Cancer is a silent threat that can strike at any time. To stay vigilant and take proper care of yourself, it’s crucial to understand what the disease is all about. This article will help you learn what cancer is, what its symptoms are, what causes it, and how to both prevent it and take care of yourself if you are living with the disease.
Key Takeaways
- Cancer is a genetic disease caused by abnormal cells. It’s categorized by type and staged based on how far it has spread.
- The risk of cancer can be significantly reduced by quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and protecting yourself from the sun.
- Modern treatments for cancer, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy, are becoming increasingly personalized, and self-care is an important part of managing the emotional and physical side effects of treatment.
Table of Contents
- What is cancer?
- Types of cancer?
- Symptoms of cancer
- Causes of cancer
- Cancer risk factors
- Complications of cancer
- How to diagnose cancer?
- Treatment for cancer
- Can cancer be prevented?
- How do I take care of myself if I have cancer?
- cancer at Phyathai Hospital
What is cancer?
What is cancer? Cancer is a term for a large group of diseases that all share a common characteristic: they occur when healthy cells transform into abnormal cancer cells that multiply and spread uncontrollably. Normally, your genes provide cells with instructions on how to grow and when to stop. Healthy cells follow these instructions, but cancer cells ignore them.
To help plan treatment and determine a prognosis, doctors use a cancer staging system. Most cancers are classified into four stages. The specific stage is determined by factors like the size and location of the tumor.
- Stages 1 – 3 : usually indicate that the cancer has grown into surrounding tissue or spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage 4 : means that the cancer cells have spread to distant parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Types of cancer?
Healthcare professionals categorize the more than 100 types of cancer based on where they start in the body and the type of tissue they affect. There are three main classifications :
- Solid cancers : This is the most common type, making up 80% to 90% of all cases. This group includes cancers like lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, and prostate cancer. These often fall under the category of carcinoma, which forms in epithelial tissue. Another type, sarcoma, forms in bone and connective tissues.
- Blood cancers : These cancers begin in your blood cells or lymphatic system. Examples include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
- Mixed cancers : These cancers involve two or more classifications or subtypes. Examples are:
- Carcinosarcoma is a type of cancer that contains both carcinoma–cancer from epithelial tissue like skin, and sarcoma–cancer from connective tissue like bone.
- Adenosquamous Carcinoma is a type of cancer that contains both adenocarcinoma–cancer from glandular tissue, and squamous cell carcinoma–cancer from flat, scaly cells like those found on the skin.
Symptoms of cancer
The symptoms of cancer can vary widely depending on the type and location of the cancer, but there are some general signs that may indicate an issue. Here are some cancer symptoms to be aware of :
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight changes whether loss or gain
- Lumps or thickened areas that can feel under the skin
- Skin changes including darkening, yellowing, readiness, moles, and sores that won’t heal
- Persistent cough or difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Hoarseness
- Discomfort after eating
- Persistent indigestion
- Unexplained muscle or joint pain persistently
- Fevers or night sweats persistently
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
Causes of cancer
Cancer is a genetic disease, but that doesn’t always mean it’s inherited. It occurs when genes that manage cell activity transform, or change. These changes lead to the creation of abnormal cells that divide and multiply uncontrollably, eventually disrupting how your body works.
These abnormal cells can form clusters called tumors. Cancerous cells may break away from tumors and travel to other parts of your body through your lymphatic system or bloodstream—a process called metastasis. For example, a tumor in your breast might spread to your lungs, making it difficult to breathe. In some types of blood cancer, your bone marrow produces abnormal blood cells that crowd out normal, healthy cells.
Cancer risk factors
There isn’t a single cause for cancer. Instead, several factors can increase your risk of developing it. Risk factors of cancer including :
- Family history : Your risk for cancer is higher if close biological relatives, such as a parent, sibling, or grandparent, have had the disease.
- Environmental factors : Long-term exposure to toxins in your environment, like asbestos, pesticides, and radon, can lead to cancer.
- Diet and lifestyle : A diet high in fat or sugar, along with a lack of physical activity, can increase your risk for many types of cancer.
- Radiation exposure : Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a major risk factor for skin cancer. Excessive exposure to radiation from medical treatments can also be a risk factor.
- Smoking : Using tobacco products, including vape, significantly increases the risk of lung, esophageal, pancreatic, and oral cancers.
- Hormone therapy : Women who use hormone replacement therapy may have an increased risk for breast and uterine cancers.
Understanding these risk factors is crucial for prevention. Regular cancer screening can help detect the disease early, which often leads to better treatment outcomes.
Complications of cancer
Cancer and its treatment can cause several complications that affect the body and quality of life. Many of these issues can be managed with proper care. Common complication cancer symptoms and side effects of treatment include :
- Fatigue : Fatigue is a common side effect of cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It is usually temporary and can often be managed.
- Pain : Pain can be caused by the cancer itself or by its treatment. It can often be effectively managed with medication and other approaches.
- Nausea : Certain types of cancer and their treatments can cause nausea. Your doctor can often predict this and prescribe medications to prevent or reduce it.
- Difficulty breathing : Both cancer and its treatment can cause shortness of breath. There are treatments that can help bring relief.
