Introduction: Abstract
Cancer is a topic that causes fear and many taboos in society. Despite significant advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment, it remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In addition to genetic factors, environmental and epigenetic factors also play a role in the development of cancer. Cancer starts in certain cells of the body, leading to uncontrolled division and spreading to surrounding tissues. Depending on where cancer cells originate, there are various types of cancer, each requiring specific treatments. The aim of this research is to identify suitable methods for preventing and treating cancer. This study is a review and uses databases like Scopus, ISI, and ScienceDirect. The goal is to examine cancer factors, prevention, and treatment.
Introduction
Cancer is one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide (WHO, 2020). The term "cancer" refers to a range of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell division and invasion of other body parts. Cancer cells grow continuously and can spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system (Yaqoubi Juybari et al., 1392).
Types of Cancer
Cancers are classified into four main groups: Carcinomas: These account for about 85 to 90 percent of cancers and originate from the outer layers of tissues. Lymphomas: These involve abnormal functioning of the lymph nodes or spleen. Leukemias: These tumors originate from the bone marrow and affect the bloodstream.Sarcomas: These arise from connective tissues, muscles, bones, and other organs (Yaqoubi Juybari et al., 1392).
Current Treatments
Today, common cancer treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy) often have limited effectiveness. Research on the use of herbal medicines and gene therapy, which have fewer side effects, is ongoing and shows promising results (Dastpeyman et al., 1391). A study by Sharma et al. (2012) indicates that anxiety levels are higher in cancer patients, who also tend to have lower quality of life (Shamsi, 1398). Moreover, innovative drug delivery methods using nanoparticles and bioconjugation techniques have led to successful treatment options for cancer.
How Cancer Develops
The cause of cancer is damage to DNA, which affects the genes in the cells. In most cases, the body or cells can repair damaged DNA, but cancer cells lack this ability. Damaged genes may be inherited from parents (hereditary cancer) or result from environmental factors such as smoking, radiation, and diet (Sheikh Nejad, 1389; Ghiathvandian, 1391).
Cancer Epidemic
Almost half of men and more than a third of women worldwide may develop cancer in their lifetime; however, 77 percent of cancers are diagnosed in individuals over 55 years old (Ismaili Zadeh, 1393).
Common Symptoms of Cancer
Common symptoms of cancer may include sudden weight loss (which could indicate stomach, pancreas, or lung cancer), fever (especially when cancer affects the body's immune system), fatigue, and pain (such as bone or testicular cancer). Skin changes such as darkening, yellowing, redness, itching, or excessive hair growth may also be present (Sheikh Nejad, 1389).
Specific Symptoms of Cancer
Changes in bowel and urinary habits.
Non-healing sores.
Unusual bleeding.
Lumps or swollen glands.
Digestive problems.
Coughing or hoarseness (Sheikh Nejad, 1389).
Treatment Methods
Possible treatment methods include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, gene therapy, and phototherapy (Shoaa Kazemi et al., 1392).
Methods: This study is a review and was conducted using the following databases: www.isiwebofknowledge.com, www.scopus.com, www.sciencedirect.com.
Results: Cancer is one of the most common diseases worldwide, affecting many people every year. Depending on where cancer cells originate, there are different types of cancer, each requiring specific treatment methods. Sometimes, multiple treatments may be necessary to prevent disease progression. However, the most important factor is the timely diagnosis of the disease, which can be done through laboratory tests, imaging, biopsies, endoscopy, etc
Conclusion: Takeaway
This study shows that cancer is a major health issue influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Traditional treatments like surgery and chemotherapy are common, but new methods like herbal medicines and gene therapy with fewer side effects are promising. Understanding the causes and treatments of cancer can help with prevention and improve patients' quality of life. Increasing awareness and research in this area is very important.