The importance of early detection

Early detection is when cancer is found in its early stages. This can increase the effectiveness of
treatment and lower the mortality rate.

Cancer screenings may help detect signs of cancer early. Some common cancer screenings may
detect:

 Cervical cancer and prostate cancer. Some screenings, such as for cervical cancer and
prostate cancer, may be done as part of routine exams.

 Lung cancer. Screenings for lung cancer may be performed regularly for those who have
certain risk factors.

 Skin cancer. Skin cancer screenings may be performed by a dermatologist if you have skin
concerns or are at risk of skin cancer.

 Colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS)Trusted Source recommends

regular screenings for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45. These screenings are typically
performed during a colonoscopy. At-home testing kits may also be able to detect some forms
of colorectal cancer, according to a 2017 review of researchTrusted Source.

 Breast cancer. Mammograms to test for breast cancer are recommended for women ages 45
and olderTrusted Source, but you may choose to begin screenings at age 40. In people at a
high risk, screenings may be recommended earlier.

If you have a family history of cancer or have a high risk of developing cancer, it is important to follow
a doctor’s screening recommendations.

While recognizing cancer warning signs may help people with cancer seek diagnosis and treatment,
some cancers may be harder to detect early and may not show symptoms until the later stages.

Signs and symptoms of cancer can include:

 lumps or growths on the body

 unexplained weight loss

 fever

 tiredness and fatigue

 pain

 night sweats

 changes in digestion

 changes in skin

 cough

Specific types of cancers often have their own warning signs. If you are experiencing unexplainable
symptoms, it is best to contact a doctor for a diagnosis.

How does cancer grow and spread?

Abnormal cell division

Normal cells in your body grow and divide. Each one has a life cycle determined by the type of cell.
As cells become damaged or die off, new cells take their place.

Cancer disrupts this process and causes cells to grow abnormally. It’s caused by changes or mutations
in the cell’s DNA.

The DNA in each cell has instructions that tell the cell what to do and how to grow and divide.
Mutations occur frequently in DNA, but usually cells correct these mistakes. When a mistake is not
corrected, a cell can become cancerous.

Mutations can cause cells that should be replaced to survive instead of die, and new cells to form
when they’re not needed. These extra cells can divide uncontrollably, causing tumors to form.

Creation of tumors

Tumors can cause health problems, depending on where they grow in the body.

Not all tumors are cancerous. Benign tumors are noncancerous and do not spread to nearby tissues.

But sometimes, tumors can grow large and cause problems when they press against neighboring
organs and tissue. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can invade other parts of the body.

Metastasis

Some cancer cells can also spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to distant areas of
the body. This is called metastasis.

Cancers that have metastasized are considered more advanced than those that have not. Metastatic
cancers are often harder to treat and more fatal.

Treatment

Cancer treatment can include different options, depending on the type of cancer and how advanced
it is.

 Localized treatment. Localized treatment usually involves using treatments like surgery or
local radiation therapy at a specific area of the body or tumor.

 Systemic treatment. Systemic drug treatments, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and
immunotherapy, can affect the entire body.

 Palliative treatment. Palliative care involves relieving health symptoms associated with
cancer, such as trouble breathing and pain.

Different cancer treatments are often used together to remove or destroy as many cancerous cells as
possible.

The most common types of treatment are:

Surgery

Surgery removes as much of the cancer as possible. Surgery is often used in combination with some
other therapy in order to make sure all of the cancer cells are gone.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a form of aggressive cancer treatment that uses medications that are toxic to cells
to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. It may be used to shrink the size of a tumor or the number of cells
in your body and lower the likelihood of the cancer spreading.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses powerful, focused beams of radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy
done inside of your body is called brachytherapy, while radiation therapy done outside of your body
is called external beam radiation.

Stem cell (bone marrow) transplant

This treatment repairs diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. Stem cells are undifferentiated
cells that can have a variety of functions. These transplants allow doctors to use higher doses of
chemotherapy to treat the cancer. A stem cell transplant is commonly used to treat leukemia.

Immunotherapy (biological therapy)

Immunotherapy uses your body’s own immune system to attack cancer cells. These therapies help
your antibodies recognize the cancer, so they can use your body’s natural defenses to destroy cancer
cells.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy removes or blocks hormones that fuel certain cancers to stop cancer cells from
growing. This therapy is a common treatment for cancers that may use hormones to grow and
spread, such as certain types of breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Targeted drug therapy

Targeted drug therapy uses drugs to interfere with certain molecules that help cancer cells grow and
survive. Genetic testing may reveal if you are eligible for this type of therapy. It may depend on the
type of cancer you have and the genetic mutations and molecular characteristics of your tumor.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials investigate new ways to treat cancer. This may include testing the effectiveness of drugs
that have already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but for other purposes.
It can also include trying new drugs. Clinical trials can offer another option for people who may have
not seen the level of success they wanted with conventional treatments. In some cases, this
treatment may be provided for free.

If you are interested in this kind of therapy, find clinical trialsTrusted Source near you.

Alternative medicine

Alternative medicine may be used to complement another form of treatment. It may help decrease
symptoms of cancer and side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea, fatigue, and pain.
Alternative medicine for cancer can include:

 acupuncture

 yoga

 massage
  meditation

 relaxation techniques

Outlook

After you get a cancer diagnosis, your outlook can depend on a number of factors. These factors can
include:

 type of cancer

 stage of cancer at diagnosis

 location of cancer

 age

 general health

Prevention

Knowing the factors that contribute to cancer can help you live a lifestyle that decreases your cancer
risk.

Preventive measures to reduce your risk of developing cancer can include:

 avoiding tobacco and secondhand smoke

 limiting your intake of processed meats

 eating a diet that focuses mainly on plant-based foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats, such
as the Mediterranean diet

 avoiding alcohol or drinking in moderation

 maintaining a moderate body weight and BMI

 doing regular moderate physical activity for 150 to 300 minutesTrusted Source per week

 staying protected from the sun by avoiding direct sun exposure and wearing a broad
spectrum sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses

 avoiding tanning beds

 getting vaccinated against viral infections that can lead to cancer, such as hepatitis B and HPV

Meet with a doctor regularly so they can screen you for various types of cancer. This increases your
chances of catching any possible cancers as early as possible.

Takeaway

Cancer is a group of serious diseases that are caused by genetic changes in your cells. Abnormal
cancer cells may divide rapidly and form tumors.

Risk factors like smoking, drinking alcohol, a lack of physical activity, an unhealthy diet, having a high
BMI, and catching certain viruses and bacteria may contribute to developing cancer.
Screenings may help detect cancer early when it is easier to treat. The treatment plan and outlook
for people with cancer can depend on the type of cancer, the stage at which it is diagnosed, and their
age and general health.