There are well over 100 different types and varieties of cancers that are known today, and some may not have been found yet as well. A cancer in general is an abnormal class of disease in which cellular growth gets out of control. This happens because cells multiply and divide too quickly causing the formation of tumors, which are masses or lumps that interfere with many different body organs and change the amount of hormones released as well. The classification of a cancer depends on what cell has been affected at the start of the abnormal growth.
What Exactly Causes Cancer?
There is still plenty of research to be found on what exactly causes specific cancers, but there has been some progress in finding out what has caused some cancers to all of a sudden appear into existence. The way researchers have come to find the causations for cancer is through behavioral studies such as smoking. Cigarettes contain cancerous toxins that can cause cancer to form in the lungs, mouth, and throat. Excessive alcohol can cause liver cancer, and both of these can possibly be prevented by stopping now.
Another harmful chemical known to cause cancer is found in car exhaust, which is why many state officials are pressing for more regulatory actions on harmful pollutants being released in the air. Even obesity is a known factor that is related to cancer formation, and this is becoming a very wide spread issue across the world. However, cancer is still a touchy subject because even those who are healthy and fit still seem to catch this deadly disease.
Causes of many different cancers include:
• Radiation
• Benzene
• Aflatoxins, and other environmental toxins
• Genetics
• Viruses
These are only a handful of the causes, but are the primary ones to worry about that can happen to most anybody. Symptoms can include diarrhea, yellowing of the skin, lumps under the skin, anemia, headaches, and too many more to place into a list. These symptoms are found in most any simple cold or fever, and that is why sometimes cancer is not found to be the problem until it has spread uncontrollably.
The Cure for Cancer
Sadly, there has yet to be any findings on an actual cure for cancer. The United States received $16 billion for the research and development on cancer, but this has lead for some researchers to acknowledge the fact that there may not be any specific, 100%, cure that is to come around in the next decade or so. Cancer scientist and oncologist agree that there is only a definite hope for prevention and coexistence with the cancer, opposed to the complete wonder cure that many are desperately hoping for. Maybe there is one soon to be found, but until then other steps are being taken instead of waiting.
Cancer Treatment
Treatment is something used to help lessen the effects of cancer and potentially get rid of the cancer for good, but it is only a possibility and should not be considered as the cure. The way medical professionals precede with a treatment is by hormone and gene therapy, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and basic surgery to remove the cancerous cells and tumors.
Surgery is the easiest treatment for cancer that has not spread from the area of growth. The surgeon simply cuts out the infected area, and removes the cells that may be possibly infected around the growth as well. This is commonly performed for beginning stages in breast and testicular cancer.
Radiation is used to focus high powers of energy that causes the cells to destroy themselves. Chemotherapy is the use of chemicals to treat cancer, but can cause hair loss, nausea, and fatigue. The intent of chemotherapy is to again cause the cancer cells to commit "suicide". Immunotherapy is used to boost the body's immune system to allow it to fight back the production of cancerous cells. Hormone therapy is used for further along stages in cancers such as breast cancer, which it takes hormones to control the growth of these cancerous cells.
As Research Continues...
Try to keep the fight against cancer up by simply following preventive measures, which can help stop many cancers from forming. Do not stand in the sun for long periods, especially without sunscreen. Quit smoking and excessively drinking, and eat healthier foods that are low fat and with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Researchers are constantly still trying to find a cure all over the world, including the American Cancer Society.
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