Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases where abnormal cells multiply at an uncontrollable rate, often destroying normal body tissue. Cancer can start in one part of the body, such as the lungs, brain, breasts, or colon, and then spread to other parts. It can form masses of tissue known as tumors, which when malignant can attack healthy tissue and form new tumors. This is known as metastasis. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide.

While many studies have failed to find a direct link between cancer and stress, some experts believe is possible that an indirect link exists. For example, when dealing with chronic stress, many people try to cope by turning to unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and drinking. These behaviors can then increase your risk of developing cancer. Whether or not stress directly causes cancer, you can protect your health by finding positive ways of managing stress.

Although the link isn’t well-established, some studies do show that lack of sleep may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer and breast cancer. One 2014 study by The Medical College of Wisconsin suggests it’s possible that lack of sleep leads to cellular level damage that increases the risk of cancer. People who already have cancer may also experience sleep difficulties due to the physical and psychological stress of both the disease and the cancer treatment.

Experts have identified over 100 types of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, the most common type of cancer is breast cancer, followed by prostate cancer and lung cancer. Other common types include colon cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, and liver cancer—all of which are named after the body parts they initially affect. Other types include melanoma, which develops in the skin, leukemia, which is cancer of the blood cells, and endometrial cancer, which begins in the uterus. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is another common cancer which starts in the lymphatic system.

There are many different types of cancer that can have many different causes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, there are certain factors that can increase your risk of cancer, such as aging and gene damage. While these risk factors aren’t within your control, others are. Preventable causes of cancer include tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke, which can lead to lung, throat, liver, or kidney cancer. Overexposure to the sun’s UV light can cause skin cancer, while heavy alcohol use can increase your risk of cancer in the liver, colon, and esophagus. Obesity, infectious diseases, and a sedentary lifestyle other potential causes of cancer that you may be able to avoid.