Understanding cancer: types, treatments, and prevention

Cells are the fundamental units that constitute the human body. They grow and divide to produce new cells as the body requires. Typically, cells die when they become too old or damaged, and new cells replace them. Cancer develops when genetic alterations disrupt this orderly process, causing cells to grow uncontrollably. These cells may form a mass known as a tumor. A tumor can be either cancerous or benign. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body, while a benign tumor can grow but will not spread. Some types of cancer do not form a tumor, including leukemias, most types of lymphoma, and myeloma. According to a report published Thursday in the journal CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, in 2022—the most recent year for which data was available—approximately 20 million cancer cases were diagnosed, resulting in 9.7 million cancer-related deaths. These estimates suggest that about 1 in 5 people currently alive will develop cancer during their lifetime. Additionally, approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women will die from the disease.¹

Types of cancer

Doctors classify cancer into different types based on its origin. The four primary types of cancer are:

Sarcomas: Sarcomas originate in the tissues that support and connect the body. They can develop in various tissues, including fat, muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, blood vessels, lymph vessels, cartilage, or bone.
Leukemias: Leukemia is a type of blood cancer. It begins when healthy blood cells undergo changes and grow uncontrollably. The four main types of leukemia are acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and chronic myeloid leukemia.
Carcinomas: Carcinomas start in the skin or the tissue that lines the surfaces of internal organs and glands. These cancers typically form solid tumors and are the most common type of cancer. Examples of carcinomas include prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Lymphomas: Lymphomas are cancers that originate in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and glands that help the body fight infections. There are two main types of lymphomas: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The highest cancer rate for men and women combined was in Denmark, at 334.9 people per 100,000. The age-standardised rate was at least 300 per 100,000 for 10 countries: Denmark, Ireland, Belgium, Hungary, France, The Netherlands, Australia, Norway, France (New Caledonia), and Slovenia.

The most common type of cancer:

Breast cancer.
Lung cancer.
Prostate cancer.
Bowel cancer.

Among them breast cancer is more prevalent.

Drugs used in cancer

In the 1800s, the first cancer treatment was undertaken, using X-rays to treat breast cancer. Then, in 1949, the first cancer drug used in history was nitrogen mustard, which binds to the DNA of cancer cells and destroys them, followed by methotrexate. The quest to search for new drugs then expanded, leading to a trend of combination drugs in treatment. One of the most effective treatment regimens emerged in the form of antibody therapy, such as Rituximab. Since the 2000s, about 573 drugs have been approved, and immunotherapy treatments, which target immune cells to react against cancer, have advanced. Research is ongoing to develop new cancer vaccines.

Which cancers can be cured?

Prostate cancer is the easiest one to cure. According to the Center for Disease Control, 13 out of every 100 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. Encouragingly, 99 percent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer will still be alive five years later [3]. One reason for the high treatability of prostate cancer is its typically slow growth. Doctors can often detect prostate cancer before it spreads to other areas of the body. They typically recommend prostate cancer screenings start at age 50. These screenings may include a digital rectal exam to assess prostate size and a PSA test, which measures a specific protein in the blood. Elevated levels of this protein can indicate prostate cancer. While screenings are generally recommended at age 50, earlier testing may be necessary, especially for those with a family history of the disease. In such cases, screenings might begin at age 40. It's also essential to consult your doctor if you observe blood in your urine or experience other unusual symptoms.

Future direction in cancer

The future direction of cancer research is focused on investigating the pathways that lead normal cells to become cancerous and how drugs interact with these pathways. A broader understanding of this process can help in discovering new and effective treatments for this deadly disease. Recently, a new therapy called T cell therapy has been proven to be most effective in controlling cancer. In this treatment, T cells, which are part of our body's defense system, are isolated from the patient and reengineered in the lab by introducing an agent. These modified T cells are then reintroduced into the patient. This agent specifically targets cancer cells, leading to their destruction.

Food to intake for good cancer

Cutting down on sugar and red meat could help prevent cancer. Avoid heating oil at high temperatures in cooking, such as barbecuing, and processed foods. GMO foods carry a risk of developing long-term cancer, so going organic is advantageous. Avoid charring food. Eat a wide variety of colorful vegetables and whole fruits (not fruit juice). Include whole grains, such as steel-cut oats, quinoa, brown rice, and barley. Consume proteins from non-animal sources and foods that aren't made in a factory. Drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages.