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Cancer Treatment & Care in Birmingham | Elios Clinics

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What is Cancer?

cancer

Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. Under normal circumstances, your body’s cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly fashion. However, when cancer develops, this process breaks down, causing cells to grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming lumps or masses called tumors.

Not all tumors are cancerous. Benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body and are generally not life-threatening. Malignant tumors, however, are cancerous and have the ability to invade nearby tissues and spread to distant parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system—a process called metastasis.

Cancer can develop in almost any part of the body, including the blood, bones, organs, and tissues. There are over 200 different types of cancer, each with unique characteristics, symptoms, and treatment approaches. Some of the most common types include breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer.

The exact cause of cancer varies, but most cancers result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, lack of physical activity, exposure to harmful chemicals, and certain infections. Age is also a significant factor, as the risk of developing cancer increases as we get older.

Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Many cancers, when caught early, can be successfully treated or even cured. This is why regular health screenings, being aware of your body, and consulting a healthcare professional when you notice unusual changes are crucial steps in cancer prevention and early intervention.

At Elios Clinics, our experienced medical team provides comprehensive cancer care, from diagnosis through treatment and ongoing support, ensuring you receive personalized attention every step of the way.

Key Facts About Cancer

Global Impact

  • Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths annually.
  • Approximately 1 in 2 people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime.
  • Over 18 million new cancer cases are diagnosed globally each year.

Types & Prevalence

  • There are more than 200 different types of cancer 
  • The four most common cancers are breast, lung, colorectal, and prostate cancer.
  • These four account for approximately 43% of all cancer diagnoses.

Survival & Treatment

  • Cancer survival rates have doubled in the last 40 years due to advances in treatment.
  • 50% of people diagnosed with cancer now survive for 10 years or more in developed countries.
  • Early detection can increase survival rates by up to 90% for certain cancers.

Risk Factors

  • 30-50% of cancers are preventable through lifestyle modifications.
  • Smoking is responsible for approximately 25% of all cancer deaths.
  • Obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity contribute to about 20% of cancer cases.

Screening Saves Lives

  • Regular screening can detect breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers at early, treatable stages.
  • Cervical cancer deaths have decreased by 60% since the introduction of screening programs.
  • Colonoscopy screening reduces colorectal cancer risk by 68%.

Survival & Treatment

  • Cancer survival rates have doubled in the last 40 years due to advances in treatment.
  • 50% of people diagnosed with cancer now survive for 10 years or more in developed countries.
  • Early detection can increase survival rates by up to 90% for certain cancers.

Genetic Factors

  • Only 5-10% of cancers are hereditary (passed down through families).
  • BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations increase breast and ovarian cancer risk by up to 80%.
  • Genetic testing and counseling can help identify high-risk individuals.

Lifestyle & Prevention

  • Not smoking is the single most effective way to prevent cancer.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight, balanced diet, and regular exercise can reduce cancer risk by 30-40%.
  • Limiting alcohol consumption reduces the risk of several cancers including breast, liver, and cancer.

Warning Signs (Remember: C-A-U-T-I-O-N)

  • Change in bowel or bladder habits.
  • A sore that does not heal.
  • Unusual bleeding or discharge.
  • Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere.
  • Indigestion or difficulty swallowing.
  • Obvious change in wart or mole.
  • Nagging cough or hoarseness.

Treatment Advances

  • Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment.
  • Targeted therapies attack specific cancer cells with greater precision and fewer side effects.
  • Personalized medicine tailors treatment based on individual genetic profiles.

Treatment Success

  • Testicular cancer has a cure rate of over 95% when detected early.
  • Thyroid cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 98%.
  • Melanoma has a 99% survival rate when caught at stage 1
  • Prostate cancer detected early has a near 100% 5-year survival rate.

After Treatment

  • Over 18 million people are currently living as cancer survivors worldwide.
  • This number is expected to increase by 35% by 2030 due to improved treatments.
  • Many survivors live long, healthy lives after treatment with proper follow-up care.

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