How does cancer start in body… What are its different stages? Click here for details

The biggest challenge of cancer is that it shows very mild symptoms in the beginning, which people do not pay attention to, but if it is identified at the initial stage, the patient’s life can be saved.

New Delhi: Cancer is a disease that creates fear in the mind as soon as you hear about it. The reason is clear - this disease can gradually develop in any part of the body and can prove fatal if not treated in time.

The biggest challenge of cancer is that it shows very mild symptoms in the beginning, which people do not pay attention to, but if it is identified at the initial stage, the patient's life can be saved. This is the reason why doctors divide cancer into different stages (Stages of Cancer), so that the patient and his family can understand at what stage the disease is and how it should be treated.

Stage-1 of cancer
According to Dr. Tarang Krishna, cancer starts from this level. If we take the example of breast cancer, a small lump can form in the breast. At this time the size of the lump is often smaller than 2 centimeters.

• In this stage, the cancer is limited to its place and does not spread around.
• The patient often does not feel pain or any major symptoms.
• This is the time when cancer can be identified most easily through regular checkups or screening tests.
• If cancer is detected at this stage, the chances of treatment being successful are very high. This is why doctors recommend regular health checkups.

Stage 2 of cancer
In the second stage, the size of the cancer lump increases to more than 2 centimeters.

• It has now become a little more active, although it is still mainly limited to the same area.
• At this stage, the patient sometimes starts feeling a lump or swelling.
• In some cases, pain, fatigue or unusual changes may be felt.
• Cure is possible at this stage, but the challenge is greater than the first stage. Doctors often resort to surgery, radiation or medicines.

Stage 3 of cancer

• As the disease progresses, cancer spreads from its original location to the surrounding lymph nodes. This is called the third stage.
• Now cancer is not limited to just one lump but starts affecting other parts of the body as well.
• At this stage, the patient may feel the size of the lump to be bigger, and abnormal changes in the body become more evident.
• This stage is considered serious, and its treatment can be long and difficult.
• If treatment is not started in time, cancer can rapidly enter the fourth stage.

Stage 4 of cancer

• The fourth stage of cancer is the most fatal.
• In this stage, cancer spreads from its initial location to other important organs of the body, such as lungs, liver, bones or brain.
• When the disease reaches this stage, it becomes extremely difficult to control it.
• The main objective of treatment is to reduce the patient's suffering and prolong life as much as possible.
• The fourth stage is often called "Advanced Cancer" and is the most challenging stage.

Why is timely detection important?

The biggest truth about cancer is that if it is detected early, the patient's chances of survival are very high, but if it is delayed, treatment becomes both difficult and expensive. This is why:

Regular checkups should be done.

Any lump, abnormal swelling, prolonged cough or fatigue should not be taken lightly.

If someone in the family has had cancer, one should be even more cautious.