About Cancer
Cancer isn’t a single condition, but a name given to over 200 different forms of the disease.
The human body is built from cells. In a healthy body, these cells grow and divide in a controlled way, restoring any damage to our bodies.
Cancer begins when the cells within the body begin to change abnormally. Instead of dividing, cancer cells within the body continue to grow.
Abnormal cell growth can cause tumours to grow in the body. In cases of leukaemia, it can lead to the over-production of abnormal white blood cells which protect the body from infection.
If left untreated, cancer cells can sometimes spread, invading surrounding tissues – a process called metastasising.
In our lifetime, one in two of us will develop cancer.
Advances in cancer detection and treatment mean that cancer survival rates for all forms of the disease continue to improve.
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How cancer develops
Our bodies are made up of millions of cells. Within every cell is a nucleus which contains chromosomes that provide a home to thousands of genes. These genes ensure that the cells in our bodies grow and divide in a controlled way.
Cancer begins when genes become mutated or damaged, causing our cells to grow or divide uncontrollably.
Such mutations can happen by chance or be caused by the introduction of chemicals called carcinogens to the body. A person can also inherit faulty genes from their parents which can cause cancer.
In some cancers, these mutated cells continue to divide and grow in number, forming a lump, called a tumour.
Tumours can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). As a malignant tumour grows, it begins to invade the surrounding tissues, causing damage.
The tumour secretes chemicals into the bloodstream. This stimulates blood vessels to grow around it, providing it with the blood it needs to grow.
At this point, cancer cells may detach from the tumour and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or through the lymphatic system, a process called metastasising. This can sometimes result in a secondary tumour known as a metastatic tumour.
In blood-borne cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, abnormal cells create too many white blood cells. This reduces the body’s ability to develop vital red blood cells and platelets.
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Symptoms of cancer
Cancer has many symptoms. Spotting the signs of disease early is the best way of receiving an early diagnosis.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you must seek medical advice*.
- A lump that suddenly appears on your body.
- Unexplained bleeding.
- A change in toilet habits such as pain when urinating or blood in the urine or faeces.
Below is a list of some of the other common symptoms of cancer. Developing any of these symptoms does not mean that you have cancer, but you should see a doctor**.
- Unexplained, rapid or severe weight loss.
- Having a persistent cough or hoarse voice for several weeks.
- Bleeding or bruising with no known cause.
- Changes to the colour, shape or size of a mole.
- An ulcer or sore that doesn’t heal or get better.
- Blood in urine or faeces, even in small amounts.
- Difficulty passing urine.
- Pain or problems swallowing or eating.
- Excessive and unexplained night sweating.
- An unexplained pain that has lasted for longer than a few weeks.
- Night sweats or fever for no reason.
- Neurological problems, such as headaches, seizures, hearing changes or problems with vision.
Women should seek advice from a doctor if they experience any changes to their breasts or vaginal bleeding between periods or after the menopause.
If you notice any of these symptoms or experience any changes to your body that don’t feel natural, then speak to a clinician.
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Causes and risks
Everyone can develop cancer, with 50% of us suffering from the disease during our lifetime*. Cancer can be caused by a combination our genes, by our environment and lifestyles.
While it can often be difficult to identify the exact cause of cancer, some common risk factors for the disease include**:
- Age – The older you are, the greater the risk of you developing cancer. People under 50 are at the lowest risk, with those over 65 at highest risk.
- Family history – If there is a history of cancer in your family, you are at a higher risk of experiencing it yourself.
- Obesity – People who are overweight or eat a poor diet are at greater risk of developing cancer than those who maintain a healthy weight.
- Smoking – Smoking can increase your risk of developing cancer, including lung cancer.
- Drinking alcohol – Alcohol can increase risk of cancer. The more you drink, the greater the likelihood of you developing the disease.
- Exposure to the sun – Exposing your skin to the sun without adequate protection can lead to skin cancer.
- Infections – Certain infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cancer.
- Have Low immunity – If you have a weak immune system, caused by a medical condition, or take drugs to suppress the immune system, you can be at greater risk of developing cancer.
Your environment can also cause cancer. If you are exposed to certain carcinogens, you could develop cancer in later life***. Certain chemicals, materials (such as asbestos), and radiation exposure can cause you to develop cancer in later life.
Whatever the cause of your cancer, ensuring it is diagnosed early offers the greatest chance of survival.
Can you reduce your risk of developing cancer?
Cancer can have many causes, including your genes, environmental issues and lifestyle factors.There’s no way to remove altogether the risk of developing cancer but understanding the common risk factors for cancer can help you make the best choices in your life.
Here are some ways to reduce your risk of developing cancer****:
- Eat healthily – If you are overweight or obese, you are at greater risk of developing cancer. You should aim to eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight.
- Drink less alcohol – Alcohol consumption is related to cancer. The more you drink, the greater your risk of developing cancer. Drink less and ensure you regularly have alcohol-free days.
- Stop smoking – Smoking, like alcohol, is linked to a greater risk of cancer.
- Get active – Studies have established that regular exercise can reduce your likelihood of developing cancer. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.
- Stay out of the sun – Exposure to the sun can increase your risk of developing cancer. If you need to go into the sun, always wear sunscreen or sunblock.
Making lifestyle changes can help you to reduce your risk of developing cancer.
Before making changes to your lifestyle, you may want to speak to a medical professional who can offer advice and guidance to support you.
* https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/risk/lifetime-risk
** https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/worried-about-cancer/causes-and-risk-factors
*** https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances#:~:text=But%20others%20are%20the%20result,smoke%20and%20the%20sun's%20rays
**** https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/can-cancer-be-prevented-0
Types of cancer
Cancers are grouped according to the type of cell that they start in. There are five main types of cancer: carcinoma, sarcoma, leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and brain and spinal cord cancers.
Carcinomas
Carcinomas are cancers that develop in the skin, or in the tissues that surround the internal organs.
Sarcomas
Sarcomas are cancers that grow in the connective or supportive tissues within the body. They may develop in bones, cartilage, fat and muscle.
Leukaemia
Leukaemia is cancer that begins in the blood-forming tissues within the body, commonly the bone marrow. It causes the body to produce abnormal blood cells that enter the bloodstream.
Lymphoma and myeloma
Lymphomas are a form of cancer that starts in the cells that fight infections in the body’s immune system.
Brain and spinal cord cancers
Known medically as central nervous system cancers, brain and spinal cord cancers are caused by abnormal growth of tissue inside the skull or spinal column.
