What are the causes of Cancer?
''Ayurveda, the oldest Indian indigenous medicine system of plant drugs is known from very early times for preventing or suppressing various tumors using these natural drugs. And nowadays scientists are keener to research complementary and alternative medicine for the management of cancer.
In the Ayurvedic concept, according to ‘Charaka’ and ‘Sushruta Samhitas’ cancer is described as inflammatory or non-inflammatory swelling and mentioned either as ‘Granthi’ (minor neoplasm) or ‘Arbuda‘ (major neoplasm).[1] The nervous system (Vata or air), the venous system (Pitta or fire), and the arterial system (Kapha or water) are three basics of Ayurveda and are very important for normal body function. In malignant tumors all three systems get out of control (Tridoshas) and lose mutual coordination that causes tissue damage, resulting in critical conditions. Tridoshas cause excessive metabolic crisis resulting in proliferation.''
The causes of cancer are varied and differ based on the type and location of cancer. Lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking, lack of exercise, unhealthy eating, and use of tobacco in any form like smoking, sniffing, or chewing are some causes of cancer. Exposure to chemicals, fumes, UV, and radiation environment are some other factors that can lead to many types of cancer as well.
Certain types of cancer can also be passed down genetically. Some cancers like breast cancers are seen more often in those who have near relatives with the disease. Hepatitis B or C is known to increase the risk of liver cancers. The human papilloma virus increases the risk for cervical or oral cancers.
Types of Cancer
The causes of cancer and the body part it affects determine the type of cancer. There is an extensive list of about 100 cancers in the world. We have short-listed a few common types.
These are the ten types of cancer that are common worldwide. This list includes: Cervical cancer, oral cancer, lung cancer, breast and prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, melanoma, lymphoma, leukemia, and kidney cancer.
Cancer Stages
What happens when you get the disease? What are the cancer stages?
There are mainly 4 stages to any type of cancer. Each stage represents the size and extent of the tumors and the body parts the cancer disease has affected.
Stage 0: This is the beginning stage of cancer. At this point, the cancer is only at the place it has started. It has not spread to other parts of the body and can be cured, though follow-up is needed.
Stage I: The tumor has begun to grow into surrounding tissues but not rapidly.
Stage II & III: The tumor begins to grow further into tissues surrounding the starting point of cancer. The tumor has also grown in size. It has also spread to the lymph nodes of the body.
Stage IV: By this stage, cancer has spread to other organs in the body. This is also known as advanced cancer.
Symptoms of Cancer
The symptoms of cancer depend on the type of cancer the patient is affected by. In general, the severity of cancer symptoms comes from the size and stage of the disease. When the cancerous tumor grows unnoticed it starts to affect and push into surrounding organs. This can cause a number of problems ranging from fevers, aches, and pains, to discoloration of the skin. The cancer symptoms also depend on the location of the tumor. A brain tumor, for example, can cause serious health concerns with even the slightest growth.