Cause of Cancer and its Diagnosis

Cancer is used to describe a large group of diseases which involves the rapid and abnormal growth of the cell and has the potential to spread or invade other parts of the body. Till now, over 100 types of cancers have been discovered. Cancer has the second highest mortality rate. Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatments, prevention and all other aspects of cancer and the practitioner is known as Oncologist. 

Some possible early signs of cancer include a lump, abnormal bleeding, prolonged cough, sudden weight loss and a change in bowel movements. The problems associated with these signs are that while these symptoms may indicate cancer, there is a possibility of other causes.

The factors that cause cancer include both, genetic mutations from environmental factors and due to the inherited genetics. The majority of cancers (90–95%) are due to environmental factors and the remaining 5–10% is hereditary. The common environmental factors associated with deaths from cancer are high body mass index (obesity), low fruit and vegetable intake, tobacco use, lack of physical activity, alcohol use, infections, radiations, stress, and the pollution. However, it is impossible to prove what caused particular cancer as they do not have specific fingerprints. For example, non-smokers may also develop lung cancer probably as a result of air pollution or radiation.

Imaging has a significant role in almost every aspect of high-quality cancer care by using Artificial Intelligence (AI). It is a process of producing scan or images of the body to find or detect tumors and other abnormalities, determine the extent, and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. It is also used for biopsy and surgical procedures. It is considered a cornerstone of cancer care. In early diagnosis, imaging enables to detect cancer at its primitive stage which is more likely to be treated successfully. There is no single imaging test that can accurately predict cancer but it needs a complete evaluation to be effective.

Some of the common types of imaging that are used for cancer care include:

• X-Ray- produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film using the electromagnetic energy beams.

• CT Scan- a procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce more detailed images.

• Mammography- used to detect breast cancer in women

• Ultrasound (sonography) - uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images, called sonograms, of blood vessels, tissues, and organs.

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) - can assess blood flow, detect tumors and diagnose many forms of cancer, evaluate infections, and assess injuries to bones and joints using the electromagnetic radiofrequencies.

• Positron emission tomography (PET) - a specialized radiology procedure which includes injection of an extremely small amount of a radioactive substance, called a radionuclide, into the body and evaluates the biochemical changes in an organ. It is a type of nuclear medicine procedure.