Causes and Symptoms of Cancer

Cancer is a collective term for lethal diseases that usually cannot be detected at the onset. As many would say, it is a silent killer with symptoms similar to common nonfatal ailments. Due to these similarities, some people fail to realize that they already have the illness and thus, neglect to seek immediate treatment. But what causes this silent killing disease and how would you know if you already have it?

Cancer can be caused by exposure to hazardous environments. These harmful settings include places conducive for tumor viruses, ionizing radiations and cancerous chemicals. Parasites causing tumors can thrive in dirty surroundings. Workers in medical facilities are also at risk for acquiring viruses from patients or laboratory specimens. Excessive radiations, on the other hand, like UV rays and X-rays can cause skin cancer. Nuclear power plants also house high amount of radioactivity that may induce cancer.

Prolonged exposure to benzene also poses great risk to a person. The substance has been discovered to accelerate cell mutation in the blood, causing leukemia. Aside from benzene, arsenic compounds are also said to induce skin cancer while asbestos can cause Mesothelioma lung cancer. Experts have had difficulties in naming what particular habits or chemicals actually cause cancer. For instance, some heavy smokers develop lung cancer while others do not. Some chemists working on benzene acquire leukemia while others do not.

It is true that cancer can be passed through the genes; however, it is important to note that inheritance is not a main cause of cancer. In fact only five percent of all the cancer patients have gotten the disease through genetics. Even if one have several relatives who had cancer, there is no guarantee that he will have it to. And if a significant number from a person's close relatives has died of cancer, only one or two amongst these relatives may have gotten the sickness through genetics. A person can be susceptible to cancer because of his genes, but in reality all people are susceptible to the fatal disease depending on how strong one's immune system is and how one lives his life.

Though you can only find out if you have cancer through laboratory diagnosis, it is also important to note the possible symptoms of cancer.

A common symptom in all cancer types is a lump on the body. For cancers involving the gastrointestinal or urinary tract - such as stomach or colon cancer - patients experience pain somewhere along the abdomen. There may also be difficulty or changes in urinary and bowel movement. Bloody stools or urine can also be signs of possible cancer. Some patients also experience recurring fever and sudden weight loss usually accompanied by loss of appetite. Rashes can also be a symptom of developing skin cancer while coughing and hoarseness of voice can signify thyroid cancer.

In the end it all lies on how one takes care of himself. If you observe healthy habits, then you may evade cancer. Furthermore, it is important to have ample knowledge regarding the sickness. Familiarizing on the different aspects of cancer such as the causes and symptoms can help save you from falling prey to the disease.