Cancer overview
Searched over 200M research papers for "cancer overview"
Summary
10 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that cancer is a complex, multistep genetic disease with significant global impact, influenced by lifestyle choices and requiring early treatment, with ongoing research needed to improve diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of specific cancers.
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Cancer Overview
Global Cancer Statistics 2020
In 2020, cancer remained a significant global health issue, with an estimated 19.3 million new cases and nearly 10 million deaths worldwide. The most commonly diagnosed cancers were female breast cancer (2.26 million cases), lung cancer (2.21 million cases), and prostate cancer (1.41 million cases). The leading causes of cancer-related deaths were lung cancer (1.79 million deaths), liver cancer (830,000 deaths), and stomach cancer (769,000 deaths).
Pathophysiology and Genetic Basis of Cancer
Cancer is fundamentally a genetic disease characterized by multiple mutations that drive cellular multiplication, leading to tumor growth and malignancy . Typically, three to six mutations are required to transform a normal cell into a cancerous one. These genetic alterations disrupt normal cellular control mechanisms, causing cells to divide uncontrollably and invade neighboring tissues.
Common Cancer Types: Breast and Prostate Cancer
Breast and prostate cancers are among the most prevalent and burdensome cancers globally. Both types exhibit significant heterogeneity, complicating prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts. Despite advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment, there remains a need for improved understanding of these diseases to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer defined by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 gene expression. TNBC accounts for 10-20% of all invasive breast cancers and is associated with younger age, higher grade, and more advanced stage at diagnosis. Chemotherapy remains the primary systemic treatment for TNBC due to the lack of drug-targetable receptors.
Lifestyle Factors and Cancer Risk
Lifestyle choices significantly impact cancer risk. Poor lifestyle habits, such as tobacco smoking, high body mass index, alcohol intake, low fruit and vegetable consumption, and lack of physical activity, contribute to one-third of cancer cases. Additionally, viral infections like human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis viruses are responsible for approximately 30% of cancer cases in low and lower-middle-income countries.
Endometrial Cancer: Etiology and Management
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy, primarily managed through surgical intervention, with adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy as needed based on the cancer's grade and stage. Lifestyle factors, including nutrition, exercise, and tobacco use, play a crucial role in cancer prevention, treatment response, and quality of life for patients.
Conclusion
Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with significant variations in incidence and survival rates across different regions and cancer types. Understanding the genetic basis of cancer, the impact of lifestyle factors, and the specific characteristics of common cancers like breast, prostate, and endometrial cancer is essential for improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Continued research and advancements in these areas are critical to enhancing patient outcomes and ultimately finding a cure for cancer.
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