Cancer

Cancer is a general term used to describe a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. These abnormal cells can form tumors or invade other parts of the body, leading to damage and potentially life-threatening complications. There are many different types of cancer, each with unique causes and symptoms. Treatment options vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, but may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

History:

The word “cancer” comes from the ancient Greek word καρκίνος, which means “crab” and “tumor.” The term was used to describe tumors because of their similarity to the appearance of a crab, with swollen veins that resemble the legs of a crab. The Greek physicians Hippocrates and Galen, among others, noted this resemblance and used the term to describe tumors. The word was introduced into the English language in the modern medical sense around 1600. The Greek word “karkinos” was used to describe malignant tumors, but also to describe the zodiac sign Cancer.

Cancer has been described in medical texts for thousands of years, with some of the earliest known descriptions dating back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Physicians in these civilizations described tumors and growths that closely resemble what we now recognize as cancer.

The earliest known description of cancer is from the Edwin Smith Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical text dating back to around 1600 BCE. The text describes eight cases of tumors or ulcers of the breast that were treated by cauterization.

The Greek physician Hippocrates, who lived around 400 BCE, also described tumors and growths in his medical texts and is credited with coining the term “cancer,” which means “crab” in Greek. The Roman physician Galen also described tumors and growths in his medical texts, and made important contributions to the understanding of cancer.

Ancient physicians did not have the same understanding of cancer that we have today. They did not have the same diagnostic tools and technologies, and their treatments were often limited to surgical removal of the growth or cauterization. They did not have a clear understanding of the underlying causes of cancer and its progression.

During the Middle Ages, cancer was often considered a hopeless condition and treatment was primarily focused on palliative care. In the 18th and 19th centuries, advancements in surgical techniques and anesthesia allowed for more effective surgical treatment of cancer. In the 19th century, doctors such as John Reid and William Stewart Halsted made important contributions to the surgical treatment of breast cancer.

In the 20th century, significant advancements were made in the understanding of the biology of cancer, leading to the development of new treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In the 1940s, the discovery of the structure of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick led to a deeper understanding of the genetic changes that occur in cancer cells. In the 1960s and 1970s, the War on Cancer campaign in the United States led to increased funding for cancer research and the development of new treatments.

More recently, advances in technology, such as imaging techniques and genetic testing, have led to more accurate cancer diagnosis and personalized treatment. New treatments such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and precision medicine have also been developed, which can help to improve outcomes for patients with cancer.

Symptoms:

Benign tumors are non-cancerous growths that do not invade surrounding tissue or spread to other parts of the body. They are typically not life-threatening, but can still cause discomfort or other problems.

Possible signs and symptoms of cancer, as you mentioned, can include a lump or thickening in the breast or other parts of the body, abnormal bleeding, prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss, and a change in bowel movements. It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other, non-cancerous conditions, so it’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

A lump or thickening in the breast can be caused by a benign breast condition, while abnormal bleeding can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes or a bleeding disorder. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your health, as they can help determine the cause of your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment.

Types of Cancer:

There are over 100 different types of cancer that can affect humans, and the most common forms vary depending on the population and demographic group being considered. However, the following are some of the most common types of cancer worldwide:

1. Lung cancer: This is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
2. Breast cancer: This is the most common cancer among women worldwide.
3. Prostate cancer: This is the most common cancer among men worldwide.
4. Colorectal cancer: This is the third most common cancer worldwide.
5. Stomach cancer: This is the fourth most common cancer worldwide.
6. Liver cancer: This is the fifth most common cancer worldwide.
7. Skin cancer: Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer.

These are general statistics and the most common cancers may vary depending on the specific population or demographic group being considered.  Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, but in certain populations, such as women or individuals living in certain geographic regions, other types of cancer may be more common.

Additionally, certain types of cancer are more prevalent in certain ethnic groups. For example, rates of liver cancer are higher in certain Asian populations than in Western populations, and rates of prostate cancer are higher in African American men than in men of other ethnic groups.

Lifestyle risks:

Lifestyle, diet and environmental factors play a big role in determining the incidence of certain types of cancer.  Several studies have been conducted over the years that have investigated the relationship between chemicals, lifestyle and environmental factors and cancer.

One such study is the “International Agency for Research on Cancer Monograph Working Group” (IARC) which published monographs in which they evaluate the cancer-causing potential of various chemicals, lifestyle and environmental factors. These monographs are widely recognized as authoritative resources on the topic.

Another study, “The Interphone Study,” conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and published in 2010, investigated the potential link between cell phone use and the development of brain tumors. The study found an increased risk of glioma, a type of brain tumor, among individuals who reported the highest levels of cell phone use.

A study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and published in 2012, “The Global Burden of Disease Study,” investigated the contribution of various risk factors to the global burden of cancer. The study found that tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diets were among the leading risk factors for cancer worldwide.

Another study, “The Nurses’ Health Study” conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, which has been ongoing since 1976 and published several papers, found that certain lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical activity, and body weight, are associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast and colon cancer.

It’s important to note that these studies have limitations, such as the difficulty of controlling for all potential confounding factors and the need for further research to confirm the findings. Nevertheless, these and other studies have provided important insights into the relationship between lifestyle and environmental factors and cancer and have helped to inform public health recommendations and policies.

Diet:

Several studies have investigated the relationship between diet and cancer risk. One such study is the “European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition” (EPIC) study, which was conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and published in 2013. The study followed more than 500,000 individuals from 10 European countries and found that a diet high in fruits and vegetables, fish, and whole grains was associated with a reduced risk of several types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer.

Another study, “The Women’s Health Initiative” (WHI) conducted by the National Institutes of Health, which was published in 2006, found that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains was associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer.

A study, “The Health Professionals Follow-up Study” conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and published in 2011, found that a diet high in red and processed meats was associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

The “Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology” (PURE) study, conducted by the University of Toronto and published in 2017, followed over 135,000 adults from 18 countries and found that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains was associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer, including colorectal and stomach cancer.

Book Suggestions:

The Cancer Book: A Guide to Understanding the Causes, Prevention: By Geoffrey M. Cooper  An important resource for understanding the causes and prevention of cancer at the time of its publication, but it’s important to note that the field of cancer research and understanding has progressed significantly since then.

The Biology of Cancer: RA Weinberg, RA Weinberg – 2006 – Weinberg is a leading cancer researcher and a member of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The book was first published in 2006, and it has been updated in later editions. It is widely considered as a textbook on the molecular and cellular biology of cancer, providing a comprehensive overview of the latest research and understanding of the disease.

Studies:

1. The Interphone Study: conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2010, investigated the potential link between cell phone use and the development of brain tumors.
2. The Global Burden of Disease Study: conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2012, investigated the contribution of various risk factors to the global burden of cancer.
3. The Nurses’ Health Study: conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, ongoing since 1976, found that certain lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical activity, and body weight, are associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
4. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study: conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2013, followed over 500,000 individuals from 10 European countries and found that a diet high in fruits and vegetables, fish, and whole grains was associated with a reduced risk of several types of cancer.
5. The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study: conducted by the National Institutes of Health, published in 2006, found that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains was associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer.
6. The Health Professionals Follow-up Study: conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, published in 2011, found that a diet high in red and processed meats was associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
7. The Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study: conducted by the University of Toronto, published in 2017, followed over 135,000 adults from 18 countries and found that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains was associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.