What is Cancer?

Cancer is a complex disease characterized by the uncontrolled division and spread of cells in the body. While normal cells grow, divide and die in a certain order, cancer cells multiply abnormally. Cancer can develop in any tissue or organ and can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body if left untreated.

What are the Types of Cancer?

Cancer is divided into different categories according to the tissue and cell type it originates from. The main types of cancer are:

Carcinomas: Cancers that originate from epithelial tissue. Lung, breast, prostate and colon cancers are in this group.
Sarcomas: Cancers that originate from connective tissue, bones and muscles.
Leukemia: A type of cancer that develops in the bone marrow and affects blood circulation.
Lymphoma and Myeloma: Cancers that originate from immune system cells.
Central Nervous System Cancers: Cancers that affect the brain and spinal cord.

What are the Stages of Cancer?

The stages of cancer are determined by the extent to which the disease has spread:

Stage 0: This is a very early stage of cancer and is often called "in situ cancer." At this stage, cancer cells are only in the area where they started.
Stage I: This is an early stage where the cancer is locally limited, meaning the tumor has not spread to surrounding tissues. The tumor is usually small and limited.
Stages II and III: The cancer has begun to spread to surrounding tissues and lymph nodes.
Stage IV: The cancer has metastasized to distant organs and is considered advanced.

What Causes Cancer?

Genetic and environmental factors play an important role in the development of cancer:

Genetic Factors: Individuals with a family history of cancer may be at higher risk.
Environmental Factors: External factors such as smoking, alcohol, radiation, harmful chemicals, and air pollution can increase the risk of cancer.
Lifestyle: Unhealthy diet, obesity, physical inactivity, and chronic stress can contribute to the development of cancer.
Infections: Some viruses such as HPV, Hepatitis B and C can cause certain types of cancer.

Differences Between Cancer Cells and Normal Cells

Cancer cells are different from normal cells in many ways:

Uncontrolled Growth: Cancer cells do not respond to signals that stop growth.
Resistance to Programmed Cell Death: While normal cells die after a certain period of time, cancer cells continue to multiply continuously.
Vessel Formation: Cancer cells form new vessels to feed and grow.
Metastasis Ability: Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body.

What Are the Symptoms of Cancer?

Symptoms may vary depending on the type of cancer and the area where the cancer is located. Common symptoms include:

Unintentional weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Sores that do not heal
Skin changes (growing moles, color changes)
Constant cough and hoarseness
Abnormal bleeding
Digestive system problems

How is Cancer Diagnosed?

A variety of methods are used to diagnose cancer:

Physical Exam: A mass or abnormal changes may be noticed
Imaging Tests: X-ray, MRI, CT scans
Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken from a suspicious lesion and examined pathologically
Blood Tests: A search for abnormal blood parameters and tumor markers

How is Cancer Treated?

Cancer treatment varies depending on the type and stage of the disease and the patient's general health:

Surgical Intervention: Surgical removal of cancerous tissue
Chemotherapy: Use of drugs to destroy cancer cells
Radiotherapy: High-energy rays to kill cancer cells
Immunotherapy: Treatments that support the immune system's ability to fight cancer
Targeted Therapies: Drugs that act specifically on cancer cells

What Can Be Done to Protect Yourself from Cancer?

The following precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of cancer:

Quitting Smoking and Alcohol Use: Reduces the risk of lung, liver and many other types of cancer.
Eating Healthy: Following a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.
Increasing Physical Activity: Regular exercise strengthens the immune system.
Regular Health Check-ups: Having routine doctor check-ups for early diagnosis.
Protecting from the Sun: Avoiding excessive sun exposure and using sunscreen.
Vaccines: HPV and hepatitis B vaccines protect against certain types of cancer.

“Although cancer is a complex and serious disease, it can be controlled with early diagnosis and effective treatment methods. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, having regular checkups and avoiding risk factors are among the strongest defense mechanisms against cancer.”