Cancers

Lung cancer

🩺 Symptoms

Lung cancer can develop quietly at first. Common signs include:

Persistent or worsening cough
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
Chronic fatigue and unexplained weight loss
Recurring respiratory infections
Change in voice (hoarseness)

💊 Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer:

Surgery (partial or total lung removal)
Chemotherapy
Radiotherapy
Immunotherapy (stimulates natural defenses)
Targeted therapies based on the tumor’s genetic profile
Palliative care to improve comfort if the disease is advanced

📌 Summary

Definition: Lung cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the lung cells, often within the airways. It is generally divided into two main types: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.
Affected population: Adults over 45 years old, mainly smokers or former smokers. Men have historically been the most affected, but the incidence among women is rising significantly, particularly due to smoking.
Common causes: Smoking (main cause), exposure to radon, air pollution, inhalation of toxic substances (asbestos, arsenic), family history, chronic lung infections.

✅ Prevention

Prevention of lung cancer mainly relies on reducing risk exposures:

Complete smoking cessation (the leading cause of lung cancer)
Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
Limit occupational exposure to toxic substances (asbestos, radon...)
Live in well-ventilated environments
Undergo regular medical check-ups if risk factors are present

Colorectal cancer

🩺 Symptoms

Colorectal cancer can remain silent for a long time. Possible signs include:

Presence of blood in the stool
Persistent abdominal pain
Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, narrow stools)
Feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation
Chronic fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Frequent bloating or nausea

💊 Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage and location of the cancer:

Surgery to remove the tumor and affected lymph nodes
Chemotherapy to shrink the tumor or prevent recurrence
Radiotherapy, especially if the cancer affects the rectum
Targeted therapies and immunotherapy depending on the case
Supportive care to manage side effects

📌 Summary

Definition: Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the colon or rectum. It often starts from benign polyps that become cancerous over time.
Affected population: People over the age of 50 are at highest risk. Increased monitoring is recommended for those with a personal or family history of polyps or inflammatory bowel diseases.
Common causes: Diet low in fiber and high in animal fats, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, family history of colorectal cancer, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).

✅ Prevention

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers through screening:

Get screened (stool test or colonoscopy) starting at age 50
Adopt a high-fiber diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
Limit consumption of red and processed meats
Avoid tobacco and alcohol
Maintain a healthy weight and engage in regular physical activity

Breast cancer

🩺 Symptoms

Warning signs of breast cancer include:

Presence of a lump or mass in the breast or underarm
Change in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast
Skin changes (redness, thickening, or peau d’orange texture)
Unusual nipple discharge
Nipple retraction or inversion
Localized pain, though not always present

💊 Treatment

Treatment varies depending on the type, stage, and age of the patient:

Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy)
Chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells
Radiotherapy to prevent local recurrence
Hormone therapy if the cancer is hormone-sensitive
Targeted therapies based on the cancer's characteristics
Psychological support and supportive care

📌 Summary

Definition: Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that originates in the cells of the breast, most often in the ducts (ductal carcinoma) or lobules (lobular carcinoma).
Affected population: Mainly women over the age of 40, with increased incidence after menopause. It can also affect men, but much more rarely.
Common causes: Family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2), early onset of menstruation, late menopause, absence of pregnancy or late first pregnancy, alcohol consumption, overweight, prolonged hormone treatments.

✅ Prevention

Breast cancer can be detected early through screening:

Regular mammograms starting at age 40 or 50, depending on local guidelines
Monthly self-exams to detect any abnormalities
Annual medical check-ups with clinical breast exams
Healthy lifestyle: avoid excess weight, alcohol, and physical inactivity
Breastfeeding if possible: proven protective effect

Stomach cancer

🩺 Symptoms

Stomach cancer signs are often subtle at first:

Stomach pain or burning (persistent discomfort)
Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
Bloating, nausea, or vomiting
Unexplained weight loss
Severe fatigue
Black stools or presence of blood
Anemia revealed by a blood test

💊 Treatment

The treatment depends on the stage of the disease:

Surgery: partial or total gastrectomy to remove the tumor
Chemotherapy before or after surgery to reduce or eliminate cancer cells
Radiotherapy in some locally advanced cases
Targeted therapies based on tumor characteristics
Adapted nutrition during and after treatment

📌 Summary

Definition: Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is a malignant tumor that develops from the stomach lining, often in the area called the antrum or cardia.
Affected population: Mainly people over the age of 50, with a male predominance. It is more common in East Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe.
Common causes: Chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori, diet rich in salty or smoked foods, smoking, family history of gastric cancer, chronic gastritis, pernicious anemia, gastric polyps.

