Understanding Types of Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Cancer is more than just a diagnosis. It’s a turning point that reshapes lives. With millions affected worldwide, the impact of cancer extends beyond the physical toll. It impacts every aspect of life. Understanding this complex disease, its types, symptoms, and treatment options will allow you to face it with knowledge and resilience. Read on to learn about this deadly disease in detail.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a disease that begins at the cellular level when normal cells in the body undergo abnormal changes, causing them to multiply uncontrollably. Unlike healthy cells, which follow specific genetic instructions to grow, divide, and die at appropriate times, cancer cells ignore these signals. Instead of dying when they should, cancer cells continue to grow and divide, forming masses of tissue known as tumours. These tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumours are particularly dangerous because they have the ability to invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body through a process called metastasis, making cancer a potentially life-threatening condition.

Types of Cancer and Their Treatments

Cancer is a broad term encompassing over 100 different types that can affect various parts of the body. Understanding the specific types of cancer, their characteristics, and treatment options is crucial for effective diagnosis and care. Below are detailed explanations of some of the most common types of cancer:

1. Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that predominantly affects women but can also occur in men. It begins in the breast tissues, typically in the ducts that transport milk to the nipple or in the lobules responsible for milk production. Early detection through regular screening is crucial for successful treatment.

Symptoms - A lump in the breast, changes in breast shape, and discharge from the nipple.

Treatment Options -

• Surgery- Lumpectomy or mastectomy to remove the tumour.
• Radiation Therapy- Targeted radiation to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy- Systemic treatment to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.
• Hormone Therapy- Used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers to block the body’s natural hormones that fuel cancer growth.
• Targeted Therapy- Focuses on specific genetic changes in cancer cells.

Watch this podcast: Dr. Sweta Jonnalagadda on Cancer Complexity and Care

2. Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadliest cancers worldwide, primarily caused by smoking, although non-smokers can also develop it. It begins in the lungs and can quickly spread to other parts of the body.

Symptoms- Persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood.

Treatment Options-

• Surgery- Removal of a part or all of the lung.
• Radiation Therapy- High doses of radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumours.
• Chemotherapy- Often used in combination with surgery or radiation.
• Targeted Therapy- Drugs that target specific abnormalities in cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy- Boosts the immune system to attack cancer cells.

3. Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland in men, which produces seminal fluid. It’s one of the most common cancers in men and usually grows slowly, often remaining confined to the prostate.

Symptoms- Difficulty urinating, blood in urine or semen, and pelvic discomfort.

Treatment Options-

• Active Surveillance- Monitoring the cancer closely without immediate treatment.
• Surgery- Prostatectomy to remove the prostate gland.
• Radiation Therapy- External or internal radiation to kill cancer cells.
• Hormone Therapy- Reduces or stops the production of testosterone, which fuels prostate cancer growth.
• Chemotherapy- Used when cancer has spread beyond the prostate.
• Targeted Therapy- For advanced stages where other treatments are not effective.

4. Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or rectum and is often detected through screening tests like colonoscopy. It generally develops from precancerous polyps that can be removed before they turn into cancer.

Symptoms- Changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.

Treatment Options-

• Surgery- Removal of the tumour and surrounding tissue.
• Radiation Therapy- Used before or after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Chemotherapy- Often used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy- Focuses on specific aspects of cancer cells, such as growth factors.
• Immunotherapy- Particularly effective in certain genetic types of colorectal cancer.

5. Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, often caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds. It can develop in any part of the skin but is most frequently found in areas exposed to the sun.

Symptoms- New growths or sores that don’t heal, changes in existing moles, and unusual skin changes.

Treatment Options-

• Surgery- Excision of the tumour, often with some surrounding healthy tissue.
• Radiation Therapy- Used in cases where surgery is not feasible.
• Chemotherapy- Applied topically or used systemically for advanced cases.
• Targeted Therapy- Effective for melanoma with certain genetic mutations.
• Immunotherapy- Boosts the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells, particularly in advanced melanoma.

6. Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach that aids in digestion and blood sugar regulation. It’s often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its subtle symptoms.

Symptoms- Jaundice, weight loss, abdominal pain, and new-onset diabetes

Treatment Options-

• Surgery- The Whipple procedure is the most common surgery for tumours in the pancreas's head.
• Chemotherapy- Often used in conjunction with surgery.
• Radiation Therapy- May be used before or after surgery to shrink tumours.
• Targeted Therapy- Used for cancers with specific genetic mutations.
• Immunotherapy- Emerging treatments are being researched for advanced stages.

7. Blood Cancer

Blood cancers, also known as hematologic cancers, affect the blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. Unlike solid tumours, these cancers circulate through the body.

Symptoms- Frequent infections, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, and bone pain (in multiple myeloma).

Treatment Options-

• Chemotherapy- The primary treatment for most blood cancers.
• Radiation Therapy- Used to target cancerous cells in specific areas.
• Bone Marrow Transplant- Replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
• Targeted Therapy- Drugs that target specific cancer cell markers.
• Immunotherapy- CAR T-cell therapy is an emerging treatment that modifies the patient’s T cells to attack cancer cells.

8. Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, the female reproductive glands that produce eggs. It’s often called the “silent killer” because symptoms are vague and often go unnoticed until the disease is advanced.

Symptoms- Bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating, and urinary symptoms.

Treatment Options-

• Surgery- Removal of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and sometimes the uterus.
• Chemotherapy- Often used after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy- Drugs that inhibit the growth of cancer cells with specific mutations.
• Hormone Therapy- Used to block hormones that fuel cancer growth.
• Radiation Therapy- Less commonly used but may be an option in certain cases.

9. Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer begins in the cells of the bladder, the organ responsible for storing urine. It’s more common in men and often diagnosed at an early stage, making it highly treatable.

Symptoms- Blood in urine, frequent urination, pain during urination, and pelvic pain

Treatment Options-

• Surgery- To remove the tumour or the entire bladder in advanced cases.
• Intravesical Therapy- Delivers treatment directly into the bladder.
• Chemotherapy- Used either alone or with surgery.
• Radiation Therapy- Can be an option for those who are not surgical candidates.
• Immunotherapy- BCG therapy is a type of immunotherapy specifically for bladder cancer.

Different Stages of Cancer

Once cancer is diagnosed, healthcare providers determine its stage to guide treatment. Staging describes how much cancer is in your body and whether it has spread. There are usually four stages-

• Stages I-III- These stages indicate early to locally advanced cancer, where the tumour may have spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes but not the distant parts of the body.
• Stage IV- This stage, also known as metastatic cancer, means the cancer has spread to distant organs or tissues.

Measures for Cancer Prevention

While you can’t always prevent cancer, especially if it is due to factors beyond your control, there are steps you can take to lower your risk.

• Quit Smoking- If you smoke, try to quit. There are many resources available to help you stop using tobacco.
• Eat a Healthy Diet- Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Exercise Regularly- Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which lowers your cancer risk.
• Protect Your Skin- Use sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure to reduce your risk of skin cancer.
• Avoid Harmful Chemicals- Be cautious around substances like asbestos and pesticides.
• Regular Screenings- Get regular check-ups and cancer screenings as recommended by your healthcare provider.

What to Expect After a Cancer Diagnosis

Hearing you have cancer can be overwhelming. It is normal to feel a range of emotions, from fear and sadness to anger and confusion. The important thing is to remember that you are not alone. There are many people and resources available to support you.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

During your cancer treatment, It is important to know when to contact your healthcare provider. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, such as severe pain, difficulty breathing, or unexpected side effects from treatment, reach out to your provider immediately.

Navigating the complexities of cancer and types of cancer is a challenging journey, but with the right information, support, and care, you can navigate it with strength and resilience. Remember, you are not alone in this fight. Whether you are just diagnosed, in treatment, or living with cancer, there’s always hope!