List of the Most Dangerous and Deadly Types of Cancer, Important to Know

Kapanlagi.com - Cancer, a word that often evokes fear, is a disease that arises from mutations in the DNA of our body cells. When these mutations occur, the normal function of the cells is disrupted, including their growth and division processes. As a result, cancer cells can grow without limits and spread to other parts of the body, creating a significant challenge for our health.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In 2018, one in six deaths was caused by this disease. Among men, some of the most common types of cancer are lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach, and liver cancer. Meanwhile, women often face breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, and thyroid cancer.

However, not all cancers have the same mortality rates. Some types of cancer are known to be more aggressive and have lower survival rates. In this article, we will explore the deadliest types of cancer, how they spread, and the risk factors that can increase a person's likelihood of contracting this disease.

1. Pancreatic Cancer: The Silent Killer

Pancreatic cancer often becomes a difficult enemy to recognize, as its vague symptoms in the early stages cause many patients to only become aware of its presence when the disease is already at an advanced stage—at that point, treatment becomes a significant challenge.

According to data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), only about 11.5 percent of patients are able to survive five years after diagnosis, illustrating how aggressive this disease is.

Pancreatic cancer is divided into two main types: the more common exocrine cancer and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), with the former tending to have a more dismal prognosis. Various risk factors such as smoking habits, obesity, diabetes, and family history contribute to an increased likelihood of developing this cancer.

2. Lung Cancer: The Leading Cause of Cancer Death

Lung cancer, which is the leading cause of death worldwide, recorded staggering figures with around 1.8 million lives lost in 2020 according to WHO.

Smoking habits and air pollution are the two main enemies that trigger this deadly disease. There are two types of lung cancer to be aware of: small cell lung cancer, which is more aggressive and spreads quickly, and non-small cell lung cancer, which is more common but offers greater hope if detected early.

Various treatment methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are ready to help fight this disease, but the most effective step to protect oneself is to quit smoking.

3. Colorectal Cancer: A Disease Often Undetected

Colorectal cancer, which affects the large intestine and rectum, is a serious threat that often goes undetected in the early stages, so many patients only realize its presence when the disease has advanced. Data from WHO reports that in 2020, this cancer claimed the lives of around 935,000 people.

Risk factors to be aware of include a diet high in fat and low in fiber, obesity, lack of physical activity, and a family history of colorectal cancer. However, there is hope! Through routine screenings such as colonoscopy, we can detect this cancer earlier, significantly increasing the chances of recovery.

If diagnosed in the early stages, the five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer patients can be higher compared to other types of cancer.

4. Liver Cancer: Closely Related to Hepatitis

Liver cancer, one of the most common and deadly types of cancer in the world, claimed around 830,000 lives in 2020 alone. Chronic infections with hepatitis B and C are the main culprits behind this disease, but it's not just that; excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and cirrhosis also contribute.

Unfortunately, this cancer is often only detected when it is already at an advanced stage, given its vague symptoms, such as weight loss, fatigue, and pain in the upper abdomen.

To combat liver cancer, treatment options such as surgery, targeted therapy, liver transplantation, and chemotherapy are available, while the most effective preventive measures are hepatitis B vaccination and avoiding risk factors that can harm our liver health.

5. Brain Cancer: A Disease with Poor Prognosis

Brain cancer, one of the most frightening types of cancer, has a low survival rate and often becomes a nightmare for many people. These tumors can arise from the brain tissue itself or as a result of spreading from cancers originating in other organs, such as the lungs or breasts, especially in adults. Meanwhile, in children, most brain tumors originate directly from the brain.

Treatment for brain cancer varies greatly, depending on the type and size of the tumor, as well as the extent to which the cancer has spread, with treatment options including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Given the complexity of the brain as a vital organ, brain cancer treatment presents unique challenges and requires a careful approach.

6. What are the early signs of cancer that should be watched for?

Watch your body! Some early signals that may indicate the presence of cancer include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, continuous pain, noticeable changes in the skin, and unusual digestive problems.

7. Can cancer be prevented?

It turns out, there is good news for all of us! Some types of cancer can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Simply by avoiding tobacco, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting vaccinated for certain diseases like hepatitis B and HPV, we can reduce the risk of this deadly disease.

8. How can cancer be detected early?

Routine screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and CT scans are not just health checks, but also a smart step to detect cancer early. By undergoing these examinations, you can open up greater opportunities for recovery and maintain your health better.

9. Is all cancer genetic?

Although not all cancers are inherited from genes, there are times when hereditary factors can increase a person's risk of developing certain types of cancer. This highlights the importance of understanding family health history in maintaining our health.

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