Several risk factors of cancer are now identified. Scientists have labeled many substances as carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) and many are categorized as probable carcinogens. Some of the common risk factors cited by doctors are –

1. Age – For most cancers, the risk increases with age. However, there are some cancers that are more common in children and adults.
2. Lifestyle – Unhealthy sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for cancer.
3. Family history – Genetic mutations can be inherited from parents.
4. Medical conditions – Medical conditions like diabetes, PCOD, can increase cancer risk.
5. Environment – Carcinogens like asbestos, benzene, passive smoking etc. are risk factors for cancer.

In all cancers there is one basic similarity – they occur due to a mutation in the DNA. But each cancer in each patient is different from the other and that makes the treatment and management of cancer so complex.

Cancers may be aggressive or slow in nature. They respond to treatment in different ways. Some cancers are more likely to recur than another. For some the fatality rate is high and for some the survival rate is high!

Thus, depending on several such factors cancers are categorized into more than 200 types.

Depending on the site of origin, type of cells or nature of the cancer, cancer is categorized into several types. Most cancer types are named after the organs or tissues they arise from. For example, lung cancer begins in the cells of the lungs, pancreatic cancer arises from the cells of the pancreas.
(Read more about different cancer types)
Some of the categories of cancer are:

1.       Carcinoma

Carcinomas are the most common type of cancers. They begin in the cells of skin or tissues covering the surface of internal organs and glands. Most carcinomas form solid tumors. Depending on the cell type, they are further divided into –

• Adenocarcinoma is cancer that originates in the epithelial cells of the body. Cancers of the breast, colon, and prostate are adenocarcinomas.
• Basal cell carcinoma begins in the basal (base) layer of the epidermis, the outer layer of skin.
• Squamous cell carcinoma forms beneath the outer surface of the skin. These cells are also present in the stomach, intestines, lungs, bladder, and kidneys.
• Transitional cell carcinoma occurs in the linings of the bladder, ureters, and part of the kidneys and a few other organs.

2.       Sarcoma

Sarcomas begin in the cells that connect or supports the body. They are found in the cells of bone and soft tissues, like muscle, fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, cartilage, tendons and ligaments.

3.       Leukemia

Leukemia is the cancer of the blood. It forms in the cells of the blood-forming bone marrows. Leukemias do not form solid tumors but they are malignant and dangerous.

There are four main types of leukemia – acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and chronic myeloid leukemia.

4.         Lymphomas

Lymphoma arises in the lymphatic system, it’s a network of vessels and glands that help fight infection. Lymphomas are of 2 types: Hodgkin Lymphoma and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Other Types of Tumors:

§  Germ Cell Tumors – They begin in the cells of sperms or eggs. These tumors can be benign or malignant and can occur at any site.

§  Neuroendocrine Tumors – These tumors form in the cells that release hormones into the blood.

§  Carcinoid Tumors – these are slow-growing tumors usually found in the gastrointestinal system.

Many innovative solutions are now available to treat and manage cancer in a better way. Cancer treatment is decided by the oncologist along with a team of doctors considering several factors like age, stage, outlook, previous health history, and preference of the patient.

The most common treatment options opted are:

• Surgery – Surgery is the most preferred treatment option for most cancers. It removes the cancer cells by removing the organ partially or completely.
• Chemotherapy– Chemotherapy uses certain drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancerous cells.
• Hormone therapy – Many cancer types are caused by an imbalance in the hormone. This can be corrected with hormone therapy.
• Immunotherapy – It uses drugs that employs the body’s immune system to inhibit or kill cancer cells.

• Radiation therapy – It uses high-dose radiation to kill cancerous cells. It may be recommended before or after surgery to remove or reduce the cancerous cells.
• Stem cell transplant – It is beneficial for people with blood-related cancers. It involves removing the red or white blood cells damaged in chemotherapy or radiation. These cells are then strengthened and put back into the body.
• Targeted therapies – This is the use of specific drugs that target specialized cancer cells and prevent them from multiplying.
• Adjuvant therapy – This is post-treatment care to ensure good health and uplift the quality of living in cancer patients. Adjuvant therapies are also important when there is a high risk of recurrence.

Doctors may employ one or a combination of these treatments to ensure the eradication of cancer cells.