CANCER

Cancer is a disease characterised by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in a particular tissue, organ or organ system. This growth is called tumours. Tumours can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumours tend to grow slowly and do not spread. Malignant tumours can grow rapidly, invade and destroy nearby normal tissues, and spread throughout the body, interfering with the normal functioning of an organ or organ system.

Cancer can progress through stages until it becomes metastatic. In metastasis, cancer cells break away from the original (primary) tumour, travel through the blood or lymph system, and form a new tumour in other organs or tissues of the body.

Depending on the severity, aggressiveness, and stage of cancer, doctors determine treatment options ranging from radiotherapy to chemotherapy or surgery. According to the World Health Organisation, cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths. In India, some of the most common forms of cancer are breast, cervix, and oral cancer. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), cancer cases in India are expected to rise by 12 per cent in the next five years.

From causes to symptoms to prevention, diagnosis and treatment, here's what you need to know about the many types of cancer.

Read More