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

Oncology today: what everyone needs to know about cancer, its symptoms and modern diagnostics

What is cancer?

Cancer is a vast group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled division and spread of abnormal cells. These cells can form tumors, invade adjacent tissues, and seriously disrupt the function of vital organs.

Main types of cancer

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

Sarcoma - affects bones, muscles, fatty tissue

Leukemia - cancer of blood-forming tissues

Lymphoma - affects the lymphatic system

Melanoma - aggressive skin cancer

Early signs of cancer

Recognizing alarming signals from your body can save your life:

General symptoms:

Unexplained weight loss (5 kg or more without effort)

Persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest

Prolonged fever without obvious causes

Pain 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

Gastrointestinal tract: difficulty swallowing, prolonged digestive disorders

Urogenital system: blood in urine, urination problems

Risk factors

Smoking - cause of 30% of all cancer cases

Poor 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

The arsenal of modern oncology includes advanced methods for disease detection:

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 - identification 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 your body

There is a family history of cancer

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