ANTI-CANCER
Finding The Hope
More About Cancer
Cancer is a complex disease that can arise from various types of cells and tissues in the body. There are more than 100 types of cancer, each with unique characteristics and treatment options. Understanding the type of cancer is essential in determining the most effective treatment approach. The following are some categories of cancers based on the cells and tissues from which they arise:
Carcinoma:
Carcinomas are the most common type of cancer and arise from epithelial cells, which are cells that line the surfaces of the body, both internally and externally. There are many types of epithelial cells, and carcinomas are named based on the specific type of epithelial cells from which they arise. For instance:
Adenocarcinoma is a cancer that forms in epithelial cells that produce fluids or mucus. Most cancers of the breast, colon, and prostate are adenocarcinomas.
Basal cell carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the lower or basal (base) layer of the epidermis, which is the outer layer of the skin. It is the most common type of skin cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a cancer that forms in squamous cells, which are flat, thin cells that line the surface of the skin and other organs such as the lungs, bladder, and kidneys. Squamous cell carcinomas are the second most common type of skin cancer and are also known as epidermoid carcinomas.
Transitional cell carcinoma is a cancer that forms in the transitional epithelium, which is the tissue that lines the bladder, ureters, and parts of the kidneys (renal pelvis). Some cancers of the bladder, ureters, and kidneys are transitional cell carcinomas.
Sarcoma:
Sarcomas are cancers that form in bone and soft tissues, including muscle, fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, and fibrous tissue (such as tendons and ligaments). Osteosarcoma is the most common cancer of bone, while the most common types of soft tissue sarcoma are leiomyosarcoma, Kaposi sarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, liposarcoma, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.
Leukemia:
Cancers that begin in the blood-forming tissue of the bone marrow are called leukemias. These cancers do not form solid tumors. Instead, large numbers of abnormal white blood cells (leukemia cells and leukemic blast cells) build up in the blood and bone marrow, crowding out normal blood cells. The low level of normal blood cells can make it harder for the body to get oxygen to its tissues, control bleeding, or fight infections. There are four common types of leukemia, which are grouped based on how quickly the disease gets worse (acute or chronic) and on the type of blood cell the cancer starts in (lymphoblastic or myeloid). Acute forms of leukemia grow quickly, and chronic forms grow more slowly.
Lymphoma:
Lymphoma is cancer that begins in lymphocytes (T cells or B cells), which are disease-fighting white blood cells that are part of the immune system. In lymphoma, abnormal lymphocytes build up in lymph nodes and lymph vessels, as well as in other organs of the body. There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. People with Hodgkin lymphoma have abnormal lymphocytes called Reed-Sternberg cells, which usually form from B cells. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a large group of cancers that start in lymphocytes. The cancers can grow quickly or slowly and can form from B cells or T cells.
Multiple Myeloma:
Multiple myeloma is cancer that begins in plasma cells, another type of immune cell. The abnormal plasma cells, called myeloma cells, build up in the bone marrow and form tumors in bones throughout the body. Multiple myeloma is also called plasma cell myeloma and Kahler disease.
Melanoma:
Melanoma is cancer that begins in cells that become melanocytes, which are specialized cells that make melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color). Most melanomas form on the skin, but melanomas can also form in other pigmented tissues, such as the eye.
Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors:
There are different types of brain and spinal cord tumors. These tumors are named based on the type of cell in which they formed and where the tumor first formed in the central nervous system. Brain tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).
Tumors
Other Types of Tumors:
Germ cell tumors are a type of tumor that begins in the cells that give rise to sperm or eggs. These tumors can occur almost anywhere in the body and can be either benign or malignant. Neuroendocrine tumors form from cells that release hormones into the blood in response to a signal from the nervous system. These tumors, which may make higher-than-normal amounts of hormones, can cause many different symptoms. Neuroendocrine tumors may be benign or malignant. Carcinoid tumors are a type of neuroendocrine tumor that are usually slow-growing and found in the gastrointestinal system, most often in the rectum and small intestine. Carcinoid tumors may spread to the liver or other sites in the body, and they may secrete substances such as serotonin or prostaglandins, causing carcinoid syndrome.
Understanding the type of cancer is crucial for determining the most effective treatment approach. Different types of cancer arise from different types of cells and tissues in the body and have unique characteristics. Knowing the type of cancer can help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about their treatment options.
The substantial body of research on the different types of cancer and their characteristics. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with adenocarcinoma histology had a better response to specific targeted therapies compared to those with squamous cell carcinoma histology (Kris et al., 2014). Another study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that patients with Hodgkin lymphoma had a higher overall survival rate compared to those with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (Morton et al., 2016).
Furthermore, research has shown that the type of cancer can influence treatment decisions and outcomes. For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that patients with localized prostate cancer treated with surgery had better overall survival rates compared to those treated with radiation therapy (Wilt et al., 2017). Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with metastatic melanoma who received immune checkpoint inhibitors had better overall survival rates compared to those who received chemotherapy (Robert et al., 2015).
Additionally, it has shown that understanding the type of cancer can help in developing new treatment approaches. For instance, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that specific molecular characteristics of breast cancer could predict response to certain targeted therapies, leading to the development of more personalized treatment approaches (Shah et al., 2017).
