Even when we hear the word cancer, we feel a great sense of fear and shock, don't we? Maybe a friend or family member of yours has this condition. Or maybe you are interested in learning more about it. Whatever the reason, it is very important to understand exactly what this 'cancer' is and how it develops. Because awareness is much more powerful than the fear of the unknown. So let's talk about this today.
What exactly is this cancer?
Simply put, our bodies are made up of billions of tiny units called cells. These cells constantly divide, making new cells, and destroying old or damaged cells to keep our bodies healthy. Think of our bodies as a brick wall. Healthy cells are the bricks that make up this wall. New bricks are added when needed, and old ones are removed. All of this happens in a very controlled manner. The body has a system that tells it when to stop making new cells.
What happens in cancer is that this control is lost.
For some reason, a cell cannot understand this "stop" message. That cell starts dividing uncontrollably. One becomes two, two becomes four, and the clump of cells that divide uncontrollably in this way is what we call a 'tumor'. These cells do not function like normal healthy cells. They take up space in healthy cells, absorb nutrients from the body, and interfere with the body's normal functioning.
Are all tumors in the body cancerous?
No. This is a common misconception and fear among many people. Not every lump (tumor) that forms in the body is cancerous. These lumps can be divided into two main types.
1. Benign Tumors: These are not cancerous. They form in one place and stay there. They do not spread to other parts of the body. They usually do not come back after being removed surgically.
2. Malignant Tumors: These are what we call cancer. The main reason these are dangerous is their ability to spread to other parts of the body.
Let us clearly understand the difference between these two.
| Attribute | Benign tumors | Cancerous tumors (Malignant) |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | Usually grows slowly. | Grows quickly and uncontrollably. |
| Spread | It does not spread to other parts of the body. | It can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymph vessels. |
| Recurrence | Once completely removed, it usually does not recur. | Even if removed, there is a possibility of recurrence. |
| Is it life threatening? | Usually not life-threatening (but can cause problems if located in a sensitive area such as the brain). | If left untreated, it can be life-threatening. |
Cancer cells don't just stay in one place. They can travel through blood vessels or lymphatic vessels to other parts of the body, where they can start forming new tumors. This is what we call metastasis in medicine. It's like a bad seed floating in the wind and growing somewhere else.
There are over 100 types of cancer! What are the main types?
Even though we say "cancer," it's not just one disease. We collectively call "cancer" more than 100 different diseases. Each type has a different origin, how it grows, and how it's treated. But let's learn about a few of the main types.
| Cancer type | Place of occurrence/description |
|---|---|
| Carcinoma | The most common type of cancer. Cancers that develop in organs such as the skin, lungs, breast, pancreas, and other glands fall into this category. |
| Sarcoma | These are not very common. They occur in the body's connective tissues, such as bones, muscles, fat, blood vessels, and cartilage. |
| Melanoma | A cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin, which gives skin its color. |
| Lymphoma | A cancer that develops in the lymphocytes, which are part of the body's immune system. |
| Leukemia | This is a blood cancer. It is caused by the production of large numbers of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow. Leukemia does not usually cause solid tumors. |
What is the current status of the fight against cancer?
Cancer is not a new disease. It is a disease that has afflicted humans for thousands of years. But medical science has not yet fully understood what cancer really is and how it develops.
We call doctors who specialize in cancer oncologists . Thanks to their tireless efforts and those of scientists, we have made incredible progress in diagnosing, preventing, and treating cancer. As a result, many people who are diagnosed with cancer can recover and live longer.
True, some types of cancer are still difficult to cure, but new treatments have made it possible to improve the patient's quality of life and extend their lifespan even in such cases.
The most important thing is to talk openly with your doctor if you or a loved one has any suspicions about cancer, or is already receiving treatment. It's good to look for information online, but only your doctor can give you the most accurate and appropriate advice.
Take-Home Message
- Cancer is the abnormal, uncontrolled division of cells in the body.
- Not every tumor found in the body is cancerous. There are two types: benign and malignant.
- Cancer is not a single disease, but a general name for over 100 different diseases.
- With the advancement of modern medicine, many cancers can be successfully controlled or completely cured if detected early.
- If you notice any unusual changes, lumps, or symptoms in your body, do not panic or delay, and consult your doctor immediately for advice.
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