Author: Hiba Farhan
Editor: Bhavyasri Pamudurti
Cancer, at its core, is a complex disease characterized by the uncontrollable growth and spread of abnormal cells throughout the body. There are several types of cancer, each distinguished by its origin and behavior. Common types of cancer include breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, skin cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and brain cancer. While the specific causes, symptoms, and treatments differ between these types, they all share the common feature of uncontrolled cell growth, which leads to the formation of malignant tumors.
Types of Cancer
Breast and ovarian cancer are 2 of the most prevalent types of cancers found in women. Breast cancer is a type of illness where cancer grows in the cells in the breasts and chest area. More of the common risk factors that heavily increase your chances of getting breast cancer are age, family history, genetics, hormone replacement therapy, obesity, alcohol consumption, and radiation exposure. Identifying signs and symptoms of this cancer may include a breast lump or thickened areas of skin, changes to the color of breast skin, changes to the size or shape of breasts, and peeling/flaking of the skin near the chest. Having good lifestyle habits such as maintaining a good weight, exercising most days of the week, and drinking less alcohol are efficient ways of lowering your risk of getting breast cancer. Treatments given for breast cancer commonly consist of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination. Ovarian cancer forms in the ovaries, which are a part of a woman's reproductive system, and can develop in different types of cells within the ovary. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer range from abdominal bloating or swelling, pelvic pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, frequent urination, changes in bowel habits, and fatigue. This type of cancer is significantly more difficult to detect early on due to symptoms not appearing until the illness has progressed to a more fatal stage.
A Survivor’s Story
Michelle Mendes, who was 48 years old at the time, had an ultrasound and standard mammography in April 2018. She didn't have any family history of breast cancer, but she had been good about going for yearly exams. She had a biopsy and was diagnosed with Stage 2 triple negative breast cancer after abnormalities were found on her mammography and ultrasound. But there was no way to find the primary tumor. After surgery to remove the afflicted lymph nodes, she continued to work full-time during eight rounds of chemotherapy and five and a half weeks of radiation therapy. The worst part of her treatment was losing her hair, but at a cancer patient respite center, she found support.
Ultimately, the exploration of cancer, alongside the personal story, highlights the profound impact this disease has on individuals and families around the world. Cancer, when viewed through the lens of personal experience and medical insight, is revealed to be a deeply emotional and life-altering journey. Patients and their loved ones face enormous challenges when fighting breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or any other form of cancer ranging from physical discomfort to psychological distress. Despite the difficulties and uncertainties that come with a cancer diagnosis, there is hope in the darkness.
Works Cited:
“Ovarian Cancer.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 9 May 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20375941.
“Breast Cancer.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 10 Feb. 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470.
Howley, Elaine K. Stories from Breast Cancer Survivors | U.S. News, 9 Mar. 2019, health.usnews.com/conditions/cancer/breast-cancer/articles/stories-from-breast-cancer-survivors.
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