The Worst Cancers and the Need for Early Detection

After heart disease, cancer comes as the next reason for the rise in mortality.

Cancer occurs, depending upon many factors. It includes –

• • Lifestyle habits
• • Diet
• • Genetics
• • Environmental factors

Many types of cancer can be cured and managed if they are timely diagnosed.

Cancer remains hidden and is identified when it has spread or reached the last stage.

Know the cancers that are high in occurrence and are deadliest.

The Deadliest and Fastest Spreading Cancers

Lung Cancer

It is one of the fastest spreading cancers globally. Its effects and symptoms remain silent in the early days.

It is detected very late at the advanced stage, and also when it has spread across the body.

It is very common in people who have spent their year smoking heavily.

It is of two types –

• • Small-cell lung cancer – It is highly aggressive and spreads very fast. It is difficult to treat as cells develop treatment resistance.
• • Non-small cell lung cancer – It is less aggressive and does not spread as fast. Early treatment can increase survival years up to 5 years.

Stomach Cancer

It is the cancer that is on the rise in the elderly and the young.

The elderly face this cancer due to changes in GIT motility.

The young generation is getting stomach cancers due to –

• • Extra weight
• • Ultra-processed food
• • Use of Alcohol
• • Smoke
• • Physical inactivity
• • Stress

The earliest sign of stomach irritation is changes in bowel habits.

The long–term gastric irritation can lead to inflammation and, slowly, the development of cancer.

The stomach cancer includes – Pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer.

Breast Cancer

It is caused in women after the end of the menstrual period.

It is caused in elderly women due to changes in hormone formation. The decline in secretion of estrogen.

The risk of breast cancer is high in cases of infertility, as women who do not give birth to a child.

It is also common in –

• • Obese women
• • Overuse of alcohol and smoking
• • Family history of cancer
• • Late menopause
• • Early onset of periods

Yearly screenings and on-time diagnosis can significantly help in better treatment and cure.

Its initial signs consist of a –

• • Lump in the breast
• • Nipple discharge
• • Changes in breast size
• • Pain and redness
• • Nipple changes

Prostate Cancer

It occurs in men above 50 years of age.

It is caused by the abnormal growth of mutated prostate cells. The hormone testosterone helps the growth of prostate cells.

Its symptoms include –

• • Changes in urination
• • Blood in urine
• • Painful urination
• • Difficulty in sex

Annual screening after the age of 60, increases chances of timely detection.

Factors that Affect Cancer Severity

• Delayed Detection – The cancer signs are not produced at an early stage. The cancer is found at advanced stages. It leads to difficulty in treatment.
• Cancer stage – The cancer that is at an advanced stage is difficult to control or treat. It has spread to different parts of the body. It reduces the options of treatments.
• Age – It plays an important role in getting cancer and also in its cure. The decline in body functions and changes in hormones affect both recovery and survival. Many cancers occur in children only, like acute lymphocytic leukemia.
• Genetics – Certain genes for cancer are inherited from the family and run in families. Many aggressive cancers are inherited and are genetic.
• Overall health – The health and the immune system affect the response of the body to the chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.
• Environmental Factors – People living in areas with heavy smoke, pollution can develop the risk of respiratory disease and cancer. Also, drinking water containing heavy metals can lead to cancer formation. Industrial smoke with asbestos, lead, etc., increases cancer risk.
• Demographics – Gastric cancer is highly found in Asia and Africa due to food habits. Prostate cancer in tall men and in black men compared to white.
• Lifestyle – It is also an important factor that contributes to cancer.
  • • Extra weight
  • • Nutrition deficiency
  • • Drug abuse

Conclusion

By modifying various risk factors like reducing smoke, alcohol can reduce cancer rates.

Balancing diet and exercise effectively helps control cancer incidences.

Understanding the symptoms and keeping a regular check helps timely detection and better cure.