The lungs, the skin, the breasts, the prostate, the kidneys, the brain, the pancreas, and the bladder. These are only some of the body parts that can be affected by cancer. By definition, cancer is uncontrolled cell growth. The main causes of cancer are damages to DNA and various genes, which are usually the result of persistent smoking, eating an unhealthy diet, being exposed to sunshine and radiation. Although there are methods for treating cancer, such as surgery and chemotherapy, humanity has yet to discover a complete cure for cancer. Because cancer cells multiply and replicate uncontrollably, and there is no treatment, it is critical to recognize the presence of cancer as soon as feasible.

Many medical imaging techniques are used for cancer detection, including X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans. To be specific, X-rays are scans that allow us to see the bones and tissues of our bodies. It allows us to check if cancer has spread to one’s bones. CT scans enable us to see a more detailed picture of our organs as they portray cross-sections and can “take pictures” of our bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues. An MRI is another type of medical imaging that shows organs and tissues. Last but not least, a PET scan is also a method of disease tracking in which doctors would use specific tracers to visualize various bodily processes and systems.

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Moving on, when not treated in its early stages, cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body. This spreading of cancer is called metastasis. Normal cells have genes called the metastasis suppressor genes that act to slow or prevent metastases. However, in cancerous cells, these genes are lost. Thus, cancer will metastasize to other nearby organs. When spread to multiple body parts, the cancer cells would disrupt their functions, causing multiple organ failures and eventually leading to death. 

To learn more about cancer, Johns Hopkins University offers various courses such as “Introduction to the Biology of Cancer,” “Understanding Cancer Metastasis,” and “Understanding Prostate Cancer” via Coursera.  
 

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