What is Cancer? How to Prevent Cancer?

In today's world, cancer remains a leading killer, with no signs of abating anytime soon. Despite immense progress in medical research and technology, it continues to be a formidable foe due to its ability to adapt and evolve. Globally, 9.6 million people die from cancer every year, or one in six deaths, according to the World Health Organization.1 As such, it is essential that we explore every avenue to reduce the incidence of cancer and improve outcomes for those affected.

In this article, we'll learn more about cancer, its symptoms, and how to prevent it.

What is Cancer?

Cancer refers to a broad group of diseases caused by abnormal cells growing uncontrollably. They spread beyond their normal boundaries and form tumours - attacking adjacent organs and/or spreading to other organs of the body. The latter process is known as metastasis and is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death.

Cancer is also known as a neoplasm or malignant tumour. The most common types of cancer among men are lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, and liver cancer. Women have a higher probability of developing colorectal, breast, cervical, lung, and thyroid cancers.

Treating cancer involves a range of interventions, from surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy, to control the spread of the disease and reduce the risk of recurrence. The goal of these treatments is to maximise the quality of life and improve the chances of survival.

Cancer Cells v/s Normal Cells

To understand this disease better, let’s see how cancer cells and normal cells differ from each other -

What are Cancer Symptoms?

Cancer can spread through the body undetected. It can be dormant for a long period of time until it starts to manifest itself in the form of symptoms. In some cases, cancer may cause noticeable symptoms that rapidly worsen.

• A significant loss of weight without any changes in diet or exercise can be a symptom of several types of cancers.
• A feeling of fatigue, weakness, or general tiredness.
• A recurring or worsening pain without apparent cause or that doesn't respond to normal treatment.
• A new mole or a change in the size, shape, or colour of an existing mole can be an indicator of skin cancer.
• Constant cough, hoarseness, or changes in voice may be symptoms of lung cancer, throat cancer, or other respiratory cancers.
• Blood in the urine, stool, or coughing up blood, as well as unusual vaginal bleeding or between-period bleeding, can be a symptom of various cancers.
• A change in the appearance of the breast, including lumps, nipple discharge, changes in size or shape, or changes to the skin of the breast, can indicate breast cancer.

Early detection can make a big difference in terms of cancer treatment and prognosis, so it's important to get checked out if you experience any of these symptoms.

Stages Of Cancer

The term ‘cancer staging’ refers to a description of how far cancer has spread in your body.

➔ Stage 0: Also called carcinoma in situ. In this stage, cancer cells are confined to the layer of cells from which they originated and have not spread to nearby tissues. This stage is considered the earliest form of cancer and can be treated more effectively than ones that have spread to other parts of the body.

➔ Stage I: The cancer is limited to a small area and has not spread to lymph nodes or other tissues. This means that the tumour is still localised - giving the patient a better chance for a successful treatment outcome.

➔ Stage II: The cancer has grown in size or may have spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes, but it has not spread to distant organs. This stage of cancer is still localised, which means that the cancerous cells have not yet migrated to other parts of the body.

➔ Stage III: The cancer has become larger and can possibly spread to lymph nodes and other tissues. This means that the cancer is now more advanced and will require more aggressive treatment.

➔ Stage IV: The cancer has spread to distant organs or distant lymphatic nodes. In this stage, cancer has spread beyond the primary site to other parts of the body, also known as metastatic cancer. Can cancer be cured at this point? Well, this stage is much more serious than previous stages, as it is harder to treat and the prognosis is not as good. So, the treatment will be aimed towards improving the quality of life.

How To Prevent Cancer?

You can prevent the risk of cancer by adopting these lifestyle changes -

• Say No To Tobacco Tobacco use has been linked to numerous health problems such as lung cancer, throat cancer, etc. The long-term effects of smoking can be devastating, so it is best to avoid it altogether.
• Consume Healthy Diet Eat a healthy diet to avoid cancer which is full of nutritious foods to ensure that the body gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy. Regular physical activity helps to increase metabolism and burn calories, which helps to maintain a healthy weight.
• Protect Your Skin UV radiation from the sun weakens the skin's natural defences and can damage skin cells, leading to skin cancer. So, whether it's cloudy or sunny, always apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing to shield your skin.
• Reduce Your Alcohol Consumption Drinking excessive alcohol increases your risk of developing various types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancer. Therefore, it is essential to limit your alcohol intake.
• Get Vaccinated Vaccines help the body build up immunity against certain diseases and can help you avoid getting sick. Make sure you get vaccinated against hepatitis B, which can cause liver cancer, and against human papillomavirus (HPV), which is linked to cervical, anal, and other cancers.
• Undergo Routine Screenings Early detection of cancer through screenings allows for early treatment, which is more likely to have a positive outcome. So, make sure you undergo regular cancer screenings as per the recommendations of your healthcare provider. Mammograms, Pap tests, colonoscopies, and prostate exams are among the screenings that can detect cancer early and improve your chances of successful treatment.
• Safeguard Yourself From Toxic Substances Protect yourself from harmful chemicals, such as asbestos, certain industrial chemicals, and environmental pollutants. If you work in such industries, take steps to reduce your exposure to these chemicals, such as wearing protective gear - shielding your body against potential health risks.

Does Health Insurance Cover Cancer?

Yes, it does! Some health insurance plans specifically provide coverage for cancer treatment and other associated medical costs. Cancer insurance ensures financial protection against the disease by covering medical costs related to cancer diagnosis and treatment, such as hospitalisation, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and more.

The ABSLI Cancer Shield Plan [UIN: 109N103V03] is designed to provide financial assistance in case you are diagnosed with cancer. It gives you these benefits -

👉 Coverage for both early and advanced stages. 👉 You can receive the eligible claim amount under this plan by just submitting the cancer diagnosis report. 👉 If you are diagnosed with early-stage cancer, the premium will be waived for a period of 5 years. 👉 An opportunity to increase the base cover amount by 10% each year for a duration of ten years if no claim has been filed.

Wrapping up!

Cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell growth, damaging healthy tissues and organs. If left untreated, the cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, making it difficult to treat and leading to potentially fatal complications. Therefore, it is important to take preventative measures to reduce your risk of developing cancer, such as monitoring any changes in your body, getting regular check-ups, and making healthy lifestyle choices. By making these responsible choices, you can ensure that you are taking a proactive step towards securing your health.