✅ Prevention

Gastric cancer prevention is based on:

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection if present
Reducing intake of salty, smoked, or preserved foods
Increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol
Monitoring in case of family history or precancerous lesions

Liver cancer

🩺 Symptoms

Liver cancer symptoms may appear late:

Pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
Rapid and unexplained weight loss
Severe and general fatigue
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Increased abdominal size (ascites)
Nausea, loss of appetite
Persistent fever

💊 Treatment

The treatment choice depends on the stage and liver function:

Surgery: partial liver resection or liver transplantation
Radiofrequency or microwave ablation for small tumors
Chemoembolization (TACE) to block the tumor's blood supply
Targeted therapies (sorafenib, lenvatinib, etc.)
Immunotherapy for advanced cases

📌 Summary

Definition: Liver cancer, primarily hepatocellular carcinoma, is a malignant tumor that originates in the liver cells. It is often a consequence of chronic liver diseases.
Affected population: Mainly adults between 40 and 70 years old, with a strong male predominance. The most affected regions are Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
Common causes: Chronic infections with hepatitis B or C viruses, excessive alcohol consumption, cirrhosis, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, exposure to aflatoxins (foodborne toxins).

✅ Prevention

Preventing liver cancer involves:

Vaccination against hepatitis B
Screening and treatment for hepatitis B and C
Reducing alcohol consumption
Managing diabetes and overweight
Regular monitoring in cases of cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis

Pancreatic cancer

🩺 Symptoms

Pancreatic cancer often presents subtle signs at the beginning:

Abdominal pain radiating to the back
Rapid and unexplained weight loss
Severe fatigue
Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
Light-colored stools and dark urine
Nausea, vomiting
Loss of appetite

💊 Treatment

Treatment options vary depending on the stage of the disease:

Surgery (Whipple procedure) if the tumor is operable
Chemotherapy (gemcitabine, FOLFIRINOX, etc.)
Radiotherapy for locally advanced tumors
Palliative care to relieve pain and improve comfort
Nutritional support and psychological counseling

📌 Summary

Definition: Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the cells of the pancreas, an organ essential for digestion and blood sugar regulation. It is often diagnosed at a late stage due to subtle symptoms.
Affected population: Mainly adults over 60, with a slight male predominance. Incidence increases with age.
Common causes: Smoking, obesity, type 2 diabetes, family history of pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, excessive alcohol consumption, diet high in animal fats.

✅ Prevention

To reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer:

Stop smoking
Limit alcohol consumption
Adopt a balanced diet
Maintain a healthy weight
Get screened if there is a family or genetic history

Prostate cancer

🩺 Symptoms

Signs of prostate cancer may appear gradually:

Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
Difficulty urinating or weak urine flow
Blood in urine or semen
Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
Painful ejaculation
Fatigue, weight loss in advanced stages

💊 Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer:

Active surveillance for low-risk forms
Surgery (radical prostatectomy)
External radiotherapy or brachytherapy
Hormone therapy to block testosterone
Chemotherapy for advanced or metastatic forms

📌 Summary

Definition: Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that forms in the prostate gland, an organ of the male reproductive system located below the bladder. It is one of the most common cancers in men.
Affected population: Men over the age of 50, with incidence increasing with age. Afro-descendant men and those with a family history are at higher risk.
Common causes: Advanced age, genetic factors, family history, diet high in animal fats, low intake of fruits and vegetables, hormonal imbalances.

✅ Prevention

Some advice to prevent prostate cancer:

Adopt a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low in animal fats
Exercise regularly
Limit consumption of red meat and processed products
Get screened (PSA test, digital rectal exam) from age 50, or earlier if there is a family history

Esophageal cancer

🩺 Symptoms

Symptoms of esophageal cancer often appear at an advanced stage:

Difficulty or pain when swallowing (dysphagia)
Unintentional weight loss
Pain behind the sternum or in the throat
Hoarse voice or persistent cough
Chronic acid reflux or heartburn
Vomiting or regurgitation of undigested food

💊 Treatment

Treatment options vary depending on the stage of the disease:

Surgery (partial or total esophagectomy)
Preoperative or palliative chemotherapy
Radiotherapy, often combined with chemotherapy
Placement of a stent to ease swallowing
Supportive care for advanced, inoperable cancer

📌 Summary

Definition: Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the cells lining the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. It can be squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma.
Affected population: Mainly men over the age of 60. It is more common in certain regions of Asia and Africa.
Common causes: Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obesity, low intake of fruits and vegetables, infection with human papillomavirus (HPV).

