Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases that is characterized by abnormal cell growth anywhere in the body. It is sometimes described as a group of more than hundred diseases that have almost same signs and symptoms. Cancer is basically genetic in origin. Cancer occur when cell growth become uncontrollable. Due to this uncontrollable cell growth, a mass of tissue is formed which is called as Tumor.

Types of Cancer

1. Malignant Cancer

This type of cancer is very dangerous because it spread widely from one part of body to another part of body. It spread through bloodstream and the farther it spreads; the harder it is to control. As malignant tumor spreads through bloodstream, it affects various vital organs, resulting in their improper functioning.

2. Benign Cancer

Benign cancer or benign tumors are not cancerous in nature. This type of tumors do not spreads throughout the body, instead they grow significantly and can damage surrounding tissues only if left untreated.

Sites of Cancer Development

Since cancer is the abnormal growth of cell of the body. So, it can arise from various sites. There are many types of cells that get affected with tumor growth. The name of cancer is given on the basis of the part of the body from where they start developing. ^[1]

Causes of Cancer

Since cancer covers more than one disease, its causes also differ widely. The most common cause of cancer is the genetic abnormality. Most of the cancer arises because there is an abnormality in the genetic make-up of an individual. ^[2]

Cancer is a disease that is multifactorial in nature means there is no single cause of cancer, it has many causative factors. Cancer causing factors are called Carcinogens that include so many things starting form tobacco smoke to metallic fumes.

Other factors that can potentially cause cancer include genetic make-up, age, immune system which is the defense system of the body, dietary insufficiency, environmental factors, viruses and other diseases and health problems that may lead to the development of cancer. ^[3]

Stages of Cancer

Progression of cancer is generally divided into four stages depending upon the severity of the disease. This determination of the stage is very helpful when taking decisions for treatment and outlook for recovery. ^[4]

Treatment Options for Cancer

Treatment options for cancer depends on certain factors like type of cancer, its severity or stage of the disease, cell or tissue affected, overall condition of the individual, purpose of treatment either it is to cure the disease or to keep it from spreading. Keeping all these things in mind the health care professional start treating cancer with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or targeted therapy or he can also combine one or more treatment to provide you with the most effective treatment. ^[5]

Symptoms of cancer can also be relieved by herbal therapy. Further, there is no side effect of herbal therapy like Graviola that shows its beneficial effects in cancer and is very helpful.

Reference:

1.http://www.health.state.ri.us/disease/cancer/pdfs/Cancer_in_RI_01.PDF
2.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cancer#Causes
3.http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=119
4.http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=3779
5.http://patient.cancerconsultants.com/CancerTreatment.aspx