Cancer is the name of a collection of related diseases. There are different types of cancer, but in all forms of cancers some of the body’s cells begin to divide without stopping and spread into the surrounding tissues.

There are more than 100 types of cancer, the most common are breast cancer, prostate cancer, basal cell cancer, melanoma, colon cancer, lung cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, etc.

• Breast cancer which is a cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts.
• Prostate cancer which is a cancer in a man’s prostate that produces seminal fluid.
• Basal cell cancer which is a type of skin cancer that starts in the basal cells.
• Melanoma which is a serious type of skin cancer.
• Colon cancer which is the cancer of the colon/rectum that is located in the digestive tract’s lower end.
• Lung cancer which is a cancer that starts in the lungs and often occurs in people who smoke.
• Leukemia which is a cancer of blood forming tissues that hinders the body’s ability to fight infection.
• Lymphoma which is the cancer of the lymphatic system.

According to the national cancer institute, cancer can cause different types of symptoms which include:

• Skin changes such as a new mole, existing mole, a sore that does not heal
• Breast changes such as a change in size or shape of the breast or nipple and a change in texture of breast skin
• Thickening or lump on or under the skin
• Hoarseness or cough that doesn’t go away
• Changes in bowel habits
• Difficult or painful urination
• Problems with eating such as discomfort after eating, hard time swallowing, or changes in appetite
• Weight gain/weight loss with no known reason
• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained night sweats
• Unusual bleeding or discharge including blood in the urine, vaginal bleeding, or blood in the stool
• Feeling weak or very tired

These symptoms are most often not due to cancer and could be caused by other problems. If you have symptoms that last for a couple of weeks it is important to see your doctor so that you get a proper diagnosis and treatment as early as possible.