Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the breast, often starting in the milk ducts or lobules. It is the most common cancer among women, though it can also occur in men.

Symptoms

Lump in the breast: A firm, painless mass or lump in the breast is a common sign of breast cancer.

Changes in breast appearance: Skin dimpling or changes in the shape or size of the breast may indicate cancer.

Nipple discharge: Unexplained discharge, especially if it is bloody, can be a sign of breast cancer.

Pain: Breast or nipple pain that doesn't resolve could be linked to cancer, though not all breast pain is cancerous.

Risk Factors

Family history: A family history of breast cancer, particularly in a mother or sister, increases the risk of developing it.

Hormonal factors: Long-term exposure to estrogen, either due to early menstruation or late menopause, can increase risk.

Genetic mutations: Mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer.

Age: The risk increases with age, particularly after the age of 50.

Diagnosis

Mammogram: A low-dose X-ray used to detect early signs of breast cancer, such as lumps or abnormal tissue.

Biopsy: A tissue sample taken from the suspicious area for microscopic examination to confirm cancer.

Ultrasound: Often used to evaluate the characteristics of a lump found during a physical exam or mammogram.

Treatment Options

Surgery: Removal of the tumor or entire breast (mastectomy) is a common treatment for breast cancer.

Chemotherapy: Drugs used to kill cancer cells or stop their growth, often used after surgery or for metastatic cancer.

Hormone therapy: For hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, drugs like tamoxifen block estrogen's effect on cancer cells.

Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation is used to target and destroy cancer cells, often after surgery.

Lung cancer is a malignancy that forms in the tissues of the lungs, often in the lining of the air passages. Smoking is the primary risk factor, though non-smokers can also develop lung cancer.

Symptoms

Chronic cough: A persistent cough that doesn’t go away or worsens over time may be a sign of lung cancer.

Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or a feeling of tightness in the chest can occur due to a tumor blocking airways.

Chest pain: Pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing may be caused by a tumor pressing on nearby structures.

Coughing up blood: Hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, is a concerning symptom that requires immediate medical attention.

Risk Factors

Smoking: Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for about 85% of cases.

Exposure to radon: Radon gas exposure in the home or workplace increases the risk of developing lung cancer.

Air pollution: Long-term exposure to environmental pollutants or occupational hazards like asbestos raises the risk.

Family history: A family history of lung cancer can increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

Diagnosis

Chest X-ray: An initial imaging test to check for tumors or abnormalities in the lungs.

CT scan: A more detailed imaging technique that provides clearer images of the lungs and can identify smaller tumors.

Biopsy: A sample of tissue from the tumor is examined under a microscope to confirm lung cancer and its type.

Treatment Options

Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor or a portion of the lung may be an option if the cancer is localized.

Chemotherapy: Used to kill cancer cells throughout the body, especially for advanced-stage lung cancer.

Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth, such as EGFR inhibitors, may be used for certain types of lung cancer.

Radiation therapy: Often used for patients who cannot undergo surgery or to shrink tumors before surgery.

Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum and often begins as small, noncancerous growths called polyps that can become cancerous over time. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide but is often preventable through early screening.

Symptoms

Blood in stool: Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding can be a sign of colorectal cancer, although it can also be caused by other conditions.

Changes in bowel habits: Persistent diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling of incomplete bowel movements may indicate cancer.

Abdominal pain: Cramping, bloating, or discomfort in the abdomen can be caused by a growing tumor.

Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying may be a sign of advanced colorectal cancer.

Risk Factors

Age: Colorectal cancer risk increases after age 50, though it can occur earlier.

Diet: A diet high in red meat, processed foods, and low in fiber is linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer.

Family history: A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps significantly increases the risk.

Inflammatory bowel diseases: Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Diagnosis

Colonoscopy: A procedure where a flexible tube with a camera is used to view the colon and remove polyps for biopsy.

Fecal occult blood test: A screening test to detect hidden blood in the stool, which can be a sign of colorectal cancer.

CT colonography: A less invasive imaging technique that can provide detailed pictures of the colon and rectum.

Treatment Options

Surgery: Removal of the tumor and affected portion of the colon is the primary treatment for localized colorectal cancer.

Chemotherapy: Often used post-surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells or treat metastatic cancer.

Radiation therapy: Can be used to shrink tumors or alleviate symptoms in advanced colorectal cancer.

Immunotherapy: For some cases, immunotherapies can be used to help the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells.

Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate gland, which produces seminal fluid in men. It typically grows slowly and may not cause symptoms in its early stages, but it can spread to other parts of the body if not treated.

Symptoms

Frequent urination: Difficulty urinating, especially at night, is a common symptom of prostate cancer.

Blood in urine or semen: Hematuria (blood in urine) or blood in semen can be a sign of prostate cancer.

Painful ejaculation: Discomfort or pain during ejaculation may occur if the cancer affects the prostate.

Lower back pain: Persistent pain in the lower back or hips may indicate that the cancer has spread to the bones.

Risk Factors

Age: The risk of developing prostate cancer increases significantly after age 50.

Family history: Having a close relative, such as a father or brother, with prostate cancer increases the risk.

Race: African-American men are at a higher risk of developing aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

Diet: A high-fat diet, particularly one rich in animal fats, may increase prostate cancer risk.

Diagnosis

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: A blood test that measures the level of PSA, which may be elevated in men with prostate cancer.

Digital rectal exam (DRE): A physical exam in which the doctor checks the prostate for abnormalities by feeling it through the rectum.

Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken from the prostate to examine it for cancer cells under a microscope.

Treatment Options

Surgery: Radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate gland and surrounding tissue.

Radiation therapy: Used to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors in the prostate or surrounding tissues.

Hormone therapy: Reduces the level of testosterone, which can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Chemotherapy: Used for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer that is no longer responsive to hormone therapy.

Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries and is often diagnosed at a later stage due to subtle or absent symptoms in the early stages. It is one of the deadliest gynecologic cancers, but early detection improves survival rates.

Symptoms

Abdominal bloating: Persistent bloating or fullness in the abdomen, often mistaken for other conditions.

Pelvic pain: Pain or discomfort in the pelvic region may indicate ovarian cancer.

Urinary urgency: Feeling the need to urinate frequently or urgently may be linked to ovarian tumors pressing on the bladder.

Changes in appetite: Loss of appetite or difficulty eating due to bloating and discomfort can be a symptom of ovarian cancer.

Risk Factors

Age: Ovarian cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 50, particularly after menopause.

Family history: A family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer can increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

Genetic mutations: Inherited mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly raise the risk of ovarian cancer.

Hormone replacement therapy: Long-term use of estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy after menopause may increase the risk.

Diagnosis

Pelvic ultrasound: An imaging test used to visualize ovarian masses and check for abnormalities.

CA-125 blood test: Measures the level of CA-125, a protein that may be elevated in the presence of ovarian cancer, though not specific.

Biopsy: A tissue sample may be taken for examination to confirm the presence of cancerous cells in the ovaries.

Treatment Options

Surgery: The primary treatment involves removing the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and sometimes the uterus, depending on the extent of the cancer.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs are often administered after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Targeted therapy: Newer treatments specifically target the cancer’s genetic mutations or growth factors.

Radiation therapy: Used less frequently but may be recommended for advanced ovarian cancer to reduce symptoms or shrink tumors.