Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is a generic term for a group of diseases characterised by abnormal cell growth. The condition can affect any part of the body. The most common cancers are blood, lung, breast, colon, rectum, and prostate. These cancers can also spread from one body part to another.

Alcohol consumption, smoking, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, and genetic factors are the most common causes of cancer. It takes years for cancer cells to develop. While older people are at a higher risk, it can also affect children and young adults.

Warning Signs of Cancer

No specific signs and symptoms can tell you that you have cancer. Since the disease can affect different parts of your body, the signs can vary depending on the organ involved. Your doctor may suggest getting cancer screening tests upon observing the symptoms. You must visit your primary healthcare provider as soon as you notice the symptoms.

If the symptoms persist, they may get worse over time. The early signs may include:

• Fatigue: It is a very significant cancer symptom that is common to all cancer types. Your body will feel weak and tired no matter how much rest you get.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Drastic weight loss without any lifestyle change may indicate lung or stomach cancer.
• Skin Changes: Your skin will exhibit signs like redness, itching, a lump under the skin, rashes, or hyperpigmentation. The rashes may also bleed and become sore.
• Fever: Fever in cancer patients is common. Particularly when you do not have any signs of a cold or infection, a fever may be a cause of concern.
• Muscle or Joint Pain: Cancer patients experience pain in different body parts. For instance, bone cancer can cause pain in the joints; brain cancer can cause migraine or throbbing pain in the head.

How to Detect Cancer?

Cancer can spread from one body part to another. Moreover, bone cancer can quickly spread to the entire bone structure. However, if diagnosed and treated early, the likelihood of treatment increases. While cancer can be prevented by avoiding the risk factors, one should also undergo regular cancer screening if they have a family history of the disease. Your doctor can recommend cancer screening tests to detect the disease. Apollo 24|7 offers comprehensive test packages for men and women, such as:

• Full Body Checkup Female – Advance
• Full Body Checkup Male – Advance

These health packages are specifically designed to screen for a wide range of health conditions and diseases that affect men and women. These tests help to identify health issues early on, which can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes.

Besides these packages, 13 other tests are also recommended for cancer screening, such as: 

• D - Dimer
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
• Interleukin - 6, IL-6
• Total Beta - HCG (TB-HCG)
• Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA Total)
• CA - 125
• Free Prostatic Specific Antigen (FPSA) - Serum
• TLC, DLC, ESR
• Urine for Cytology
• Protein Electrophoresis - Serum
• Free Light Chains (Kappa and Lambda) - Serum
• CA 15.3
• CA 72.4 - Cancer Marker

One should follow a healthy diet and lifestyle and take preventive measures to avoid cancer. However, it may not be possible to prevent the disease when genetic factors play a role. A person can live a healthy life if timely treatment is started as soon as the disease is detected.

There are many courses of treatment available, and depending upon the stage of the disease, your doctor may suggest the best approach for you.