- Diarrhea or constipation : Cancer and its treatment can disrupt your bowel habits, leading to either diarrhea or constipation.
- Weight loss : Cancer can cause weight loss because cancer cells steal nutrients from normal cells. This is a difficult complication to treat, and artificial nutrition often doesn’t help.
- Immune system reactions : In rare cases, the body’s immune system may attack healthy cells in response to the cancer. These are called paraneoplastic syndromes, and they can lead to various symptoms, including difficulty walking or seizures.
- Chemical changes in the body : Cancer can disrupt your body’s normal chemical balance. This may lead to serious complications and symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, constipation, and confusion.
- Brain and nervous system problems : A tumor can press on nearby nerves, causing pain and loss of function. If the cancer is in the brain, it can cause headaches and stroke-like symptoms.
Cancer can also advance and metastasize to other parts of the body. Additionally, survivors have a risk of recurrence, so follow-up care plans are essential to monitor for any signs that the cancer has returned.
How to diagnose cancer?
Doctors begin a cancer diagnosis with a thorough physical examination, discussing your symptoms and family medical history. This initial step is a crucial part of the diagnostic process, which often starts after a patient notices concerning cancer symptoms or a professional identifies a potential issue during routine cancer screening. To confirm a diagnosis, doctors may perform several tests :
- Imaging tests : Techniques like CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds provide detailed images of the body to locate tumors.
- Genetic testing : This is used to diagnose and guide treatment for inherited forms of cancer.
- Blood tests : These can include a complete blood count (CBC), blood protein tests, and tumor marker tests to look for specific substances.
- Biopsies : A small sample of tissue is removed for analysis. This can be done surgically or with a needle.
Together, these diagnostic steps help healthcare professionals determine the presence, type, and stage of the cancer.
Treatment for cancer
Doctors use a variety of cancer treatment methods, often combining them to suit an individual’s specific situation. The choice of treatment depends on the type, stage, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatments include :
- Surgery : To physically remove cancerous tumors that have not yet spread.
- Chemotherapy : Uses powerful drugs, administered orally or intravenously (IV), to destroy cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy : Kills cancer cells using high doses of radiation.
- Immunotherapy : Harnesses the body’s own immune system to fight the disease.
- Targeted therapy : Focuses on the specific genetic mutations that cause healthy cells to become cancerous.
- Hormone therapy : Blocks hormones that can fuel the growth of certain cancers, such as prostate cancer.
- Bone marrow transplant : Replaces damaged blood stem cells with healthy ones.
These treatments can cause side effects, which vary depending on the method and how your body responds. Side effects are often temporary, but it’s crucial to inform your doctor about any new or worsening cancer symptoms so they can provide recommendations or medications to help manage them.
Can cancer be prevented?
While there is no way to guarantee you won’t get cancer, doctors have identified several actions you can take to significantly lower your risk such as :
- Maintain a Healthy Diet and Weight : Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting processed meats and sugars, can help lower your risk. Paired with regular exercise, it also helps you maintain a healthy weight, as obesity is a known risk factor.
- Protect Yourself from the Sun : Limit your exposure to harmful UV rays. Stay in the shade, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen to reduce your risk of skin cancer.
- Limit Alcohol Intake : If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. This means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
- Quit Smoking : If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of not just lung cancer, but many other types of cancer as well. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.
- Get Screened and Vaccinated : Talk to your doctor about recommended cancer screening exams based on your personal risk factors. You should also ask about immunizations for viruses like Hepatitis B and HPV, which can increase the risk of certain cancers. These preventative measures can help you stay as healthy as possible.
How do I take care of myself if I have cancer?
Taking care of yourself is a vital part of living with cancer, and what that looks like is unique for each person. Giving yourself the care you need can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
- Seek support : Join a support group to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. You can also talk to a therapist or counselor about the emotional challenges you face.
- Prioritize physical rest and comfort : Get a massage, but only with your doctor’s approval. Most importantly, rest whenever you need to, not just when you have the time.
- Engage in creative and enjoyable activities : Explore art or music therapy, read a favorite book, watch a beloved movie, or write your thoughts in a journal.
- Embrace mindfulness : Practice yoga or meditation to stay present and calm.
- Take control of your time : Set your own “visiting hours” to balance time with loved ones and personal downtime.
- Consult with professionals : A nutritionist can help you create a personalized diet plan.
Cancer at Phyathai Hospital
Cancer is a complex and challenging disease, but with advances in medical research and technology, early detection and effective treatments are more accessible than ever. Understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and available treatments is the first step toward proactive health management. Regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk, while a strong support system and self-care are crucial for those navigating a diagnosis.
At Phyathai Hospital, we are committed to providing world-class cancer care with a compassionate approach. Our dedicated team of doctors and nurses offers close, personalized support, ensuring you receive top-quality treatment from diagnosis through recovery. We understand that effective communication is key, especially for expatriates and international residents in Thailand. That’s why Phyathai Hospital provides comprehensive language support with interpreters and English-speaking staff readily available, offering assistance in over 20 languages.
- Call Center 1772 (press 9 for ENG)
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook Page: Expat Health & Wellness by Phyathai
References
- Cancer. (2025, 3 February). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
- Cancer. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12194-cancer
- Cancer. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20370588