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Introduction to Cancer

Cancer is a complex disease marked by uncontrolled cell growth and can develop in various organs, leading to significant health impacts. It arises from genetic mutations and can be influenced by environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and a weakened immune system. Early detection through screenings and various treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies, are crucial for managing cancer.

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15 views

Introduction to Cancer

Cancer is a complex disease marked by uncontrolled cell growth and can develop in various organs, leading to significant health impacts. It arises from genetic mutations and can be influenced by environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and a weakened immune system. Early detection through screenings and various treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies, are crucial for managing cancer.

Uploaded by

shravannakate2007
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to

Cancer
Cancer is a complex disease characterized by the uncontrolled
growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. It can develop in
almost any organ or tissue and has the potential to severely impact
a person's health and well-being.
What is Cancer?
Uncontrolled Cell Invasive and
Growth Metastatic
Cancer is caused by genetic Cancer cells can invade
changes that allow cells to nearby tissues and spread
grow and divide to other parts of the body
uncontrollably, forming a through the bloodstream or
mass of abnormal cells lymphatic system, a
called a tumor. process known as
metastasis.

Diverse Types
There are many different types of cancer, each with its own
characteristics and treatment approaches, depending on the
origin and behavior of the cancer cells.
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Types of Cancer
Carcinomas Sarcomas Leukemias and
Lymphomas
These cancers originate in the Sarcomas develop in the These cancers affect the blood,
epithelial cells that line the internal supportive and connective tissues bone marrow, and lymphatic
and external surfaces of the body, of the body, such as bone, muscle, system, which are responsible for
such as the skin, lungs, and breast. cartilage, and blood vessels. the body's immune functions.
Causes of Cancer
1 Genetic Mutations 2 Environmental Factors
Alterations in genes that regulate cell growth and Exposure to carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke,
division can lead to the development of cancer. radiation, and certain chemicals, can increase the risk
of developing cancer.

3 Lifestyle Choices 4 Weakened Immune System


Factors like poor diet, lack of physical activity, and Conditions that impair the immune system, such as
excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to an HIV/AIDS or certain medications, can make individuals
increased cancer risk. more susceptible to cancer.
Mode of Transmission

Contact
Cancer is not contagious and cannot be transmitted through casual contact,
such as hugging or touching.

Body Fluids
Some types of cancer, like certain blood cancers, may be transmitted through
the exchange of bodily fluids, but this is rare.

Genetics
Inherited genetic mutations can increase the risk of developing certain types of
cancer, but cancer is not directly inherited.
Incubation Period
Initial Genetic Changes
Cancer often begins with a single genetic mutation that
allows a cell to grow and divide uncontrollably.

Tumor Formation
As the mutated cells continue to proliferate, they form
a mass of abnormal cells known as a tumor.

Metastasis
Over time, the tumor can grow and spread to other
parts of the body, a process called metastasis.
Symptoms of Cancer
1 Early Symptoms
In the early stages, cancer may not have any noticeable
symptoms, making it important to undergo regular
check-ups and screenings.

2 Advanced Symptoms
As the cancer progresses, common symptoms can
include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, pain, and
changes in bowel or bladder habits.

3 Organ-Specific Symptoms
The specific symptoms of cancer can vary depending on
the type and location of the tumor, such as a lump in the
breast or difficulty swallowing.
Diagnostic Tests and Early Detection
Imaging Tests Biopsy Screening Tests

Techniques like X-rays, CT scans, A small sample of tissue is taken Regular cancer screenings, such as
MRI, and PET scans can help from the suspected tumor and mammograms, colonoscopies, and
detect and locate tumors in the examined under a microscope to PSA tests, can help detect cancer
body. confirm the diagnosis. early, when it is often more
treatable.
Treatment and Curative
Approaches
Surgery Chemotherapy
Removing the tumor or Drugs that target and
affected tissue is often the destroy rapidly dividing
first line of defense against cancer cells are used to kill
certain types of cancer. or slow the growth of tumors.

Radiation Therapy Targeted Therapies


High-energy radiation is used Medications that target
to damage the DNA of cancer specific genetic mutations or
cells, causing them to die or pathways in cancer cells are
stop growing. being developed to improve
treatment outcomes.
Cancer Prevention
1 Healthy Lifestyle 2 Regular Screenings
Maintaining a balanced
diet, regular exercise, and Participating in
avoiding tobacco and recommended cancer
excessive alcohol can screening programs can
reduce the risk of help detect the disease
developing cancer. early, when it is often
more treatable.

3 Vaccination 4 Environmental
Vaccines for certain
Protection
viruses, such as the HPV Reducing exposure to
vaccine, can help prevent known carcinogens, such
the development of as asbestos and radiation,
specific types of cancer. can lower the risk of
certain cancers.

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