Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death.
Cancer symptoms vary depending on the type, location, and stage of the disease. However, some general signs include:
General Symptoms:
Unexplained weight loss (especially more than 10 pounds)

Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest

Fever or night sweats

Skin changes (yellowing, darkening, redness, sores that don’t heal)

Specific Symptoms (based on cancer type):
Lung cancer: Persistent cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath

Breast cancer: Lumps in the breast or underarm, change in breast shape or size, nipple discharge

Colorectal cancer: Blood in stool, change in bowel habits, abdominal pain

Prostate cancer: Difficulty urinating, blood in urine, pelvic discomfort

Cervical/uterine cancer: Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge

These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, so it’s important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Common Causes and Risk Factors of Cancer

1. Genetic Factors
   Family history of cancer

Inherited mutations (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2 genes in breast and ovarian cancer)

2. Lifestyle Factors
   Tobacco use: Leading cause of many cancers (lung, mouth, throat, etc.)

Alcohol consumption: Increases risk of liver, mouth, breast, and other cancers

Unhealthy diet: Low in fruits/vegetables, high in processed meats and fats

Lack of physical activity

3. Environmental Exposures
   Radiation (e.g., UV rays, X-rays)

Carcinogens at workplace (e.g., asbestos, benzene)

Pollution

4. Infections
   HPV (linked to cervical cancer)

Hepatitis B and C (linked to liver cancer)

H. pylori (linked to stomach cancer)

HIV/AIDS (increases risk of several cancers)

5. Hormonal Factors
   Long-term hormone replacement therapy

Certain birth control methods

The following are 20 warning signs of cancer that you should be aware of:
1. Lumps or swellings: Especially in the breast, neck, or armpit.
2. Skin changes: Including new moles, changes in existing moles, or sores that don’t heal.
3. Unexplained weight loss or gain: Significant changes without a clear reason.
4.Persistent fatigue: Extreme tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.
5. Changes in bowel or bladder habits: Changes in bowel movements, diarrhea, or urinary problems.
6. Persistent cough or hoarseness: A cough that won’t go away or a change in voice.
7. Difficulty swallowing: Trouble swallowing food or liquids.
8. Persistent heartburn or indigestion: Stomach pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medication.
9. Abdominal pain or swelling: Persistent pain or swelling in the abdomen.
10. Nausea and vomiting: Frequent nausea or vomiting that persists.
11. Pain that doesn’t go away: Persistent pain in any part of the body.
12. Unexplained bleeding or bruising: Bleeding that is not caused by an injury or unusual bruising.
13. Blood in stool or urine: Blood in the stool or urine.
14. Unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding: Changes in vaginal discharge or bleeding between periods.
15. Breast changes: Other than lumps, any changes in breast size, shape, or appearance.
16. Night sweats: Persistently sweating at night, especially if not related to menopause or other medical conditions.
17. Frequent infections or fever: Frequent infections or unexplained fevers.
18. Headaches that don’t go away: Persistent headaches that don’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers.
19. Changes in vision, hearing, or balance: Sudden or unexplained changes in vision, hearing, or balance.
20. White patches in the mouth: Leukoplakia, which may be a sign of oral cancer.

Cancer Prevention Measures
Many cancers can be prevented through lifestyle and environmental changes. Here are key steps:

1. Avoid Tobacco
   Smoking causes ~22% of cancer deaths worldwide.

Linked to lung, throat, mouth, bladder, pancreas, and more.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet
   Eat: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber-rich foods.

Limit: Processed and red meats, sugary drinks, trans fats.

Avoid overcooked (charred) meats, which may contain carcinogens.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
   Obesity is a risk factor for breast, colorectal, uterine, and other cancers.
4. Be Physically Active
   At least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week lowers cancer risk.
5. Limit Alcohol
   Risk increases even with low/moderate alcohol intake.
6. Protect Your Skin
   Use sunscreen (SPF 30+), avoid tanning beds, wear protective clothing.

Prevents melanoma and other skin cancers.

7. Get Vaccinated
   HPV vaccine: Prevents cervical, anal, and other cancers.

Hepatitis B vaccine: Lowers liver cancer risk.

8. Avoid Risky Behaviors
   Practice safe sex to prevent HPV and HIV.

Don’t share needles.

9. Avoid Exposure to Carcinogens
   Use protective gear in workplaces with hazardous chemicals.

Reduce exposure to radon, asbestos, and air pollution.

10. Get Regular Screening Tests
    Early detection saves lives:
    Mammograms (breast cancer)

Colonoscopy (colon cancer)

Pap smear & HPV test (cervical cancer)Low-dose CT scan (lung cancer for smokers)