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Cancer is a deadly disease and the second leading cause of death worldwide, according to the WHO, with 9.6 million deaths per year. Types of cancer such as breast, lung, colorectal, and skin cancer have different causes, symptoms, and treatment methods. Early detection is crucial for improving recovery chances. How can you recognize the signs and take effective preventive measures? Read the full discussion here.
Cancer is a deadly disease and the second leading cause of death worldwide, according to the WHO, with 9.6 million deaths per year. Types of cancer such as breast, lung, colorectal, and skin cancer have different causes, symptoms, and treatment methods. Early detection is crucial for improving recovery chances. How can you recognize the signs and take effective preventive measures? Read the full discussion here.
According to data from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2022, Indonesia faces a significant cancer burden, with 408,661 new cases and 242,988 cancer-related deaths in a single year.
Breast cancer: 66,271 new cases (16.2%)
Lung cancer: 38,904 new cases (9.5%)
Cervical cancer (cervix): 36,964 new cases (9.0%)
Colorectal cancer (colon and rectum): 35,676 new cases (8.7%)
Liver cancer: 23,805 new cases (5.8%)
Lung cancer: 34,339 deaths (14.1%)
Liver cancer: 23,383 deaths (9.6%)
Breast cancer: 22,598 deaths (9.3%)
These statistics highlight the importance of early detection and preventive efforts to reduce cancer incidence and mortality in Indonesia. Routine screening, a healthy lifestyle, and financial protection through cancer insurance can be effective preventive measures.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), cancer occurs due to genetic mutations in cell DNA, leading to uncontrolled cell growth. Some of the main causes of cancer include:
Genetic Factors: A family history of cancer increases a person’s risk.
Environmental Factors: Air pollution, exposure to hazardous chemicals, and high radiation levels can trigger cancer.
Lifestyle: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a high-fat, low-fiber diet can increase cancer risk.
Viral and Bacterial Infections: Cervical cancer is linked to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), while liver cancer is often caused by hepatitis B or C viruses.
In addition to these factors, UV radiation from the sun, cigarette smoke, and harmful substances in food or drinks can also contribute to cancer development. Understanding different types of cancer is essential for early detection, treatment, and prevention.
Liver cancer is a type of cancer that is more common in men than in women. This disease can be caused by several health issues, such as hepatitis B or C infection and unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol consumption.
Liver cancer is often difficult to detect because its symptoms resemble other liver problems, such as upper abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and unexplained weight loss.
🔹 Prevention:
Hepatitis B vaccination to reduce the risk of infection.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
Eat a high-fiber diet, including vegetables and fruits, to maintain liver health.
Regular liver health check-ups, especially for those with a history of hepatitis.
Cervical cancer develops in the cervix and is usually caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is transmitted through sexual contact.
Symptoms of cervical cancer may not be noticeable in the early stages but can include abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse. Regular Pap smear tests and HPV DNA tests can help detect this cancer early.
🔹 Prevention:
HPV vaccination from adolescence.
Routine Pap smear tests (every three years for women aged 21-65).
Using condoms during sexual intercourse to reduce HPV infection risk.
Maintaining reproductive health and leading a healthy lifestyle.
Blood cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, is caused by cancerous cells developing in the blood and bone marrow. It is classified as a malignant cancer and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Men have a higher risk, and chemotherapy drugs or radiation exposure can further increase the risk. Additionally, exposure to harmful chemicals like benzene in cigarette smoke may contribute.
Common treatments for blood cancer include chemotherapy and radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells.
Risk Factors for Blood Cancer:
Family history of blood cancer.
Radiation exposure.
Chemicals like benzene.
Weakened immune system disorders.
Common Symptoms:
Extreme fatigue
Easy bruising
Frequent infections
Swollen lymph nodes
🔹 Prevention:
Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde.
Limit radiation exposure and have regular health check-ups.
Strengthen the immune system through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Quit smoking and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum wall and is more common in men. In its early stages, this cancer often has no symptoms, but over time, it may cause changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, and abdominal pain.
Being overweight or obese is known to increase the risk of developing this cancer, as it is often linked to insulin resistance.
Common symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
Bloating
Blood in stool
Anemia
Fatigue
Changes in stool shape and color
🔹 Prevention:
Eat fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Reduce consumption of red meat and processed foods containing nitrates.
Exercise regularly and maintain an ideal weight.
Undergo regular colonoscopy screening if there is a family history of colorectal cancer.
Nasopharyngeal cancer affects the back of the nose and upper throat. It is more common in men aged 45 to 60 years.
This cancer is often detected at an advanced stage, as early symptoms are usually absent or mild. While the exact cause is unclear, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is suspected to be a significant trigger.
Other contributing factors include:
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
High-salt diets
🔹 Prevention:
Limit preserved, smoked, or high-salt foods.
Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke exposure.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
Maintain oral hygiene and have regular health check-ups.
Bone cancer, also known as osteosarcoma, is one of the most common types of childhood cancer, frequently affecting teenagers. Symptoms may include bone pain, especially at night or during physical activity.
Over time, these symptoms may be accompanied by swelling in the affected bone area, which often becomes highly sensitive to touch, making daily activities difficult for children. Aside from osteosarcoma, another type of bone cancer that often occurs in children is Ewing sarcoma.
Its symptoms are similar to osteosarcoma and may include high fever, drastic weight loss, and excessive fatigue. Therefore, parents are encouraged to be aware of the types of cancers that commonly occur in children and recognize their symptoms for early detection.
🔹 Prevention:
Maintain a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
Avoid unnecessary radiation exposure, especially in children.
