Cancer challenges not only physical health but also spiritual and emotional balance. However, this struggle requires not only individuals but also families, friends and society to act together. Cancer can be a life-threatening disease, but it can also be an experience that strengthens people’s interconnectedness.
What is cancer?
Cancer is a disease that occurs when body cells lose their normal control mechanisms and grow and spread rapidly and uncontrollably. In this process, the normal cell balance is disrupted and abnormal cells form and tumors occur. Cancer can start under the influence of various factors and appear in different parts of the body. If left untreated, cancer cells can spread (metastasize) to different parts of the body and affect vital organs, which can lead to serious health problems.
What is the first sign of cancer?
Symptoms of cancer may vary depending on its type, body region and stage of cancer. However, early signs of cancer often include abnormal swelling or lump, persistent fatigue, weight loss, and sudden and unexplained weight changes. Cancer symptoms may also include persistent fever, long-lasting cough or hoarseness, digestive problems, skin changes, or wound healing problems. These symptoms may vary from person to person, and any one of them alone may not be a sign of cancer, but if such symptoms persist for a long time or are concerning, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.
Can cancer be detected in a blood test?
Cancer is usually diagnosed using a series of tests and diagnostic methods. Blood tests can be helpful in detecting signs of cancer or some markers that may indicate cancer, but blood tests alone are not sufficient for a definitive diagnosis of cancer. Blood tests can provide information about certain types of cancer by measuring the levels of certain substances released by cancer cells.
For example, certain proteins or other molecules called cancer markers can be used to indicate the presence of types of cancer or its response to treatment. However, cancer is usually diagnosed through a combination of different methods, such as imaging tests, biopsy, and other laboratory tests, in addition to blood test results. Evaluating these tests together allows more precise and accurate results to be obtained when used in the diagnostic process.
How does cancer disease start?
Cancer occurs as a result of genetic changes or mutations that occur in normal healthy cells. These mutations cause cells to lose normal control of growth and division. Cells begin to grow faster than normal and live longer than normal. This may cause accumulated abnormal cells to form tumors.
Tumors can be cancerous or non-cancerous (benign). Cancerous tumors can spread to different parts of the body and spread (metastasize) to other tissues or organs. The onset of cancer occurs as a result of the interaction of many factors; Various factors can cause or increase the risk of cancer, such as genetic predisposition, environmental factors (e.g., smoking, exposure to ultraviolet rays, poor nutrition), viruses, or chemicals. However, the development of cancer is a very complex process and each type of cancer may occur due to different reasons.
How do we know if we have cancer?
There is no definitive method to determine whether you have cancer. However, when certain symptoms or changes are noticed, the possibility of cancer can be evaluated through examination, tests and imaging techniques performed by healthcare professionals. Symptoms of cancer include:
- sudden weight loss
- Abnormal swellings or lumps
- constant fatigue
- changes in the skin
- wound healing problems
- Long-lasting cough or hoarseness
- digestive problems
If you notice such symptoms or have concerns, it is important to consult a doctor or specialist. Your doctor evaluates the situation with a physical examination and necessary tests and may recommend additional examinations or procedures such as biopsy for a definitive diagnosis if deemed necessary. Early diagnosis can increase the chances of success in cancer treatment, so it’s important to take symptoms seriously and have regular health checks.
What are the symptoms of advanced cancer?
Symptoms of advanced cancer usually appear in the advanced stages of cancer, and these symptoms may vary depending on where the cancer has spread and which parts of the body it affects. As cancer progresses, severe and chronic pain may occur. These pains may be felt in areas where the tumor has grown or spread to other parts of the body. In advanced stage cancer, severe tiredness, exhaustion and weakness may often occur. This is associated with cancer affecting the body’s normal functions.
Respiratory problems such as shortness of breath, cough, bloody sputum or breathing difficulties may occur in lung cancer or cancer that has metastasized to other organs. In cases such as liver or bowel cancer, digestive problems, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea may occur. Swellings or lumps may be felt when cancer causes tumors to grow in lymph nodes or other organs in the body. When cancer metastasizes to the bones, bone pain, fractures, or bone weakness may occur.
What are the symptoms of insidious cancer?
Insidious cancer symptoms can often be difficult to spot in the early stages and may resemble other health problems. A sudden and persistent feeling of fatigue may be an early sign of some types of cancer. Sudden and unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, or a significant decrease in body weight may be associated with some types of cancer.
Constant stomach pain, indigestion, bloating, or digestive problems may be associated with types of cancer, especially stomach or bowel cancer. Frequent infections or a weakened immune system may be associated with certain types of cancer, such as blood cancers or lymphoma. Wound healing problems on the skin, changes in moles, newly formed bumps on the skin or similar changes may attract attention.
Are cancer symptoms different for men?
Generally, cancer symptoms are largely similar between men and women, but in some types of cancer, there may be differences in symptoms depending on gender. Prostate cancer, one of the most common types of cancer in men, usually does not cause symptoms in the early stages. In advanced cases, symptoms such as difficulty in urination, frequent need to urinate, pain or burning sensation while urinating may occur. Testicular cancer can also usually be noticed as swelling or pain in the testicle. However, it may sometimes not cause symptoms in the early stages.
Lung cancer in both men and women can have similar symptoms. These may include breathing problems such as shortness of breath, cough, bloody sputum, chest pain, or frequently recurring pneumonia. Colon cancer can show similar symptoms in both men and women. These symptoms may include persistent abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, blood or change in color of the stool, weight loss, and fatigue.
Are cancer symptoms different for women?
Cancer symptoms are generally similar between men and women, but some types of cancer may have gender-specific symptoms or types of cancer. In women, breast cancer and gynecological cancers should especially be taken into consideration. One of the most common types of cancer in women is breast cancer. Symptoms of breast cancer may include a palpable lump or swelling in the breast or nipple, changes in the skin of the breast, discharge from the nipple, or changes in breast tissue.
Symptoms of uterine cancer may include vaginal bleeding or blood in the stool, pelvic pain, weight loss, and vaginal discharge. Early symptoms of ovarian cancer can often be subtle and therefore have an insidious course. Symptoms such as abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, digestive problems, and frequent urination may be observed. There are usually no early symptoms of cervical cancer, but symptoms such as unrelated vaginal bleeding, painless bleeding, or pain during intercourse may be noticed.
What is the most dangerous type of cancer?
It is difficult to determine which type of cancer is the most dangerous because their aggressiveness, speed of spread, and response to treatment vary from person to person and depending on the type of cancer. Some types of cancer may spread more quickly or be more difficult to treat, which can affect treatment success. For example, some types of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer and lung cancer, can often reach more advanced levels and be more difficult to treat if they are not diagnosed in the early stages.
Whether cancer is dangerous or not depends on many factors, such as which organ it is in, the stage of the cancer, its spread, and treatment options. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment approach is an important factor in the fight against cancer, and therefore regular health checks and consulting a doctor when symptoms are noticed are of great importance.
Which cancer kills the fastest?
Determining which type of cancer is the fastest fatal is not a difficult and precise situation. Because some types of cancer are usually in more advanced stages when diagnosed, they may progress faster and respond less to treatment. These types of cancer are generally known as aggressive and fast-spreading cancers such as pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, and brain tumors.
Cancer types and the course of the disease may differ in each individual. Early diagnosis, the right treatment approach and a personalized treatment plan are vital in the fight against cancer and can often significantly affect the course of the disease. Therefore, when diagnosed with cancer, it is of great importance to seek expert medical help and determine the appropriate treatment plan.