Big C

Big C refers to Cancer, a broad group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death. Cancer is caused by changes to DNA within cells, which can be triggered by various factors, including tobacco use, certain infections, radiation, lack of physical activity, obesity, and environmental pollutants. These factors may act, directly or indirectly, to cause or contribute to the development of cancer.

Causes and Risk Factors

Cancer is caused by changes (mutations) in the DNA within cells. The DNA inside a cell is packaged into a large number of individual genes, each of which contains a set of instructions telling the cell what functions to perform, as well as how to grow and divide. Errors in the instructions can lead to cancer if the cell becomes better at growing and surviving than the normal cells around it.

Genetic mutations can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

• Lifestyle choices such as tobacco use, a high-fat diet, and exposure to the sun.
• Environmental exposures to different types of chemicals and radiation.
• Viruses such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B and C viruses.
• Inherited genetic defects.
• Immune system conditions.

Types of Cancer

Cancer can occur anywhere in the body, and there are over 100 different types of cancer. The most common types include lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and skin cancer (melanoma).

Symptoms

Symptoms of cancer vary depending on the type and location of the disease. Common signs and symptoms include:

• A lump or thickening that can be felt under the skin.
• Weight changes, including unintended loss or gain.
• Skin changes, such as yellowing, darkening, or redness of the skin, sores that won't heal, or changes to existing moles.
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits.
• Persistent cough or trouble breathing.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Hoarseness.
• Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating.
• Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain.
• Unexplained and persistent fevers or night sweats.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cancer typically involves a thorough history and physical examination along with diagnostic testing. Tests might include blood tests, imaging tests (such as CT scans or MRIs), and biopsies, where a small sample of tissue is examined under a microscope for cancer cells.

Treatment

Treatment options vary widely depending on the type and stage of cancer. Common treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Treatment may involve one or a combination of these methods.

Prevention

While not all cancers can be prevented, the risk of developing cancer can be significantly reduced through lifestyle changes such as avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and protecting skin from the sun.

See Also

• Oncology
• Carcinogenesis
• Metastasis
• Cancer screening
• Cancer treatment