Cancer does not give most people any symptoms that specifically point to the disease. Unfortunately, every complaint or symptom of cancer can also be explained by a harmless condition.
Symptoms of Cancer
Cancer symptoms depend on the type of cancer and where the cancer is located. For example, breast cancer may present as a lump in the breast or as a nipple discharge, whereas metastatic breast cancer may present with painful symptoms, extreme fatigue or seizures. Until the cancer has grown a lot.
The American Cancer Society describes 7 signs that cancer may be present and that prompt a person to seek medical help. There are 7 symptoms of cancer:
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Sore throat that doesn’t get better
- Unusual bleeding or discharge (for example, nipple discharge or a “pain” that won’t heal that material)
- A thickening or lump in the breast, testicles, or elsewhere
- Dyspepsia (usually chronic) or difficulty swallowing
- Apparent change in the size, color, shape, or thickness of the wart or mole
- Persistent cough or hoarseness
- A person with these symptoms should consult their doctor. These symptoms can also occur in non-cancerous conditions.
Many cancers will present with some of the above general symptoms but often have one or more symptoms that are more specific to the type of cancer. For example, lung cancer may be accompanied by general symptoms of pain but usually it is seen that this pain occurs in the chest, the patient starts having more normal bleeding but this bleeding occurs only when the patient coughs. Comes. Lung cancer patients often have difficulty in breathing and then become very tired.
There are many types of cancer that have many non-specific and sometimes more specific symptoms. Explain . In contrast a specific body area is searched to determine what symptoms a person should look for in the area where cancer is suspected.
Some complications of cancer can be life-threatening. Cancer causes fluid to fill the sac around the heart or lungs, making it very difficult to breathe. Cancer can also block the veins that return blood from the upper body to the heart. This causes the veins in the chest and neck to swell. Cancer can also put pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves, causing pain or loss of nerve function. The longer the nerve has been damaged, the less likely it is to recover. Hypercalcemic (high calcium) syndrome occurs when the cancer produces a hormone that dangerously raises the body’s calcium levels or when the cancer invades the bones extensively.
Cancer Treatments
Some people with cancer are given a single treatment. But most people have a combination of treatments such as surgery radiation therapy with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. You may also have immunotherapy targeted therapy and hormone therapy. Clinical trials may also be an option for you.
Some types of cancer can be prevented by making lifestyle changes. This is known as prevention of primary cancer.
Tobacco-related cancers (eg, lung cancer) account for about one-third of all fatal types of cancer; Therefore, quitting smoking is important to prevent cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus and lungs.
Avoiding and limiting sun exposure, and using adequate protection (SPF lotion and sunscreen) while in the sun, will reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. Diet is another important area for cancer prevention.
A high-fat diet has been linked to a higher risk for certain cancers (such as breast and prostate), while a high-fiber diet has long been thought to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and, for some cancers, hormones or hormone-blocking drugs are used to treat cancer.
The goal of cancer treatment is to kill cancer cells while killing as few healthy cells as possible in the process.
Surgery is used to remove cancer cells that pack together. Many cancers are treated with surgery. Surgeons will also remove cancer cells or normal cells around the tumor to determine whether the cancer has spread. Once cancer has spread, it is very difficult to remove cancer cells with surgery.
Radiation is used to treat localized cancer. Radiation therapy can take many different forms. The beam of radiation can be aimed at the skin near the cancer site. Radiation kills cancer cells. Unfortunately, it also kills healthy cells. New radiation machines are getting better at focusing radiation only on cancer cells, not normal cells. Radioactive particles can also be injected into the blood. The particles stick to cancer cells, but not to normal cells. Sometimes, tiny radioactive particles are injected into the organ next to the cancer, allowing cancer cells to receive a much higher amount of radiation than normal cells.
Chemotherapy is treatment that uses anti-cancer drugs. Chemotherapy is often used when cancer has spread to multiple areas of the body. For many cancers, a combination of drugs is used because it works better than just one drug. A complete response to chemotherapy occurs when all detectable cancers have disappeared. However, some cancer cells can still remain in the body and go undetected. The cancer can grow back after a period of remission. A partial response occurs when the cancer has shrunk by 30% or more. Unfortunately, many cancers become immune to anticancer drugs over time. There are some types of cancer (eg, breast cancer) that are influenced by hormones; They may be treated with hormones or hormone-blocking drugs to slow their growth.
Genetic engineering is being used to control the genes that turn cancer growth on and off and control the enzymes that allow cancer cells to continuously divide and grow. Cancer vaccines, antibodies with poisons and chemicals that shut down the growth of blood vessels in cancer, are some of the new developments being investigated in the fight against cancer.
Complementary and Alternative Treatments
Complementary and alternative therapies have emerged as a beacon of hope for cancer patients seeking additional ways to fight this formidable disease. The incorporation of Anti-cancer diet, Ayurveda, Medical Cannabis, and Nutraceuticals into traditional cancer treatments has proven to be a potent combination, providing a multifaceted approach that targets cancer on multiple levels. Scientific research has revealed that these alternative therapies can aid in reducing the side effects of conventional treatments, such as nausea, vomiting, low appetite, insomnia, and pain. Furthermore, they work towards strengthening the body’s immunity and addressing the root cause of cancer.
Indeed, an integrative approach that combines these complementary therapies with medical treatments can offer a powerful synergy that enhances efficacy and improves life expectancy. With Anti-cancer diet emphasizing whole foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, Ayurveda’s focus on balancing the body, mind, and spirit, Medical Cannabis’s effectiveness in reducing chemotherapy side effects, and Nutraceuticals such as curcumin, green tea, and resveratrol’s anti-cancer properties, cancer patients can optimize their health and well-being while battling this disease.