All about cancer and oncology: how to recognize the first signs

Cancer is one of the most serious medical problems of our time. In this article, we will examine the key aspects of oncological diseases, their early symptoms, and diagnostic methods.

What is cancer?

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. These cells can form tumors, invade other tissues, and disrupt the normal functioning of the body.

Main types of cancer

Carcinoma - arises from epithelial cells (lung, breast, prostate cancer)

Sarcoma - develops in bones, muscles, fatty tissue

Leukemia - cancer of blood-forming tissues

Lymphoma - affects the lymphatic system

Melanoma - aggressive skin cancer

Early signs of cancer

It's important to know the alarming symptoms that may indicate the development of oncology:

General symptoms:

Unexplained weight loss (5 kg or more without effort)

Persistent fatigue that doesn't go away after rest

Prolonged elevated temperature without obvious causes

Pain sensations without clear localization in later stages

Specific symptoms:

Skin: changes in moles, appearance of new pigmented spots

Breast: lumps, changes in shape, nipple discharge

Lungs: persistent cough, blood in sputum

GI tract: difficulty swallowing, prolonged digestive disorders

Urogenital system: blood in urine, urination disorders

Risk factors

Smoking - cause of 30% of all cancer cases

Improper diet - excess red meat, lack of vegetables and fruits

Alcohol - increases risk of liver, throat, breast cancer

Physical inactivity - lack of physical activity

Heredity - certain genetic mutations

Age - majority of cases after 50 years

UV radiation - excessive sun exposure

Infections - HPV, hepatitis B and C, H. pylori

Diagnostic methods

Modern oncology uses various methods to detect cancer:

Laboratory tests (tumor markers, complete blood count)

Imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET)

Endoscopy (colonoscopy, gastroscopy, bronchoscopy)

Biopsy - taking a tissue sample for histological examination

Genetic testing - detection of hereditary mutations

Cancer prevention

Up to 40% of cancer cases can be prevented through:

Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol

Balanced diet with predominance of plant foods

Regular physical activity

Weight control

Protection from UV radiation

Vaccination (HPV, hepatitis B)

Regular medical check-ups

When to see a doctor?

Don't delay visiting a specialist if:

Symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks

Condition worsens without apparent reasons

Unusual changes appear in the body

There is a family history of oncological diseases

Remember: early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Regular preventive check-ups are the best protection against cancer.