✅ Prevention

Preventive measures to reduce risks:

Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption
Treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) early
Monitor precancerous conditions such as Barrett's esophagus
Maintain a healthy weight and balanced diet
Consult a doctor if swallowing difficulties persist

Bladder cancer

🩺 Symptoms

Signs of bladder cancer include:

Blood in the urine (hematuria), often painless
Pain or burning during urination
Frequent urination urges, even without urine production
Sensation of urgent need to urinate
Pain in the lower back or pelvis (advanced stage)

💊 Treatment

Treatment options vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer:

Transurethral resection (endoscopic surgery)
Intravesical chemotherapy (BCG or mitomycin C)
Bladder removal surgery (cystectomy) in severe cases
Radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy
Immunotherapy in some advanced cases

📌 Summary

Definition: Bladder cancer is a malignant tumor that usually develops from the cells lining the inner wall of the bladder. It can be superficial or invasive depending on how deep it penetrates.
Affected population: Mainly men over the age of 55. It is more common among smokers and people exposed to certain industrial chemicals.
Common causes: Smoking, occupational exposure to toxic substances (aromatic amines, solvents), chronic bladder infections, family history, prior cancer treatments (e.g., cyclophosphamide).

✅ Prevention

Tips to reduce the risk of developing bladder cancer:

Avoid tobacco (major risk factor)
Limit occupational exposure to toxic substances
Drink plenty of water to dilute substances in the urine
Consult a doctor if blood is present in the urine
Maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

🩺 Symptoms

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma may present with:

Painless swelling of lymph nodes (neck, armpits, groin)
Persistent fatigue
Unexplained fever
Excessive sweating, especially at night
Unexplained weight loss
Generalized or localized itching

💊 Treatment

Treatment options vary depending on the type and stage of the lymphoma:

Chemotherapy (often using the CHOP protocol)
Immunotherapy (e.g., monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab)
Targeted radiotherapy
Stem cell transplant in certain cases
Long-term medical follow-up to monitor for relapses

📌 Summary

Definition: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system that affects lymphocytes (white blood cells). There are several types of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, classified by their aggressiveness and cellular origin.
Affected population: Adults over 60 years old, although some types can occur in young adults and children. Men are slightly more affected than women.
Common causes: Weakened immune system (HIV, organ transplant), viral infections (EBV, HTLV-1), exposure to certain chemicals (pesticides), autoimmune diseases, family history of lymphoma.

✅ Prevention

Although non-Hodgkin lymphoma cannot always be prevented, some measures may reduce the risks:

Avoid prolonged exposure to certain pesticides or chemical solvents
Strengthen your immune system through a healthy lifestyle
Monitor chronic infections (such as HIV or Epstein-Barr virus)
Seek medical advice promptly if lymph nodes are persistent or abnormal

Leukemia

🩺 Symptoms

Leukemia symptoms can vary depending on the type (acute or chronic), but often include:

Excessive fatigue
Frequent fever or repeated infections
Paleness and shortness of breath
Easy bleeding or bruising
Bone or joint pain
Swelling of lymph nodes or spleen
Loss of appetite and weight

💊 Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and stage of the leukemia:

Intensive chemotherapy (especially in cases of acute leukemia)
Radiation therapy in some cases
Targeted therapies (molecular inhibitors for certain chronic types)
Bone marrow or stem cell transplant
Supportive care with blood transfusions and antibiotics

📌 Summary

Definition: Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells, often white blood cells, that develops in the bone marrow and spreads to the bloodstream. It disrupts the normal production of blood cells.
Affected population: It can affect both children and adults, with specific forms associated with different age groups. Some types, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, are common in children, while chronic myeloid leukemia is more frequent in adults.
Common causes: Genetic factors, exposure to ionizing radiation, chemicals (such as benzene), previous cancer treatments, and genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome).

