A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF CANCER: FROM ETIOLOGY AND DIAGNOSIS TO TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

Archana Kumari*, Tarh Tadek and Priya Sharma

ABSTRACT

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells that can invade nearby tissues and metastasize to distant body parts. The causes of cancer include genetic mutations, lifestyle factors (such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and poor diet), infections (like human papillomavirus infection and hepatitis), and environmental exposures to carcinogens such as radiation and ultraviolet light. Cancer presents in various forms, including carcinomas, sarcomas, leukaemia, and lymphomas, each with distinct origins and characteristics. Unexpected weight loss, persistent pain, chronic exhaustion, skin changes, and altered bowel or bladder habits are all common signs of cancer. In addition to their goal of eliminating cancer cells, treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy can have unintended consequences like infection, fatigue, nausea, and hair loss. Depending on the kind of medication and how each patient reacts, these side effects can have different impacts. Avoiding tobacco, eating a balanced diet, staying active, and getting frequent screenings for early diagnosis are all important preventive steps for lowering the risk of cancer. This summary emphasizes how crucial it is to conduct ongoing research and raise awareness to tackle the worldwide burden of cancer effectively.

Keywords: Abnormal cells, Uncontrolled growth, Cancer, HPV, Therapy, Radiation.