Types of cancer

There are many types of cancers. A brief on some of the more common cancers

Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

Namya Kathuria / April 20, 2021

Testicular cancer may be rare, but it is the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 40. April celebrates Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, so read on to find out more about it.   What is it? Testicular cancer affects the testicles (or testes) in men, which are two glands that produce sex hormones (like testosterone) and sperm. When testicular cells mutate, or grow abnormally, a tumour may be formed, and a cancer begins to grow. However, testicular cancer is very treatable and has a low mortality rate when diagnosed early. Germ cell testicular cancer comprises over 95% of cases,…

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Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need To Know

Namya Kathuria / April 13, 2021

April celebrates Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month, one of the rarer – but still dangerous – cancers, and the sixth leading cause of cancer deaths globally. But what is esophageal cancer? What are its symptoms, and what can you do to prevent it?   What is it? Esophageal cancer begins in the esophagus (alternately spelt oesophagus), which is a tube of muscle connecting the mouth to the stomach. It’s the tube in your throat that carries food to your gut for digestion. In esophageal cancer, the cells that line the tube mutate, or start to multiply abnormally, forming tumours and causing…

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What Is Retinoblastoma?

Namya Kathuria / March 30, 2021

What is retinoblastoma? Retinoblastoma is a type of cancer that affects the retina, a part of the eye. The retina is a lining at the back of the eye that reflects light to make vision possible. In retinoblastoma, the retinal cells mutate and grow abnormally, causing cancer. Typically, retinoblastoma occurs in children, with most affected patients being below the age of 5. However, it can go unnoticed and progress into the teenage years. Although it is very rare, it can occur in adults as well. Approximately 2/5 of cases are hereditary, or germinal, meaning they are caused by a mutation…

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Prostate Cancer: What You Need To Know

Namya Kathuria / March 23, 2021

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, second only to skin cancer, and one of the leading causes of death. But what is prostate cancer, and what can you do to prevent it?   What is it? The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It’s a gland in the pelvic area that produces the fluid which helps make semen, and is located underneath the bladder, in front of the rectum. Prostate cancer occurs when prostate cells grow uncontrollably and develop into malignant tumours. These cancer cells often spread to nearby areas such as the seminal…

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March: Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month

Namya Kathuria / March 16, 2021

In March, people all over the world come together to raise awareness on myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects millions each year. Here’s what you need to know about it, and actions you can take to support survivors this month.   What is it? Myeloma is a type of cancer that begins in the bone marrow, which is the spongy tissue in the centre of bones. The bone marrow is responsible for producing blood cells. Myeloma is often known as multiple myeloma because it generally affects multiple bones in the body, such as those in the ribs, skull,…

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Kidney Cancer: What You Need To Know

Namya Kathuria / March 2, 2021

The month of March celebrates kidney cancer awareness. Also known as renal cancer, it is one of the most common cancers and affects people of all ages. Here are some symptoms you can watch out for, treatments you can go through, and actions you can take to help raise awareness.   What is kidney cancer? Kidney cancer occurs when cells in the kidneys mutate and form tumours. Your kidneys are each approximately the size of your fist, and located behind the abdomen on the left and right of your spine. There are multiple types of kidney cancer, the most common…

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February: National Cancer Prevention Month

Namya Kathuria / February 23, 2021

Every February, Cancer Prevention Month is marked worldwide, raising awareness for the various types of cancers that affect millions of people every year. Here are some ways you can take part, by learning more about prevention, and supporting the cause. Prevention Each type of cancer comes with its own risk factors, but there are several common ones between them. By taking note, you can reduce your risk of cancer, and others’ too. 1) Quit smoking The most obvious link between smoking and cancer is lung cancer. Almost 90% of all lung cancer is smoking related; by smoking, you not only…

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Colon Cancer: What Is It?

Namya Kathuria / February 16, 2021

                        Colon cancer goes by multiple names, including bowel cancer and colorectal cancer. Though the majority of people affected by it are over the age of 60, you could still be at risk. So, here’s what you need to know about one of the most common cancers in the world. What is colon cancer? Colon cancer occurs when cells in your bowels – your intestines – mutate or multiply abnormally, forming a tumour. Most of the time, it is colon polyps that develop into cancers; polyps are harmless clumps…

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What Is Cervical Cancer?

Namya Kathuria / February 2, 2021

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in women, but often goes unnoticed until it is too late, and causes thousands of deaths every year. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself from the risk.   What is cervical cancer? It’s a type of cancer that starts in the cervix, that is, the canal connecting the uterus to the vagina. Much like other cancers, it can spread to other parts of the body, and is often present in varied ‘stages,’ or levels of advancement. There are four of these stages of cervical cancer: Stage I occurs…

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