What is Cancer Essay Example

have now stabilized. Each year, roughly 175,000 American women receive a diagnosis for breast cancer. Although death rates decreased in the early 1990s, around 44,000 women still succumb to this illness annually.

The occurrence of breast cancer among women under 30 years old is very low (less than 1%). However, the risk of developing this type of cancer doubles every five years between ages 30 and 45 and increases by 10-15% every five years after age 45. Women over 50 make up more than three-quarters of all breast cancer diagnoses.

Breast cancer exhibits various behaviors, with certain cases remaining confined to the breast for an extended period before disseminating to nearby lymph nodes or distant regions. The main form of early breast cancer originates in the cells lining the breast ducts, which link the milk-producing glands to the nipple. In rare cases, cancer develops in the milk-producing tissue consisting of lobes and smaller segments known as lobules. Breast cancer is categorized based on its location and pattern of spread, whereby early-stage cancer is limited to either ducts or lobules.

Although the chances of successfully treating cancer are over 95%, there is still a small chance that cancer cells may have spread even after removing a tumor. Invasive cancer refers to when it spreads beyond ducts or lobules into the surrounding breast tissue, possibly affecting nearby lymph nodes. Finding a firm lump in the breast can be an initial sign of invasive cancer. Typically, breast cancers have been present for several years before a noticeable lump develops.

Metastatic cancer is the spreading of cancer to different parts of the body, including distant lymph nodes, bones, lungs, liver or brain. Symptoms

related to breast cancer may include a discharge from the nipple that is bloody or clear, a painless lump or thickening in the breast, changes in breast size or shape (with one breast appearing higher), flattening or indentation of the skin over the breast and skin redness or pitting resembling an orange peel texture.

According to the American Cancer Society, around 75% of breast cancer cases occur in women without identified high-risk factors. However, certain factors can increase the risk such as age (risk increases with age), country of birth (higher rates in North America and northern Europe but lower rates in Asia and South America) and family history (inherited tendency accounts for 5-10% of cases along with specific gene defects like BRCA1 and BRCA2 raising the risk).

Both men and women have potential to inherit and pass on defective BRCA genes. Families with inherited breast cancer typically exhibit characteristics such as two or more close relatives affected by breast cancer like a mother and two sisters; early onset of breast cancer among family members usually before age 50; occurrence of breast cancer across multiple generations;If one or more family members have both breasts affected by cancer, it is possible to also see occasional cases of ovarian cancer if you have Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. However, the occurrence of breast cancer in specific relatives, particularly at a later age, may be attributed to random factors.

Although there is no genetic abnormality, breast cancer can affect multiple family members. Fortunately, there are several treatment options for all diagnosed patients. These options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and experimental methods

such as biological therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Surgery is typically the preferred choice for most breast cancer patients as it aims to remove cancer cells from the breast.

The treatment of breast cancer involves various types of operations. These include lumpectomy, partial or segmental mastectomy, total or simple mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, and radical mastectomy. During a lumpectomy, the cancerous lump and surrounding tissue are removed. Radiation therapy is then administered along with the removal of some lymph nodes under the arm.

Partial or segmental mastectomy removes both the cancer and some breast tissue around it, as well as the lining over the chest muscles below the tumor. Lymph node removal is also common in this operation. Total or simple mastectomy involves complete removal of the breast with or without lymph node removal.

The most commonly performed operation for breast cancer is modified radical mastectomy. This procedure entails removing the breast, multiple lymph nodes under the arm, and sometimes part of the chest wall muscles.

In cases where there is spread of tumor to these muscles, radical mastectomy (or Halsted radical mastectomy) may be performed. This surgery involves removing all lymph nodes under the arm along with the breast and chest muscles.

According to information from AOL Health website referencing 2000 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to eliminate cancer cells and reduce tumor size.

External radiation therapy utilizes an external machine to deliver radiation, whereas internal radiation therapy entails the insertion of radioisotopes into the affected area. Chemotherapy, whether administered orally or through intravenous or muscular injections, employs drugs to eliminate cancer cells. This treatment is categorized as

systemic since the drugs enter the bloodstream and target cancer cells throughout the body, extending beyond the breast region. Hormone therapy may be prescribed if tests detect estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors on breast cancer cells.

Hormone therapy alters hormone function to inhibit cancer growth. This can be accomplished by administering drugs or surgically removing hormone-producing organs, such as the ovaries. In early-stage breast cancer cases, tamoxifen is often prescribed as hormone therapy. Nevertheless, using tamoxifen or estrogens for this purpose could impact cells throughout the body and potentially increase the risk of uterine cancer. Hence, it is advisable to undergo yearly pelvic examinations under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Immediate medical attention is necessary for reporting any vaginal bleeding unrelated to menstruation. In cases where surgery has effectively eliminated all visible cancer, further treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy may be given to eradicate any remaining cancer cells. This additional treatment, called adjuvant therapy, aims to eliminate undetectable cancer cells from the body. Biological therapy involves stimulating the immune system using substances produced by the body or synthesized in a laboratory to enhance, direct, or restore natural disease defenses. It can also be referred to as biological response modifier therapy or immunotherapy.