Overall, the research on the different types of cancer highlights the importance of understanding the type of cancer in determining treatment decisions and outcomes. Advances in research have led to the development of more tailored and effective treatment approaches for different types of cancer.
There are many types of cancer, each with its own unique characteristics, risk factors, and treatment options. In this article, we will explore some of the most common types of cancer, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options, backed up with research data.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with an estimated 2.3 million new cases diagnosed in 2020 alone (Siegel et al., 2020). Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow out of control.
Risk factors for breast cancer include age, family history, and certain genetic mutations. According to research by the American Cancer Society, women with a family history of breast cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease (American Cancer Society, 2021).
Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump or thickening in the breast, changes in the size or shape of the breast, and nipple discharge. Early detection of breast cancer is important for successful treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 40 to 44 should have the option to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms, while women aged 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year, and women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every two years or have the choice to continue yearly screening.
Treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. According to a study by the National Cancer Institute, hormone therapy is often used to treat breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive (National Cancer Institute, 2021).
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. According to the WHO, lung cancer accounted for 18.4% of all cancer deaths in 2018.
Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the lungs grow out of control. The main risk factor for lung cancer is smoking, but exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, and other chemicals can also increase the risk. According to research by the American Cancer Society, smoking causes about 80% of lung cancer deaths in women and about 90% of lung cancer deaths in men (American Cancer Society, 2021).
Symptoms of lung cancer can include a persistent cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Early detection of lung cancer is difficult because symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed. Screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can help detect lung cancer at an early stage in people at high risk for the disease, such as current or former smokers.
Treatment options for lung cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. According to a study by the National Cancer Institute, targeted therapy is often used to treat lung cancer that has specific genetic mutations (National Cancer Institute, 2021).
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States and the third most common cancer worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, about 248,530 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2021 (American Cancer Society, 2021).
Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the prostate gland grow out of control. Risk factors for prostate cancer include age, family history, and certain genetic mutations. According to research by the American Cancer Society, men with a family history of prostate cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease (American Cancer Society, 2021).
Symptoms of prostate cancer can include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or semen, and pain in the back, hips, or pelvis. Early detection of prostate cancer is important for successful treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends that men discuss the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening with their doctor, starting at age 50 for most men.
Treatment options for prostate cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. According to a study by the National Cancer Institute, hormone therapy is often used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (National Cancer Institute, 2021).
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, with an estimated 1.9 million new cases diagnosed in 2020 (Siegel et al., 2020). Colorectal cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer include age, a family history of the disease, and certain genetic mutations. According to research by the American Cancer Society, people with a family history of colorectal cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease (American Cancer Society, 2021).
Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include changes inbowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss. Early detection of colorectal cancer is important for successful treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45, while those at higher risk should start screening earlier.
Treatment options for colorectal cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. According to a study by the National Cancer Institute, targeted therapy is often used to treat colorectal cancer that has specific genetic mutations (National Cancer Institute, 2021).
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with an estimated 5.4 million cases diagnosed each year (American Cancer Society, 2021). Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the skin grow out of control.
Risk factors for skin cancer include exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, a history of sunburns, and a family history of the disease. According to research by the American Cancer Society, people with fair skin, light hair, and light-colored eyes are at higher risk for skin cancer (American Cancer Society, 2021).
Symptoms of skin cancer can include changes in the appearance of moles or other skin lesions, a new growth on the skin, or a sore that does not heal. Early detection of skin cancer is important for successful treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends that people protect their skin from the sun, avoid tanning beds, and check their skin regularly for changes.
Treatment options for skin cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and topical medications. According to a study by the National Cancer Institute, immunotherapy is often used to treat skin cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (National Cancer Institute, 2021).
Leukemia
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It occurs when abnormal blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and then enter the bloodstream. According to the American Cancer Society, about 60,530 new cases of leukemia will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2021 (American Cancer Society, 2021).
Risk factors for leukemia include exposure to radiation or certain chemicals, certain genetic mutations, and a history of certain blood disorders. According to research by the American Cancer Society, people who have received radiation therapy or chemotherapy for other cancers have a higher risk of developing leukemia (American Cancer Society, 2021).
Symptoms of leukemia can include fatigue, fever, and an increased risk of infections. Treatment options for leukemia include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplantation. According to a study by the National Cancer Institute, bone marrow transplantation is often used to treat leukemia that has not responded to other treatments (National Cancer Institute, 2021).
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. It occurs when abnormal white blood cells called lymphocytes grow out of control. According to the American Cancer Society, about 92,750 new cases of lymphoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2021 (American Cancer Society, 2021).
Risk factors for lymphoma include exposure to certain chemicals, a weakened immune system, and certain viral infections. According to research by the American Cancer Society, people with HIV/AIDS have a higher risk of developing lymphoma (American Cancer Society, 2021).
Symptoms of lymphoma can include swollen lymph nodes, fever, and weight loss. Treatment options for lymphoma include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. According to a study by the National Cancer Institute, immunotherapy is often used to treat lymphoma that has not responded to other treatments (National Cancer Institute, 2021).