1. What is cancer?

Normally in our body, the cells multiply in a controlled manner throughout life. Cancer is a condition where the cells multiply without control and more than required. These cells can cause damage to the organ where they are multiplying and potentially spread to other sites.

2. Does cancer cause permanent hair loss?

No, hair loss in cancer treatment is not permanent and will grow back after cancer therapy is completed. It took three to six months to develop, though it might temporarily change color or texture. In certain cases, hair can grow back during therapy.

3. Who is most likely to develop cancer?

One of the risk factors for acquiring cancer is age. People over the age of 65 are at the highest risk of developing cancer, and younger people are substantially less at risk.

4. Is it true that smoking causes cancer?

Yes, smoking has the potential to cause lung cancer. The chemicals from cigarettes cause damage to the DNA, which cannot be repaired, resulting in cancer. Smoking may cause cancers of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, larynx, trachea, bronchus, urinary bladder, and cervix, and causes acute myeloid leukemia.

5. Can foods prevent cancer?

Foods play an important role in cancer prevention. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce the risk of developing cancer.

6. Is cancer contagious from one person to another?

No, cancer is a non-contagious disease and cannot be transmitted from one person to another through sexual activity, sharing of needles, blood transfusions, or inhaling the same air. It happens due to some cell alterations that cause uncontrolled cell division.

7. Is cancer a genetic disease?

Yes, cancer is a genetic disease mostly brought on by mutations or alterations to the genes that control how our cells behave, resulting in abnormal cell behavior.

8. Does cancer be prevented?

Yes, cancer can be prevented. By following certain measures, the risk of developing cancer can be prevented.

• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a well-balanced and healthy diet
• Avoid fast foods and processed meat
• Quit smoking
• Avoid exposure to radiation
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Practice safe sex

9. How to detect cancer?

Cancer can be detected through various techniques such as diagnostic imaging techniques (mammography, ultrasound, X-rays, CT scans, and MRI), endoscopic procedures, and blood tests (PSA, AFP).

10. Is cancer curable?

Yes, certain cancers can be cured when detected and treated early using the right treatment methods. The possibility of cancer being cured depends significantly on the type and stage of cancer.

11. What causes cancer?

The precise cause of cancer is yet unknown. However, there are some risk factors that can result in cancer. Some common risk factors include:

• Tobacco
• Alcohol
• Infections (viruses, parasites, bacteria)
• Diet (dietary carcinogens)
• Reproductive hormones
• Pollution
• Canned, smoked, and processed foods
• UV light

12. What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that employs medications to kill cancer cells or prevent them from proliferating and spreading throughout the body. It is used to treat cancer by lowering the likelihood of recurrence, preventing its growth, and reducing cancer symptoms by decreasing tumors.

13. How does cancer spread?

Cancer cells spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, causing damage to the surrounding tissues.

14. Can cancer develop in children? At what age?

Any age group can develop cancer. Leukemia, brain tumors, and lymphomas are the most frequent cancers in children between 0 and 14 years old. Retinoblastoma is a rare type of eye cancer that can affect the children under the age of five.

15. Is there a cancer vaccine available?

Yes. There are two types of approved cancer vaccines available which include:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
• Hepatitis B vaccine.

16. What are the types of cancer treatment?

Different types of cancer treatments are available depending on the type and stage of cancer. It includes surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, and radiotherapy.

17. Can I get cancer anywhere in the body?

Yes, cancer can occur in any part of the body. It is advisable to undergo screening tests to identify the early signs of cancer and to begin treatment as soon as possible to reduce the risk of problems.

18. Can cancer survivors drink alcohol?

Alcohol consumption may raise the chance of cancer recurrence. So, try to limit alcohol consumption.

19. What are cancer stages, and what do they mean?

There are five stages of cancer, from stage 0 to stage 4. These stages indicate how advanced the cancer is. The stages of cancer are:

• Stage 0: Cancer is located at the site of origin, also known as cancer in situ (in place). Cancer has not spread to nearby tissues at this stage and can often be cured.
• Stage 1: Cancer is small and has not spread into any other organ. It is also referred to as early-stage cancer.
• Stage 2: Cancer has developed but has not spread to the surrounding tissues. Sometimes, it might have spread into the tumor's lymph nodes.
• Stage 3: Cancer has grown large and may have spread into the nearby tissues and lymph nodes.
• Stage 4: Cancer has spread to other organs from its origin. It is also known as the advanced stage or metastatic cancer.

20. When should I get tested for cancer?

People should contact a doctor if their cancer symptoms last longer than two weeks. Any new or worsening symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider, and a cancer screening must be performed, especially if the person has a family history of cancer or other risk factors.

21. Does cancer have symptoms?

Yes, the signs and symptoms of cancer vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. Some common signs and symptoms of cancer can include:

• Sudden unexplained weight loss or gain
• Fatigue
• Painful urination or blood in the urine
• Persistent fever or night sweats
• Skin changes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Muscle or joint pain
• Persistent coughing or hoarseness
• Chronic persistent headache
• Development of sores that don't heal
• Blood in stools
• Persistent change in urine or stool routine
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Lump or thickening in the breast
• Unusual bleeding or bruising