Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world. There are more than 100 different types of cancer. Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or roughly every one in six deaths. Many cancers can be cured if detected early and treated effectively.

 Listed below are some of the most common types of cancer. 

• Melanoma- The most serious type of skin cancer

• Lung Cancer- A cancer that forms in the lungs

• Breast Cancer- A cancer that forms in the breast

• Prostrate Cancer- A cancer that forms in a man’s prostrate

• Colon Cancer- A cancer that forms in the colon or rectum

• Lymphoma- A cancer of the Lymphatic system

• Leukemia- A cancer of the body’s blood cells

Signs and symptoms caused by cancer can vary depending on what part of the body is affected. Some general signs and symptoms associated with, but not specific to cancer are listed below. Many of these may be caused by other issues as well. 

• Lumps of thickening in your breast and/or other parts of the body

• Unexplained Fever or night sweats

• Unusual Bleeding or Bruising for unknown reasons

• Headaches

• Weight loss or weight gain of 10 lbs. or more for unknown reasons

• Fatigue

• Changes in bowel or bladder habits

• Sores that won’t heal and/or skin changes

• Eating problems such as no appetite, nausea, vomiting, trouble swallowing

• Pain for unknown reasons that may be extreme or will not go away

• Swelling or lumps anywhere in the body

There are other signs and symptoms not listed. If you have any signs or symptoms that get worse or will not go away, make sure you go to a doctor to find out what is causing them. A doctor will be able to find out more about what is going on regardless of if your signs and symptoms are related to cancer or not. Many cancers have a reduced mortality rate if you receive an early diagnosis and have it treated properly. Early screening is also important because it aims to find specific types of cancer before signs and symptoms appear. Each type of cancer has its own screening test. Some types of cancer do not have an effective screening method. Listed below are some examples of screening methods. 

• Mammography- An X-Ray designed to view the breast for any tumors or irregularities
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) & PAP Testing- A screening test for cervical cancer
• Colonoscopy- A medical test that examines your rectum and lower bowel for abnormalities and disease
• CT or Cat Scan- A test that takes X-rays inside of the body to find any abnormalities or tumors
• PSA (prostrate- specific antigen) Test- This is a test that measures the level of a substance called PSA in the blood. Normally, men with elevated levels of PSA have prostate cancer 
• Dermoscopy- A test performed using a handheld device called a dermatoscope to examine the surface of the skin

Many cancers can be prevented by avoiding risk factors, making some lifestyle changes, and implementing evidence-based prevention strategies. Here are some cancer preventing tips that can help lessen your risks.

• Eating a healthy diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Do not use tobacco products
• Avoid or reduce consumption of alcohol
• Consistent physical activity and exercise
• Avoid ultraviolet radiation exposure 
• Get regular medical care (screenings & self-exams)

Early diagnosis and screening are two components of early detection. When cancer is detected early, treatment is more effective, and survival is drastically improved. An accurate cancer diagnosis is especially important for appropriate and effective treatment because each cancer type requires a specific treatment regimen. 

Oncology is the study of cancer. An oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer and provides several types of medical care for a person diagnosed with cancer. You will likely be referred to an oncologist if your doctor suspects that you have cancer. There are many different types of Oncology specialist that focus on treating cancer in specific areas of the body. Listed below are some common types of Oncologists. 

• Surgical Oncologist- a doctor who is trained to treat cancer using surgical methods, focusing on cancerous tumors
• Medical Oncologist- a doctor that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer
• Dermatologic Oncologist- a doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating skin cancer
• Hematologist Oncologist- a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers of the blood
• Pediatric Oncologist- a doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating children with cancer
• Gynecologic Oncologist- a doctor who is trained in diagnosing and treating cancers of the female reproductive system
• Radiation Oncologist- a doctor that is trained and specializes in using radiation to treat cancer

Finding a doctor that treats your type of cancer is the first and key step. Sometimes you may need more than one type of Oncologist for your treatment. Always choose a doctor that has experience treating your type of cancer. 

Obtaining a doctor’s education to become an Oncologist requires a four-year undergraduate degree, then four years of medical school, and a five-year residency program. After the residency program is completed, a small group of the best candidates are selected from each medical program to participate in a fellowship training program. Fellowship training is a privilege that only top doctoral candidates are chosen to participate in to become a specialist or experts in their chosen field of medicine or surgery. Fellowship training is part of the process of becoming a specialist physician and requires an additional year or two of education. During fellowship training, a physician goes through rigorous training to become an expert in their subspecialty. The fellowship training program consists of practical experience which includes participation in numerous specialized surgeries which provides significant work experience the physician needs to become a specialist in his/her chosen field to receive their credentials. Physician’s that choose this path are committing to extra education and are devoted to providing the best medical care possible to patients. A Board-certified doctor indicates that a physician has achieved the highest level of accreditation within a given specialty. Board certification is a voluntary, additional step that a physician chooses to prove that they are trained in the latest technology and advancements in their specialty. Physicians are required to successfully pass written and oral board examinations in their specific specialty to verify knowledge, competency, and expertise in their specialty and/or subspecialty of medical practice. Most boards require that physicians recertify throughout their careers to ensure and promote ongoing professional development, practice assessment, and improvement. Choosing the right Oncologists depends on your needs. Always consider a candidate’s overall qualifications, experience, services offered, and patient satisfaction when choosing a physician. Always check for all necessary board-certified training and degrees, up to date certifications through an accredited healthcare institution and a valid license to practice through the respective state of their specialty or state/international medical board in their state or country. Look for a physician who has completed an accredited fellowship in a sub-specialty related to your condition or the surgery you have elected. Accreditation information, including fellowships and board certifications can usually be found on a physician’s official online profile. If it is not, make sure that you request this information. When you, a family member, or friend needs a medical treatment, you want to make sure that you choose a highly qualified doctor who is dedicated to providing outstanding care.