.webp)
Causes of Cancer
Tobacco Use: Smoking and use of tobacco products, including chewing tobacco, significantly increase the risk of various types of cancer, including lung, throat, mouth, and bladder cancer.
Exposure to UV Radiation: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds can cause skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Dietary Factors: A diet high in processed foods, red meat, and low in fruits and vegetables is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption is linked to certain types of cancer, including liver, breast, and esophageal cancer.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing several types of cancer, including breast, colon, kidney, and pancreatic cancer.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental pollutants such as asbestos, benzene, and certain pesticides can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Genetic Factors: Inherited genetic mutations can predispose individuals to certain types of cancer, such as breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer.
Viral Infections: Certain viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), are linked to an increased risk of developing cancer, including cervical, liver, and stomach cancer.
Radiation Exposure: Exposure to ionizing radiation from sources such as medical imaging procedures (X-rays, CT scans) and radiation therapy for cancer treatment can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Hormonal Factors: Hormonal imbalances or prolonged exposure to hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer.
Chronic Inflammation: Chronic inflammation caused by conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or chronic infections can increase the risk of cancer in affected tissues.
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that forms in the cells of the breast. It occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow out of control, typically forming a lump or mass. Breast cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes and, eventually, to other parts of the body if left untreated.
Symptoms:
Diagnosis of breast cancer often involves a combination of imaging tests, such as mammograms and ultrasounds, along with tissue sampling through a biopsy. Once diagnosed, treatment may include surgery to remove the tumor (lumpectomy or mastectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy, depending on the type and stage of the cancer. A multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists is often utilized to tailor the treatment plan to each individual's needs. Early detection and advances in treatment have significantly improved the prognosis for many breast cancer patients.
Lung cancer develops when abnormal cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably, forming a malignant tumor. It is commonly associated with smoking but can also occur in non-smokers due to factors such as exposure to secondhand smoke, environmental pollutants, or genetic predisposition.
Symptoms:
Diagnosis of lung cancer typically involves imaging tests like chest X-rays or CT scans, along with tissue sampling through methods such as biopsy or bronchoscopy. Treatment options depend on factors such as the type and stage of the cancer, and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. A multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, pulmonologists, radiologists, and other specialists is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan tailored to each patient's needs. Early detection through screening programs and advancements in treatment have shown promising outcomes in improving survival rates for lung cancer patients.
Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid. It typically grows slowly and may initially remain confined to the prostate gland, but it can also spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
Symptoms:
Diagnosis of prostate cancer often involves a combination of digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI. A biopsy is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options for prostate cancer include active surveillance (watchful waiting), surgery (prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or newer treatments like immunotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences. Close monitoring and regular follow-up are essential to manage prostate cancer effectively and minimize its impact on quality of life.
Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, develops in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the digestive system responsible for processing food and eliminating waste. It typically begins as a polyp, a small growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum, which can gradually become cancerous over time if left untreated.
Symptoms:
Diagnosis of colorectal cancer often involves screening tests such as colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or stool tests to detect abnormalities or signs of cancer. If suspicious areas are found, further evaluation through biopsy or imaging tests like CT scans or MRI may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the cancer. Treatment options for colorectal cancer depend on factors such as the stage, location, and aggressiveness of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences. Treatment may include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Multidisciplinary collaboration among gastroenterologists, oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists is crucial for developing an individualized treatment plan and providing comprehensive care for colorectal cancer patients. Early detection through screening and advances in treatment have significantly improved survival rates for individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the skin grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, which damages the DNA in skin cells. There are several types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, with melanoma being the most aggressive form.
Symptoms:
Diagnosis of skin cancer typically involves a visual examination of the skin by a dermatologist, followed by a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options vary depending on the type, stage, and location of the skin cancer but may include surgical removal of the tumor, topical medications, cryotherapy (freezing), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Early detection and treatment are essential for preventing the spread of skin cancer and improving outcomes. Regular self-examinations of the skin and annual skin screenings by a dermatologist are recommended for early detection and prompt treatment of skin cancer. Additionally, sun protection measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure can help reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
Surgery: Surgery involves physically removing the cancerous tumor and nearby tissue. It's often used when the tumor is localized and hasn't spread to other parts of the body.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing. It can be given orally or through intravenous infusion and is often used to treat cancer that has spread or when surgery isn't possible.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. It can be delivered externally using a machine or internally by placing radioactive material near the cancer site.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy helps the body's immune system fight cancer. It can involve stimulating the immune system to work harder or smarter, or it can involve using man-made versions of immune system proteins to target cancer cells.
Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells while causing less harm to normal cells. It works by targeting the changes in cells that cause cancer to grow and spread.
Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is used to treat cancers that are hormone-sensitive, such as breast and prostate cancer. It works by blocking the body's production of certain hormones or by interfering with the way hormones behave in the body.
Stem cell transplant: Stem cell transplant, also known as bone marrow transplant, involves replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells. It's often used to treat cancers of the blood or immune system, such as leukemia and lymphoma.
Precision medicine: Precision medicine involves using information about a person's genes, proteins, and environment to tailor cancer treatment to their individual characteristics. This approach can help doctors choose treatments that are more likely to be effective and reduce the risk of side effects.
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. These cells can invade nearby tissues and organs, and they can also spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
Cancer can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, environmental factors (such as exposure to carcinogens like tobacco smoke or ultraviolet radiation), lifestyle factors (such as diet and physical activity), and certain infections.
Some common types of cancer include breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, skin cancer (such as melanoma), and leukemia. However, there are many different types of cancer, each with its own characteristics and treatment options.
Cancer is often diagnosed through a combination of methods, including physical exams, imaging tests (such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs), laboratory tests (such as blood tests and biopsies), and screening tests (such as mammograms and colonoscopies).
Treatment for cancer depends on the type and stage of the disease, as well as other factors such as the patient's overall health and preferences. Common treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and stem cell transplantation.
Cancer treatment can cause a range of side effects, which can vary depending on the type of treatment and the individual patient. Common side effects may include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, changes in appetite, pain, and emotional distress. However, many side effects can be managed with supportive care and medications.
While not all cancers can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, such as avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, protecting yourself from the sun, getting vaccinated against cancer-causing infections, and participating in cancer screening programs.
Oncology
Neurology
Gastroenterology
Pulmonology
Liver Transplant
Urology
Orthopedics
Cardiology
040 6700 0000 
040 6700 0111
Doctor
Speciality