The clinical trials are studying the use of this treatment and bone marrow transplantation for breast cancer patients who have developed resistance to radiation therapy or chemotherapy. In certain situations, high doses of chemotherapy are given to fight against the cancer. To safeguard the bone marrow from damage caused by these large doses, the marrow is collected from the bones before treatment.

The procedure starts with freezing the marrow and giving high-dose

chemotherapy, with or without radiation therapy, to fight the cancer. Afterward, the thawed marrow is reintroduced to the patient via a vein needle to replace the destroyed marrow. This medical process is known as an autologous transplant. In contrast, if the marrow comes from someone else, it is categorized as an allogeneic transplant. Another type of autologous transplant involves a peripheral blood stem cell transplant where immature cells called stem cells are extracted from the patient's blood. These stem cells play a crucial role in producing all blood cells and are subsequently returned to the patient.

The process of leukapheresis lasts for 3 to 4 hours and involves the use of drugs to remove cancer cells from stem cells. These treated cells are then frozen until they can be reintroduced into the patient. This procedure can be done alone or in combination with an autologous bone marrow transplant. It is recommended to choose a hospital that performs more than five bone marrow transplants per year to increase the chances of success.

In the United States, lung cancer is responsible for the highest number of cancer-related deaths, causing around 160,000 fatalities annually. Breast cancer held this title among women for over four decades until it was surpassed by lung cancer in 1987.

Lung Cancer is defined by the abnormal growth of lung cells, which have specific functions due to their genetic programming. However, this genetic material can be harmed, leading to the development of lung cancer. The primary cause of lung cancer is continuous exposure to carcinogens like tobacco smoke, although other substances such as radon and asbestos are also linked to it. Certain genes that are not replicated

in the lung cells of smokers have been identified by scientists.

Teenage smokers commonly experience gene deletion, also known as gene loss. Research indicates that young smokers have a higher likelihood of developing genetic damage in their lungs due to tobacco smoke. Some specific genes are classified as tumor suppressors.

Scientists have discovered that a gene known as p53, which plays a role in preventing tumors, is frequently defective in both small cell lung cancer and roughly 50% of cases of nonsmall cell lung cancer. The main purpose of this gene is to inhibit the transformation of abnormal cells into tumors. However, due to this genetic mutation, the gene fails to effectively suppress the growth of tumor cells as it should. Some individuals inherit genes from their parents that offer greater protection against harm and cancer compared to others.

Research is currently being conducted to investigate the genetics of lung cancer, specifically how certain genes are passed down from parents to their children. Although the link between heredity and lung cancer is not completely understood, it continues to be a common type of cancer in the United States. In 1997, around 15% of all cancer cases were attributed to lung cancer. Additionally, it exceeds colon, prostate, and breast cancer combined as the main cause of over 25% of all deaths related to cancer in the country.

More than half of lung cancer cases in the United States currently occur in men, but the annual diagnosis rate for women is increasing and will soon equal that of men. It is important to note that lung cancer causes more deaths among women than any other type of cancer and also affects

a higher number of men compared to other cancers. There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small-cell, which accounts for around 80% of all cases, and small-cell, which makes up about 20% of all cases. These classifications are based on the cellular composition rather than the size of the tumor.

There are three types of non-small-cell lung cancer: adenocarcinomas, which occur in the mucus glands; squamous or epidermoid carcinoma, found in the bronchial tubes; and large-cell carcinoma, located near the surface. Most cases of lung cancer start in one lung but can spread to lymph nodes or other chest tissues, including the other lung. Lung cancer can also metastasize to different parts of the body such as bones, brain, liver, and other organs.

Symptoms may not appear for several years and could be mistaken for a less severe illness. Some symptoms may only become noticeable at an advanced stage of the disease, including changes in a "smokers cough," changes in sputum color, ongoing chest, shoulder or back pain unrelated to coughing, blood in sputum,recurring episodes of pneumonia or bronchitis,and wheezing.

The Lung Cancer Patent Overview 101 Pamphlet offers information on the symptoms and treatment options for lung cancer. It explains that signs of lung cancer can manifest as respiratory or non-respiratory symptoms, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, headache, bone pain, joint discomfort, and fractures unrelated to injury. The primary methods for treating lung cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Recent advancements in treatments have improved survival rates. Surgery involves removing a tumor along with surrounding tissue or even an entire lung. Chemotherapy utilizes anti-cancer drugs to shrink or eliminate the tumor. Radiation therapy focuses high-energy

