Cancer

Hearing that you have cancer can be stressful and frightening.

Cancer is a disease that develops when cells in your body divide at a faster rate than normal. These abnormal cells grow into a lump — or tumor.

Your healthcare provider will perform tests to determine the extent and severity of your cancer.

Most cancers have four stages-

Stage I: Cancer is localized to a small area and hasn’t spread to lymph nodes or other tissues.

Stage II: Cancer has grown, but it hasn’t spread.

Stage III: Cancer has grown larger and has possibly spread to lymph nodes or other tissues.

Stage IV: Cancer has spread to other organs or areas of your body. This stage is also referred to as metastatic or advanced cancer.

There are five main types of cancer. These include:

Carcinoma. This type of cancer affects organs and glands, such as the lungs, breasts, pancreas and skin. Carcinoma is the most common type of cancer.

Sarcoma. This cancer affects soft or connective tissues, such as muscle, fat, bone, cartilage or blood vessels.

Melanoma. Sometimes cancer can develop in the cells that pigment your skin.

Lymphoma. This cancer affects your lymphocytes or white blood cells.

Leukemia. This type of cancer affects blood.

When cancer cells develop, they can disturb proper organ function.

This can result in reduced oxygen supply and a buildup of waste products. If vital organ function is impaired, it can lead to death.

Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you experience:

Unexplained weight loss.

Chronic tiredness.

Persistent pain.

Fever that occurs mostly at night.

Skin changes.

As time goes on, you may notice other cancer symptoms surfacing. These may include:

An unusual lump.

A sore that doesn't go away.

Hoarseness.

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).

A mole or wart that changes in appearance.