Cancer can be of two types. it can be 'malignant' i.e. spreading to other body parts; or it can be 'benign' i.e. localized to only one particular body part. The latter one is less feared and is easy to treat. If the cancer is malignant, it requires more aggressive and in time treatment.Causes of cancer are diverse. There is a genetic material in all of us. it is called DNA and is expressed in the form of genes. Any abnormal change in the genes called 'mutation' is the basic cause of cancer. As a result of gene mutation, cells undergo unchecked, repeated and abnormal cell divisions and give rise to cancer. This mutation can be a result of many things such as chemicals, radiations, viruses such as hepatitis virus, aging etc. People exposed to these are at a higher risk of having cancer; e.g. people working in a rubber factory are exposed to vinyl chloride which is known for causing liver cancer. It can be inherited as well.Contrary to the common belief, cancer is curable.
Having cancer does not mean death. But the treatment demands a lot of effort on part of the patient as well as the doctor. There is a wide variety of drugs available for treating cancer. The treatment is commonly referred to as cancer chemotherapy. There are different approaches to the treatment. It depends upon the stage of cancer. It may require chemotherapeutic drugs and radiations, or it may require surgery along with those. But it is best treated if it is caught early.There are two methods to classify the advancement of cancer. These are grading and staging. Out of these staging is preferred because it tells about the spread of cancer efficiently.
The important thing is, cancer patients need a lot of support. It is a lengthy and time-consuming fight. They need constant encouragement from their family and friends. They must not be shunned or left alone rather they should be supported to fight against it. As they say 'love is the best medicine'. It is very much possible to get rid of it completely if the compliance and follow ups are good.