Definition Cancer
Cancer is a disease in which some of the body's cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other
parts of the body. Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body, which is made up of
trillions of cells.
Cancer is caused by certain changes to genes, the basic physical units of inheritance. Genes
are arranged in long strands of tightly packed DNA called chromosomes. Cancer is a genetic
disease—that is, it is caused by changes to genes that control the way our cells function,
especially how they grow and divide.
There are many types of cancer :cervical cancer , breast cancer ,uterine cancer , prostate
cancer and colon cancer .
What is Cervical cancer ?
Cervical cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix.
Causes of Cervical Cancer
Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by persistent infection with some high-risk types
of the human papillomavirus (HPV); this is the biggest risk factor for cervical cancer. The other
main risk factor for cervical cancer is smoking.
Location of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow
end of the uterus (womb). The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). Cervical
cancer usually develops slowly over time.
Cervical cancer signs and symptoms
Precancerous changes in cervical cells rarely cause symptoms. The only way to know if there
are abnormal cells that may develop into cancer is to have a cervical screening test. If early cell
changes develop into cervical cancer, the most common signs include:
● vaginal bleeding between periods
● menstrual bleeding that is longer or heavier than usual
● pain during intercourse
● bleeding after intercourse
● pelvic pain
What is Breast Cancer ?
Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different
kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into
cancer. Breast cancer can begin in different parts of the breast.
Causes of Breast Cancer
Women who have inherited changes (mutations) to certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2,
are at higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Reproductive history. Starting menstrual periods
before age 12 and starting menopause after age 55 expose women to hormones longer, raising
their risk of getting breast cancer.
Location of Breast Cancer
Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules. Breast cancer can spread outside the breast
through blood vessels and lymph vessels. When breast cancer spreads to other parts of the
body, it is said to have metastasized.
What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
Different people have different symptoms of breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs
or symptoms at all.
Some warning signs of breast cancer are—
● New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
● Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
● Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
● Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
● Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
What is Uterine Cancer ?
Cancer that forms in tissues of the uterus (the small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's
pelvis in which a fetus develops). Two types of uterine cancer are endometrial cancer (cancer
that begins in cells lining the uterus) and uterine sarcoma (a rare cancer that begins in muscle
or other tissues in the uterus).
Causes of uterine cancer
Some factors that can increase your risk of uterine cancer include:
● being postmenopausal, or reaching menopause (after age 55)
● a thickened wall lining (endometrial hyperplasia)
● never having children
● starting periods early (before age 12)
● having high blood pressure or diabetes
● being overweight or obese
● family history of ovarian, uterine, or bowel cancer
Location Of Uterine Cancer
The most common type of uterine cancer is also called endometrial cancer because it forms in
the lining of your uterus, called the endometrium. All women are at risk for uterine cancer as
long as they have a uterus, but the risk increases with age.
Uterine cancer signs and symptoms
● Unusual vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of uterine cancer, particularly
any bleeding after menopause. Other common symptoms may include:
● heavier than usual periods or a change in your periods
● vaginal bleeding between periods
● periods that continue without a break.
