Types of cancer

What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease that occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the body. While there are over 100 types, each affects different parts of the body with unique symptoms and treatment approaches.

Understanding Different Forms of the Disease

Learn About the Various Types of Cancer & Their Impact

Cancer affects different parts of the body in unique ways. Understanding its types helps in early detection, better treatment, and improved survival rates. Below is an overview of common and rare cancers, along with their symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.

Breast Cancer

  • Occurs in the breast tissue, mostly in women but can affect men.
  • Symptoms: Lump in the breast, nipple discharge, skin dimpling.
  • Risk Factors: Genetics, hormone therapy, obesity.
  • Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy.

Lung Cancer

  • Cancer that starts in the lungs, often linked to smoking.
  • Symptoms: Persistent cough, chest pain, breathlessness.
  • Risk Factors: Smoking, pollution, radiation exposure.
  • Treatment: Surgery, radiation, targeted therapy.

Prostate Cancer

  • Affects the prostate gland in men, often slow-growing.
  • Symptoms: Frequent urination, blood in urine, pelvic pain.
  • Risk Factors: Age, family history, obesity.
  • Treatment: Radiation, hormone therapy, surgery.

Colorectal Cancer

  • Cancer of the colon or rectum, common in older adults.
  • Symptoms: Blood in stool, stomach cramps, weight loss.
  • Risk Factors: Low-fiber diet, family history, smoking.
  • Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation.

Leukemia (Blood Cancer)

  • Affects blood and bone marrow, leading to abnormal white blood cells.
  • Symptoms: Fatigue, frequent infections, bruising easily.
  • Risk Factors: Radiation, genetic disorders, smoking.
  • Treatment: Chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, targeted therapy.

Skin Cancer

  • Uncontrolled growth of skin cells due to UV exposure.
  • Symptoms: New or changing moles, sores that don’t heal.
  • Risk Factors: Excess sun exposure, fair skin, family history.
  • Treatment: Surgery, radiation, immunotherapy.

Cervical Cancer

  • Cancer in the cervix, often caused by HPV.
  • Symptoms: Irregular bleeding, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse.
  • Risk Factors: HPV infection, multiple pregnancies, smoking.
  • Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation.

Pancreatic Cancer

  • One of the deadliest cancers, often diagnosed late.
  • Symptoms: Jaundice, stomach pain, unexplained weight loss.
  • Risk Factors: Diabetes, smoking, family history.
  • Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy.

Liver Cancer

  • Affects liver cells, often linked to hepatitis infections.
  • Symptoms: Jaundice, swollen abdomen, loss of appetite.
  • Risk Factors: Alcohol abuse, hepatitis B & C, obesity.
  • Treatment: Liver transplant, chemotherapy, immunotherapy.

Kidney Cancer

  • Develops in the kidneys, usually in adults over 50.
  • Symptoms: Blood in urine, lower back pain, fatigue.
  • Risk Factors: Smoking, high blood pressure, obesity.
  • Treatment: Surgery, targeted drug therapy, immunotherapy.

Brain Tumors

  • Abnormal cell growth in the brain, can be life-threatening.
  • Symptoms: Headaches, vision issues, seizures.
  • Risk Factors: Radiation exposure, family history.
  • Treatment: Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy.

Stomach Cancer

  • Affects the stomach lining, often diagnosed in later stages.
  • Symptoms: Indigestion, bloating, nausea, weight loss.
  • Risk Factors: Infection (H. pylori), diet high in salty foods, smoking.
  • Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy.

Esophageal Cancer

  • Cancer in the esophagus, affecting swallowing.
  • Symptoms: Difficulty swallowing, heartburn, chest pain.
  • Risk Factors: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, GERD.
  • Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation.

Bladder Cancer

  • Affects the bladder lining, often diagnosed early.
  • Symptoms: Blood in urine, frequent urination, pelvic pain.
  • Risk Factors: Smoking, chemical exposure, chronic infections.
  • Treatment: Surgery, immunotherapy, chemotherapy.

Bone Cancer

  • Cancer that starts in bones, rare but aggressive.
  • Symptoms: Bone pain, swelling, fractures.
  • Risk Factors: Radiation exposure, genetic conditions.
  • Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation.

Ovarian Cancer

  • Affects the ovaries, often detected late.
  • Symptoms: Bloating, pelvic pain, frequent urination.
  • Risk Factors: Family history, hormone therapy, obesity.
  • Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy.

Childhood Cancers

  • Includes leukemia, brain tumors, neuroblastoma, and Wilms tumor.
  • Symptoms: Unexplained fever, lumps, bone pain.
  • Risk Factors: Genetic mutations, radiation exposure.
  • Treatment: Chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplant.

Testicular Cancer

  • Affects the testes, common in young men.
  • Symptoms: Lump in testicle, pain, swelling.
  • Risk Factors: Family history, undescended testicle.
  • Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation.