Introduction
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death around the world. But the good news is that every year, the chances of surviving many forms of cancer are improving. Due to the many myths that circulate, and the many different types of cancers, there are many important facts about cancer that you may not be aware of. This article will discuss some of the cancer facts everyone should know. Let’s get started!
History
The first things you should know about cancer facts is that cancer is not one single disease. Instead it refers to a whole category of diseases that are caused by various genetic abnormalities that cause cancerous cells to divide uncontrollably until they begin to harm normal tissue. These cancerous cells have the ability to invade not only nearby tissues, but they can also travel through the blood stream and attach themselves to distant parts of the body. Different forms of cancer will have different treatment options, and different prognoses. Saying someone has cancer is about as helpful in determining their state of health as saying that someone caught a virus.
Another of the cancer facts is that there are several different treatment options available for most forms of cancer. These treatment options include surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, chemotherapy or medication that fights off cancer, and radiation therapy to attack cancerous cells directly. Although those 3 therapies are the most commonly used cancer treatments, there are also many other options that can fight cancer. Many new forms of high experimental treatments are also available to eligible patients.
Features
In today’s age of rapid technological advances, scientists are starting to understand what makes each person’s cancer unique. One treatment option may work flawlessly for one person, but fail miserably for the next. So, one of the most important cancer facts you should know is that there is no “one size fits all” cancer treatment. The ability to analyze tumor cells and understand its unique features is allowing doctors to prescribe treatments specifically targeted at those features of the tumor.
Tips and comments
One of the most misunderstood types of cancer by the general public is lung cancer. It is a myth that only smokers get lung cancer. Therefore, one of the cancer facts you should know is that practically anyone can get lung cancer. Twenty percent of women who get lung cancer have never smoked in their lives. The cause of their lung cancers may have been second hand smoke, or genetic or environmental factors. In fact, many women who have never even been exposed to second-hand smoke can get cancer.
One of the other cancer facts is that having cancer is not always fatal. Due to advances in cancer knowledge and medical technology, people are managing to live long lives with cancer.
Now that you know more facts about cancer, you will have a better chance of understanding what health care professionals are saying. Remember, there are many unsubstantiated rumors about cancer treatments and even cures. Be sure to get your facts from reliable sources before making important decisions.