rays like X-rays, radium, or neutrons on cancerous tumors. The appropriate treatment approach depends on the stage of lung cancer: - Stage I A/B: A tumor is only present in the lung and requires surgery.- Stage II A/B: The tumor has spread to associated lymph nodes necessitating surgery followed by chemotherapy.- Stage III/A: The tumor has spread to lymph nodes in the tracheal area (including chest wall and diaphragm) requiring chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy or surgery.- Stage III/B: The tumor has spread to lymph nodes on the opposite lung or neck; combination therapy involving chemotherapy and radiation is utilized.- Stage IV: The tumor has extended beyond the chest.Treatment options for lung cancer include chemotherapy and/or palliative careIn certain cases, radiation can be used as part of the treatment when a tumor is found in one lung and nearby lymph nodes. Both chemotherapy and radiation are recommended for this stage. However, in more advanced cases where tumors have spread beyond one lung or to other organs, chemotherapy becomes the primary treatment. In the 1990s, it was discovered that combining new cancer drugs could improve success rates and reduce side effects. Ongoing research aims to enhance survival rates and quality of life for lung cancer patients through advancements such as altered dosage, timing, and sequencing of drugs in new chemotherapy regimens. Monoclonal antibodies are engineered antibodies designed to specifically target cancer proteins. Photodynamic therapy utilizes chemicals combined with light for treatment purposes. Anti-angiogenesis agents are drugs that inhibit blood vessels nourishing tumors while lung cancer vaccines stimulate an effective immune response. Melanoma is an extremely perilous type of skin cancer.

If melanoma is diagnosed and removed in

its early stages while it is still small and confined to the outermost layer of the skin, it has an almost 100% chance of being cured. However, once melanoma progresses and spreads to other parts of the body, it becomes difficult to treat and can be fatal. In the past decade, there has been a rapid increase in the number of melanoma cases, surpassing the growth rate of any other type of cancer. Approximately 42,000 new cases are reported annually, but it is likely that many more cases go unreported. Melanoma is a cancerous tumor that originates in melanocytes, which are responsible for producing the pigment melanin that gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes. Melanomas are primarily black or brown in color.

Occasionally, melanomas may cease production of pigment, resulting in a lack of darkness and instead appearing as skin-colored, pink, red, or purple. There are four primary categories of melanomas, with three initially starting in situ and potentially becoming invasive.

The fourth type, however, is invasive right from the beginning. It is important to identify the names and define the characteristics of each type. Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common type, accounting for approximately 70% of all cases. As one would expect, this melanoma remains on the top layer of the skin for a significant amount of time before penetrating into the skin. The initial indication is the emergence of a flat or slightly raised discolored patch with irregular borders and a somewhat geometric shape. The color varies, and there may be patches of tan, brown, black, red, blue, or white.

Sometimes an older mole may undergo changes or a new mole may

form. Melanoma can appear on any part of the body, but it is commonly found on the trunk in men, the legs in women, and the upper back in both genders. Superficial spreading melanomas are frequently found in young individuals. Lentigo maligna, which shares similarities with superficial spreading melanoma, remains close to the skin's surface for an extended period and typically presents as a flat or slightly raised patch of tan, brown, or dark brown discoloration. This type of melanoma primarily affects older individuals and develops on sun-damaged skin on the face, ears, arms, and upper trunk. Lentigo maligna is the most prevalent form of melanoma in Hawaii.

Lentigo maligna melanoma is the invasive type of melanoma that spreads superficially before penetrating more deeply. Acral lentiginous melanoma, on the other hand, is quite distinct as it typically manifests as a black or brown discoloration underneath the nails or on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands. This form of melanoma is occasionally observed in individuals with dark skin.

The most common type of melanoma in African-Americans and Asians is nodular melanoma, while it is the least common among Caucasians. Unlike the other types of melanoma, nodular melanoma is typically invasive when initially diagnosed, presenting as a bump. It can appear in various colors such as black, blue, gray, white, brown, tan, red, or skin tone. Nodular melanoma is commonly found on the trunk, legs, and arms of elderly individuals and on the scalp in men.

Melanoma, found in 10 to 15 percent of cases, is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Risk factors for melanomas include family history, atypical moles, previous melanoma diagnosis,

immunosuppressive therapy, severe blistering sunburns, numerous freckles, fair skin, and light eyes. Individuals with blond or red hair and blue eyes are particularly susceptible to developing melanoma. Fortunately, prevention is possible through the use of sun protection. Applying SPF 15 whenever outdoors can significantly reduce the risk by half.

Ensure you wear a hat and long sleeves when exposed to the sun, and avoid spending excessive time in direct sunlight. As someone employed outdoors in Florida, I understand the challenge of consistently applying sunscreen and wearing long sleeves. Once the doctor conducts tests on the patient, a treatment regimen will be devised, taking into account various factors such as tumor type, stage at diagnosis, age, health, and personal preferences.

There are four main treatment options for cancer: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. These treatments are among the many available for over 100 different types of cancer.

These are the important topics that I believe everyone in the world should be aware of. While many people may have heard of cancers, they may not know how to prevent or treat them. If anyone suspects they may have cancer, it is crucial for them to promptly consult with a doctor. Personally, I have experienced the loss of an aunt to breast cancer, witnessed a great uncle battle lung cancer, and have had personal encounters with skin cancer along with my dad and a family friend. I am confident that everyone can think of someone they know who has been affected by cancer in some way. It is currently not possible to cure all types of cancer.

I firmly believe in the future development of cures for all types of cancer.

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