Among the most devastating diseases affecting humanity, cancer significantly decreases a patient’s chance of survival once it takes hold. It often invites other illnesses, making it extremely difficult to save the patient. However, the prognosis is much better if the disease is detected in its earliest stages.
Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, a Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Southend University Hospital in the UK, states, “All cancers are curable if detected at the very beginning. If it is caught much later, it is no longer possible to cure. Therefore, we must be aware of cancer. And to understand cancer, we first need to know: what is cancer? So, let’s explore what cancer actually is.”
What is Cancer?
The body of every living creature is made of countless tiny cells that are constantly dividing. In a healthy body, this regular division process allows our organs to grow and repair themselves. This vital function is controlled by a highly regulated system. In fact, life itself would be impossible without cell division.
Sometimes, however, a single rogue cell breaks free from these strict controls and begins to divide relentlessly. This process creates abnormal cell division, and it is this uncontrolled growth that leads to cancer.
Simply put, when these cells multiply uncontrollably, they often form a lump or mass of tissue known as a tumor. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). It is the malignant tumor that is defined as cancer.
Importantly, cancer is not a contagious disease. It isn’t known exactly why a normal cell suddenly becomes abnormal. However, several factors are widely recognized as increasing the risk of cancer. The good news is that nearly 90% of these risk factors are avoidable. They include:
- Harmful chemical substances
- Hormones and radiation
- Occupational hazards
- Personal habits (like smoking, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption)
- Physical trauma
- Reproductive and sexual behaviors
- Air and water pollution
- Diet (such as excessive fat intake)
- Various genetic, lifestyle, geographical, and environmental factors
- Certain parasites and viruses
Conclusion
In conclusion, while this is a formidable disease, the key is awareness, not panic. At its core, the disease is an uncontrolled division of the body’s cells. And while a specific cause isn’t always identified, unhealthy lifestyles and environmental factors certainly increase the risk.
The most critical takeaway is that recovery is possible with modern treatment, especially when cancer is detected early. Therefore, understanding the symptoms and getting regular health check-ups are the best ways to protect yourself.
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