Cancer - An Insight

Introduction

Cancer is a disease that has been misunderstood for ages and is an enemy that can be thwarted with the right approach. Still, it is an enemy which should be avoided whenever possible. After understanding and elucidating the basic principles of cancer biology, many medical experts have defined cancer accurately.

However, to a non-medical person, cancer still is a disease to be feared, which is not understood, and something for which doctors have failed to find a definite cure, in other words, cancer is thought to be a disease that embarks a death sentence and its just a matter of time. During my residency, my senior consultant used to say "Cancer is one disease which no patient will brag." Unfortunately, these fears are not absurd, since it is known to recur even after a decade.

How Is Cancer Formed?

Cancer results from a single cell gone rogue. For basic understanding purposes, a cell is the smallest unit of any living organism. Normally these cells multiply and grow under controlled circumstances and in absolute synchrony so that our body can perform all the functions without any discomfort. This control resides in our genes. However for any reason, if the cell starts disrespecting this control and multiplies at its own free will, it gives rise to a group of cells that grow, feed upon nutrition destined for our normal cells, and spread to different areas of our body via different channels. This group of cells is called cancer. Another special feature of cancer is that it never dies on its own and has to be killed.

What Are the Causes of Cancer?

Mutations in the DNA of cells are responsible for causing cancer. The DNA present within a cell is organized into numerous individual genes, each carrying specific instructions that dictate the cell's functions, growth, and division. When errors occur in these instructions, they can disrupt the cell's normal functioning and potentially lead to its transformation into a cancerous cell.

Effects of Gene Mutation - Gene mutations can cause a healthy cell to:

• Stimulate Rapid Growth: Mutations can prompt a cell to grow and divide at an accelerated rate, generating numerous new cells with the same mutation.

• Fail to Inhibit Uncontrolled Cell Growth: Normal cells possess mechanisms (such as tumor suppressor genes) that regulate their growth, ensuring the correct number of cells. However, cancer cells may lose these controls due to mutations in tumor suppressor genes, allowing them to keep growing unchecked.

• Make Errors in DNA Repair: DNA repair genes are responsible for identifying and fixing errors in a cell's DNA. Mutations in these genes can lead to uncorrected errors, contributing to the development of cancerous cells.

These mutations represent some of the most common ones found in cancer, although many other gene mutations can also play a role in cancer development.

What Leads to Gene Mutations?

Gene mutations can arise from various factors:

• Inherited Gene Mutations: Some mutations are inherited from parents, although they contribute to a small percentage of cancers.

• Acquired Gene Mutations: The majority of gene mutations occur after birth and are not inherited. These mutations can result from factors such as smoking, exposure to radiation, viral infections, carcinogenic substances, obesity, hormonal influences, chronic inflammation, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Normal cell growth can also lead to gene mutations, albeit infrequently. Cells possess mechanisms to detect and repair mistakes during growth. However, occasional errors can evade detection, potentially leading to the development of cancerous cells.

What Is the Interplay Between Gene Mutations?

Gene mutations that are present from birth and those acquired over time collaborate to trigger cancer. For example, inheriting a genetic mutation associated with cancer does not guarantee that the person will develop the disease. Additional gene mutations may be necessary to initiate cancer. Individuals inherited mutation might increase their susceptibility to cancer when exposed to specific cancer-causing agents. The exact number of mutations required for cancer to develop remains uncertain and likely varies across different types of cancer.

What Are the Signs of Cancer?

Cancer is a complex condition, with instances where individuals can harbor the disease for extended periods without showing symptoms. Conversely, some cancers can manifest noticeable symptoms rapidly. Many cancer symptoms can mimic those of less severe ailments. Experiencing specific symptoms does not automatically indicate cancer. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional whenever there is a persistent change in the body lasting more than a fortnight.

Initial signs of cancer often include:

• Unexpected weight loss.

• Continual fatigue.

• Persistent discomfort.

• Night time fevers.

• Alterations in skin, such as changing or new moles.

• If left unaddressed, cancer can lead to further indications like:

  • Increased susceptibility to bruising or bleeding.

  • Persistent lumps or bumps beneath the skin.

  • Breathing challenges.

  • Swallowing difficulties.

How Is Cancer Prevented?

Physicians have identified various strategies to lower the cancer risk:

• Quit smoking or avoid starting if the person does not smoke, as smoking is linked to multiple cancer types, not just lung cancer. Ceasing smoking now can significantly reduce future cancer risk.

• Minimize sun exposure to harmful UV rays, which can raise the risk of skin cancer. Use protective measures such as staying in shaded areas, wearing protective clothing, or applying sunscreen.

• Adopt a healthy diet that includes ample fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting processed meats.

• Engage in regular exercise most days of the week, as it is associated with a decreased cancer risk. Strive for at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days.

• Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity, as being overweight or obese can increase cancer risk.

• Consume alcohol in moderation, if at all, with guidelines recommending up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

• Undergo cancer screening exams as recommended by the doctor based on the risk factors.

• Discuss with the doctor about the possibility of immunizations against certain viruses that can raise cancer risk, such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV), which can respectively increase the risk of liver cancer and cervical cancer, among others.

Conclusion

Our actions result in our destruction. These habits cause constant damage to the cells until one cell reverts to a do-not attitude and forms an army against us. Being a part of our body, this cell knows everything about us, but we know very little. Nevertheless, many great doctors, researchers, scientists, and cancer patients have contributed to and improved our understanding of this disease, which has finally challenged the dogma of imminent death once diagnosed with cancer.