Detect unusual bone pain early and consult a doctor promptly.
Brain cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in children. The symptoms of brain cancer in children depend on the location, size, severity, and growth of cancer cells.
Some common brain cancer symptoms in children include:
Nausea and vomiting
Vision problems
Dizziness
Seizures
Weakness or paralysis in certain body parts
🔹 Prevention:
Avoid excessive radiation exposure and harmful chemicals.
Eat foods rich in antioxidants to protect brain cells.
Monitor symptoms such as persistent headaches and seek medical attention if necessary.
Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in men, with primary symptoms including blood in urine and an inability to fully empty the bladder.
This disease primarily affects men over 50, though younger men can also develop it. The exact cause of prostate cancer is unclear, but smoking, an unhealthy diet, obesity, and exposure to harmful chemicals are known risk factors.
🔹 Prevention:
Reduce red meat and high-fat foods.
Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.
Undergo regular PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) screenings for men over 50.
Testicular cancer occurs when abnormal cell growth develops in the testicles, which are located in the scrotum.
When these cells grow too rapidly, they may spread to other parts of the body. The main symptom is a lump in the testicle.
Men should see a doctor if they notice a lump or swelling in the testicles that does not improve within two weeks.
🔹 Prevention:
Perform regular self-examinations to detect changes early.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals that may impact male reproductive health.
Brain and spinal cord tumors occur when abnormal cells grow in the brain or spinal cord.
There are many types of these tumors, and they are named based on the type of cells they originate from and their location within the central nervous system.
Brain tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Benign tumors grow slowly and do not spread to other parts of the body.
Malignant tumors grow aggressively and can spread to other parts of the brain or spinal cord.
🔹 Prevention:
Avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.
Eat a healthy, antioxidant-rich diet to maintain brain cell health.
Recognize early symptoms like persistent headaches, balance issues, and behavioral changes for early detection.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. It typically begins in the breast cells and can develop into a malignant tumor. Regular check-ups and early detection are crucial in managing breast cancer.
🔹 Prevention:
Perform breast self-examinations (BSE) every month.
Undergo routine mammogram screenings, especially for women aged 40 and above.
Reduce alcohol consumption and maintain a healthy diet.
Exercise regularly to maintain an ideal body weight.
Lung cancer is the most fatal cancer globally, with the highest death rate compared to other cancers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lung cancer causes over 1.8 million deaths annually.
Common Symptoms of Lung Cancer:
Chronic cough that does not go away
Shortness of breath and worsening chest pain
Coughing up blood or hoarseness in voice
Unexplained weight loss
🔹 Prevention:
Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke (passive smokers have a 20-30% higher risk of developing lung cancer).
Reduce exposure to air pollution and harmful chemicals such as asbestos and radon.
Eat foods rich in antioxidants, such as leafy greens and fruits, to support lung health.
Undergo regular lung check-ups, especially for those with a family history of lung cancer.
Thymus cancer is a rare type of cancer but can be very dangerous if not detected early. The thymus is a small gland located behind the breastbone, playing a key role in the immune system by producing white blood cells (T lymphocytes).
Due to its location inside the chest, thymus cancer often shows no symptoms in the early stages. However, as the tumor grows, patients may experience:
Chest pain or pressure
Breathing difficulties or persistent cough
Extreme fatigue with no clear cause
Difficulty swallowing
🔹 Prevention:
There is no definitive cause of thymus cancer, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk.
Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals and excessive radiation.
Support immune system health with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Consult a doctor immediately if experiencing symptoms related to thymus cancer.
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare but highly aggressive type of skin cancer. It develops from Merkel cells, which are found in the upper layers of the skin and function as sensory receptors.
The exact cause of Merkel cell carcinoma is unknown, but key risk factors include excessive UV exposure, a weakened immune system, and infection with the Merkel polyomavirus. It usually appears on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, neck, and arms.
Symptoms of Merkel Cell Carcinoma:
Small, red or purple lumps that rapidly grow
Non-healing sores on the skin
Firm, painful lumps when touched
🔹 Prevention:
Use sunscreen (SPF 30+) when outdoors to protect skin from UV rays.
Avoid direct sun exposure, especially during midday.
Wear protective clothing, such as hats and long-sleeved shirts, when outdoors.
Have regular skin check-ups, especially for individuals with a history of skin cancer or frequent sun exposure.
Ovarian cancer affects the ovaries, the reproductive organs responsible for egg production and hormone regulation. It often shows no symptoms in its early stages, making it difficult to detect before it reaches advanced stages.
Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer:
Family history of ovarian cancer
Genetic mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2)
Hormonal influences, such as menopause
Common Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:
Bloating or abdominal enlargement with no clear cause
Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain
Changes in bowel or urinary habits, such as frequent urination
Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
🔹 Prevention:
Ovarian cancer screening for women with a family history of the disease.
Long-term use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills), which have been proven to reduce risk.
Maintaining an ideal weight and adopting a healthy diet.
Consult a doctor if experiencing suspicious symptoms, especially after menopause.
Understanding the types of cancer, causes, symptoms, and prevention methods is crucial for raising awareness and improving early detection chances. Cancer can affect various organs, such as the liver, lungs, breasts, colon, and ovaries. Major risk factors include an unhealthy lifestyle, exposure to harmful substances, viral infections, and genetic factors.
Early detection is key to increasing the chances of recovery. Therefore, it is important to undergo regular health check-ups, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and recognize early cancer symptoms.
Additionally, cancer treatment costs are often high, creating a financial burden for patients and their families. To anticipate this risk, you may consider Oona's cancer insurance, which provides financial protection against cancer treatment expenses.