✅ Prevention

Leukemia does not always have identifiable causes, but certain behaviors can reduce the risk:

Avoid prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals (benzene, pesticides)
Limit unnecessary ionizing radiation
Avoid smoking
Strengthen the immune system through a healthy diet and regular physical activity
Get regular check-ups if there are family or occupational risk factors

Cervical cancer

🩺 Symptoms

Cervical cancer can develop slowly without symptoms at first. The most common signs are:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding (outside of menstruation or after menopause)
Unusual vaginal discharge, sometimes foul-smelling
Pain during sexual intercourse
Persistent pelvic pain
Fatigue or unexplained weight loss in advanced stages

💊 Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer:

Surgery (conization, partial or total hysterectomy)
Targeted radiotherapy
Chemotherapy, often combined with radiotherapy
Regular gynecological follow-up after treatment
Psychological support and palliative care in advanced cases

📌 Summary

Definition: Cervical cancer develops from the cells of the cervical mucosa. It is often caused by a persistent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
Affected population: Mainly women aged 30 to 50, especially in developing countries where screening is limited.
Common causes: Chronic infection with HPV (especially types 16 and 18), lack of regular screening (Pap smear), early sexual activity or multiple partners, smoking, immunosuppression (e.g., HIV), lack of HPV vaccination.

✅ Prevention

Prevention of cervical cancer mainly relies on:

Vaccination against HPV (human papillomavirus)
Regular screening with Pap smear starting at age 25
Responsible sexual hygiene (use of condoms, stable partners)
Avoiding tobacco which promotes cancer development
Prompt consultation in case of abnormal symptoms

Oral and throat cancer

🔴 Symptoms

Persistent sore in the mouth or throat that doesn’t heal
Pain or difficulty swallowing
Hoarseness or change in voice
Unexplained weight loss
White or red patches in the mouth
Lump in the neck or cheek
Numbness or pain in the mouth, tongue, or lips

💊 Treatment

Treatment depends on the cancer's location, size, and stage:

Surgery to remove the tumor and affected tissue
Radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells
Chemotherapy, often combined with radiation
Targeted therapies (e.g., cetuximab)
Speech therapy and reconstructive care for functional recovery
Psychological support and pain management in advanced cases

📌 Summary

Definition: Oral and throat cancer refers to malignant tumors that develop in the mouth, tongue, lips, tonsils, or throat (pharynx and larynx).
Affected population: Most common in adults over 50, especially men. Risk increases with tobacco and alcohol use.
Common causes: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, HPV infection (especially type 16), poor oral hygiene, prolonged sun exposure (for lip cancer), and a diet low in fruits and vegetables.

🛡️ Prevention

Avoid tobacco in all forms (smoking, chewing)
Limit alcohol consumption
Maintain good oral hygiene and have regular dental checkups
Use sunscreen lip balm to protect lips from UV exposure
Get vaccinated against HPV
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Consult a doctor if you notice persistent oral lesions

Oral and throat cancer

🔴 Symptoms

Persistent sore or ulcer in the mouth or throat that does not heal
Pain or difficulty when swallowing
Hoarseness or voice changes
Unexplained weight loss
White or red patches in the mouth
Lump in the neck or cheek
Numbness or pain in the tongue, lips, or mouth

💊 Treatment

Treatment depends on the location, size, and stage of the cancer:

Surgery to remove the tumor and affected tissues
Radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells
Chemotherapy, often combined with radiation therapy
Targeted therapies (e.g., cetuximab)
Speech therapy and reconstructive surgery for function recovery
Psychological support and palliative care for advanced cases

📌 Summary

Definition: Oral and throat cancer refers to malignant tumors that develop in the oral cavity, lips, tongue, tonsils, or throat (pharynx and larynx).
Affected population: Mostly adults over 50 years old, predominantly male. Risk increases with tobacco and alcohol use.
Common causes: Tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic infection with human papillomavirus (HPV type 16), poor oral hygiene, prolonged sun exposure (for lip cancer), low intake of fruits and vegetables.

🛡️ Prevention

Avoid tobacco in all forms (smoking, chewing, etc.)
Limit alcohol consumption
Maintain good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly
Use lip balm with sun protection for UV exposure
Get vaccinated against HPV
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Consult a doctor for any persistent mouth lesions