Cancer
Overview
Cancer (암) refers to a group of diseases in which cells proliferate uncontrollably due to abnormalities in the mechanisms that regulate normal cell growth and division in the human body. These abnormal cells invade surrounding tissues and can metastasize to other parts of the body through blood vessels or lymphatic vessels, threatening life. There are over 200 different types of cancer, and it is one of the leading causes of death globally, with approximately 10 million people dying from cancer in 2020.
Main Content
1. Causes of Cancer
Cancer arises from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Major causes include smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, unbalanced diet, physical inactivity, viral infections (e.g., human papillomavirus, hepatitis B virus), exposure to ultraviolet radiation and radiation, and certain chemical substances (carcinogens). Genetic mutations in genes related to cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, and apoptosis (e.g., p53, BRCA1/2) increase the risk of cancer development.
2. Major Types of Cancer
- Lung Cancer: Smoking is the greatest risk factor, and it is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide.
- Breast Cancer: The most common cancer in women, with high survival rates when detected early.
- Colorectal Cancer: Closely associated with dietary habits (high fat, low fiber), and regular screening is important.
- Liver Cancer: Main causes include hepatitis B and C viruses, alcoholic liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Stomach Cancer: Risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, high salt intake, and smoking.
- Prostate Cancer: Common in men, with advanced age and family history as major risk factors.
- Cervical Cancer: Primarily caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, preventable through vaccination.
- Blood Cancers (Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma): Arise from malignant transformation of hematopoietic cells.
3. Diagnostic Methods
Cancer diagnosis involves various tests. Imaging tests (X-ray, CT, MRI, PET-CT, ultrasound) identify the location and size of tumors, and biopsy confirms malignancy. Blood tests (tumor marker tests) and genetic tests are used as adjuncts. National cancer screening programs (for stomach, colorectal, breast, cervical, and liver cancers) are in place for early detection.
4. Treatment Methods
Cancer treatment is individualized based on the type, stage, and patient's health status. Major treatments include:
- Surgery: Aims for complete removal of localized cancer.
- Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Drug treatment targeting cancer cells throughout the body.
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs targeting specific genetic mutations or proteins in cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Activates the immune system to attack cancer cells (e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy).
- Hormone Therapy: Blocks hormone action in hormone-dependent cancers (breast, prostate cancer).
- Stem Cell Transplantation: Used in the treatment of blood cancers.
5. Prevention and Management
To prevent cancer, recommendations include smoking cessation, moderate alcohol consumption, a balanced diet (sufficient vegetables and fruits, limited red and processed meats), regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, vaccination (HPV, hepatitis B), and sun protection. Regular health check-ups and self-examinations for early detection significantly improve survival rates.
Recent Trends
As of 2024-2025, several important changes and trends are emerging in cancer research and treatment:
- Advances in Precision Medicine: The widespread use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology is expanding personalized treatment. Non-invasive diagnosis and treatment response monitoring through liquid biopsy are being introduced into clinical practice.
- Expansion of Immunotherapy: CAR-T cell therapy is extending beyond blood cancers to some solid tumors (e.g., stomach, pancreatic cancer). Combination therapies of immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted agents are proving effective in various cancer types.
- Use of AI and Big Data: Artificial intelligence (AI) is improving the accuracy of early cancer detection in imaging (mammography, CT, etc.), and AI-based drug discovery platforms are accelerating the development of anticancer drugs.
- Cancer Vaccine Research: Personalized cancer vaccines using mRNA technology (e.g., for melanoma, pancreatic cancer) are showing positive results in clinical trials.
- Health Equity Issues: Disparities in access to cancer screening and treatment in low-income and developing countries remain a significant challenge, prompting intensified policy efforts by international health organizations and governments.
Related Topics
- [[Oncology]]
- [[Anticancer Drugs]]
- [[Immunotherapy]]
- [[Radiation Therapy]]
- [[Genetic Mutation]]
- [[Cancer Prevention]]
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