The Molecular Revolution Demystifying Oncology for Everyone

What is cancer and why is it called an atomic revolution?Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow abnormally and spread. These cells can damage other cells and tissues in the body. Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in the world.Types of cancerCancer comes in many different forms. The type of cancer is determined by where the cancer forms and what cell it originates from. Some common types of cancer include: - Prostate cancer: The most common cancer in men. It forms in the prostate gland.- Skin cancer: Cancer that forms in the skin.- Lung cancer: Cancer that forms in the lungs.- Colon cancer: Cancer that forms in the colon.- Breast cancer: The most common cancer in women. It forms in the breast.Causes of cancerThe exact causes of cancer are unknown. However, some factors that can increase the risk of cancer include: - Age: The risk of cancer increases as people age.- Family history: If there is a family history of cancer, the risk of cancer increases.Cancer treatmentThere are many different types of cancer treatment available. The best treatment for a particular cancer depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, and the patient's overall health. Some common types of cancer treatment include: - Surgery: Removing the cancer from the body.- Radiation therapy: Using radiation to kill cancer cells.- Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells.- Targeted therapy: Using drugs that target specific molecules on cancer cells.Cancer preventionThere are some things that people can do to reduce their risk of cancer, including: - Don't smoke. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable cancer deaths.- Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help reduce the risk of some types of cancer.