth, throat, larynx, pancreas,
bladder, cervix and kidney. Chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the oral cavity and
pancreas. Even if you don't use tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke might increase your
risk of lung cancer.
Avoiding tobacco — or deciding to stop using it — is one of the most important health decisions
you can make. It's also an important part of cancer prevention. If you need help quitting
tobacco, ask your doctor about stop-smoking products and other strategies for quitting.

2. Eat a healthy diet

Although making healthy selections at the grocery store and at mealtime can't guarantee cancer
prevention, it might help reduce your risk. Consider these guidelines:

 Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Base your diet on fruits, vegetables and other foods
from plant sources — such as whole grains and beans.
 Avoid obesity. Eat lighter and leaner by choosing fewer high-calorie foods, including refined
sugars and fat from animal sources.
 If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation.The risk of various types of
cancer — including cancer of the breast, colon, lung, kidney and liver — increases with the
amount of alcohol you drink and the length of time you've been drinking regularly.
 Limit processed meats. A report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer,
the cancer agency of the World Health Organization, concluded that eating large amounts of
processed meat can slightly increase the risk of certain types of cancer.
In addition, women who eat a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and
mixed nuts might have a reduced risk of breast cancer. The Mediterranean diet focuses on
mostly on plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts.
People who follow the Mediterranean diet choose healthy fats, like olive oil, over butter and fish
instead of red meat.

3. Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active

Maintaining a healthy weight might lower the risk of various types of cancer, including cancer of
the breast, prostate, lung, colon and kidney.
Physical activity counts, too. In addition to helping you control your weight, physical activity on
its own might lower the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer.
Adults who participate in any amount of physical activity gain some health benefits. But for
substantial health benefits, strive to get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity
or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic physical activity. You can also do a combination of
moderate and vigorous activity. As a general goal, include at least 30 minutes of physical
activity in your daily routine — and if you can do more, even better.

4. Protect yourself from the sun

Skin cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer — and one of the most preventable. Try
these tips:
 Avoid midday sun. Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays
are strongest.
 Stay in the shade. When you're outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible.
Sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat help, too.
 Cover exposed areas. Wear tightly woven, loosefitting clothing that covers as much of your
skin as possible. Opt for bright or dark colors, which reflect more ultraviolet radiation than
pastels or bleached cotton.
 Don't skimp on sunscreen. Use generous amounts of sunscreen when you're outdoors,
and reapply often.
 Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. These are just as damaging as natural sunlight.
5. Get immunized
Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections. Talk to your doctor about
immunization against:

 Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. The hepatitis B
vaccine is recommended for certain high-risk adults — such as adults who are sexually
active but not in a mutually monogamous relationship, people with sexually transmitted
infections, intravenous drug users, men who have sex with men, and health care or public
safety workers who might be exposed to infected blood or body fluids.
 Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical
and other genital cancers as well as squamous cell cancers of the head and neck. The HPV
vaccine is recommended for girls and boys ages 11 and 12. It is also available to both men
and women age 26 or younger who didn't have the vaccine as adolescents.
6. Avoid risky behaviors
Another effective cancer prevention tactic is to avoid risky behaviors that can lead to infections
that, in turn, might increase the risk of cancer. For example:

 Practice safe sex. Limit your number of sexual partners, and use a condom when you have
sex. The more sexual partners you have in your lifetime, the more likely you are to contract a
sexually transmitted infection — such as HIV or HPV. People who have HIV or AIDS have a
higher risk of cancer of the anus, liver and lung. HPV is most often associated with cervical
cancer, but it might also increase the risk of cancer of the anus, penis, throat, vulva and
vagina.
 Don't share needles. Sharing needles with an infected drug user can lead to HIV, as well as
hepatitis B and hepatitis C — which can increase the risk of liver cancer. If you're concerned
about drug abuse or addiction, seek professional help.
7. Get regular medical care
Regular self-exams and screenings for various types of cancers — such as cancer of the skin,
colon, cervix and breast — can increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when
treatment is most likely to be successful. Ask your doctor about the best cancer screening
schedule for you.
Take cancer prevention into your own hands, starting today. The rewards will last a lifetime.
 MAJOR METHODS IN TREATMENT OF CANCER

 Fluid biopsy
 Real Time cancer diagnostics
 Understanding genetic and lifestyle causes of genetics
 Next generation targeted therapies
 Molecular cancer diagnostics
 Artificial intelligence based therapy design
 Multifunctional radiology
 In silico trials
 D.N.A. cages
 Precision surgery
 Monitoring and providing care
 Embedded , implanted and digestible sensors
 Pain management
 MAJOR INSTITUTES IN INDIA FOR TREATMENT OF CANCER

 Apollo Cancer Institute, Chennai

 American Oncology Institute, Hyderabad
 Apollo Cancer Institute, Hyderabad
 Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram
 Apollo Cancer Institute, New Delhi
 BGS Global Hospital, Benga
 Artemis Hospital, Dwarka, Delhi
 Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai
 Manipal Hospital, Bangalore
 Continental Cancer Institute & Radiation Center, Hyderabad
 Yashoda Cancer Institute, Hyderabad
 BIBILOGRAPHY
1. https://www.google.com
2.https://www.medifee.com/list/best-cancer-
hospital-in-india
3.https://en.wikipedia.org
4.https://www.cancer.org
5.Biology N.C.E.R.T.
6.Pradeep foundations of biology class 12
7.https://healthline.com
8.https://emedicinehealth.com