Understanding Cancer: How Drugs Can Both Treat and Increase Risk

Cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in your body grow abnormally.

Usually, cells grow and divide in a controlled manner, but cancerous cells grow too quickly and can form lumps called tumors. Tumors may spread to other parts of your body through your blood and lymph systems, a process called metastasis.

Cancer can happen for different reasons, including genetics or being exposed to things like cigarette smoke or radiation. Finding and treating cancer early can provide the best chance of managing the disease effectively.

Types of Cancer

Cancer comes in over 200 different forms, usually named after the body part where it starts. For example, lung cancer begins in the lungs, while brain cancer starts in the brain. Cancers can also be grouped based on the kind of cell they come from.

The National Cancer Institute estimates there will be 2,001,140 new cancer cases in the United States in 2024 and that 611,720 people will die from cancer.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, it accounts for about 30% of all cancers diagnosed in women each year.

This cancer usually starts when cells in the breast start growing out of control, forming a lump or tumor. Breast cancers generally begin in the milk ducts or the glands that produce milk.

“As a breast reconstruction specialist, I see how early detection through regular screenings and risk awareness save lives,” Dr. Mark Anton, founder of OC Breast Surgery in Southern California, told Drugwatch. “Annual mammograms after age 40 and maintenance of a healthy weight reduce cancer risks.”

While it’s more common in women, men can also get breast cancer. Not all lumps are cancerous, but it’s essential to have a doctor check for any changes in your breast.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer starts in the prostate, a small gland that helps make semen. Most prostate cancers grow slowly, but some can spread quickly.

It is one of the most common cancers in people with prostates, especially as they get older. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be over 299,000 new cases of prostate cancer and 35,250 deaths from it in 2024.

People over the age of 65 are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and the risk is higher for African Americans. Treatments have improved survival rates over the years.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer starts in the lungs, which are vital for breathing. There are two main types: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which makes up 80-85% of cases, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), accounting for 10-15%.

NSCLC includes subtypes like adenocarcinoma, which is the most common type and can affect non-smokers. SCLC is more aggressive but generally responds well to chemo and radiation therapy.

Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the United States, but it’s the top cause of cancer-related deaths. Lung cancer accounts for roughly 1 out of every 5 cancer deaths. For 2024, The American Cancer Society estimated around 234,580 new lung cancer cases and that about 125,070 people would die from the disease.

Most of these cases are found in people aged 65 or older. While smoking remains a major risk factor for lung cancer, the number of cases is going down. This is thanks to fewer people smoking and improvements in early detection and treatment options.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer usually starts in the colon or rectum, which are both parts of the large intestine. It often begins as small, noncancerous growths called polyps, which can become cancerous over time.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. The risk of getting it increases as you age, and finding it early through screening can help you survive longer. While new cases have decreased, more younger people are getting diagnosed. The reason for the rise of colorectal cancer cases in young people is unclear, as several factors, such as genetics and diet, can contribute to the disease.

Excluding skin cancer, the third most common kind of cancer in the United States is colorectal cancer, as reported by the American Cancer Society. It’s estimated that over 106,500 new cases will be found in 2024.

Melanoma

Melanoma is a dangerous skin cancer that begins in the cells that give your skin its color. Even though it only makes up 1% of skin cancers, it is one of the deadliest cancers because it can spread fast.

Melanomas can appear anywhere on your skin. However, for people with lighter skin colors, melanomas often begin on women’s legs and on men’s chests and backs.

The American Cancer Society estimates there will be over 100,000 new melanoma cases and 8,290 melanoma deaths in the United States in 2024.

Certain medications may increase the risk of cancer due to potentially harmful ingredients. Research has shown that some common prescription and over-the-counter drugs are associated with an increased risk of cancer.

Some medicines may contain nitrosamines, which are chemicals that can form during the manufacturing process and have been linked to cancer. The FDA limits the amount of nitrosamines allowed in medications to reduce these carcinogen contamination risks.

Chemotherapy is a critical part of cancer treatment. This treatment targets harmful cells by interrupting their growth cycle. Chemotherapy works in various ways, depending on which stage of the cell cycle the treatment targets. Different chemotherapy drugs are available depending on your type of cancer.

These drugs may be used alone or with other medications or treatments. According to the American Cancer Society, they differ in terms of composition, prescription, effectiveness and side effects.

Cancer treatment includes surgery, radiation and other therapies with the intent to cure, shrink or stop cancer from spreading. Your treatment plan depends on the type of cancer you have and your individual situation.

“Patients deserve support navigating treatment options and the anxiety that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis,” Anton said. “Multidisciplinary care teams, patient advocates and community resources are vital to ensuring the best outcomes possible for each individual.”

Surgery

Surgery is a common way to treat cancer, especially when the cancer is only in one part of your body. The main goal of surgery is to remove the tumor. Sometimes, surgery can completely cure your cancer.

Even if it can’t cure the cancer on its own, surgery can make cancer easier to treat with chemotherapy or radiation. Surgery can also help patients with advanced cancer feel better, even if it’s not curative. How well surgery works depends on the kind of cancer, where it is in your body and how far along it is.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses powerful beams, like X-rays, to target and kill cancer cells. These beams may be directed at the cancer from outside the body using a machine or from inside the body by placing radioactive material near the tumor.

The goal is to damage the cancer cells’ DNA so they can’t grow or multiply. It is precise and aims to minimize harm to healthy cells.

Doctors use radiation therapy by itself or together with other treatments like surgery or chemotherapy. It can also help reduce symptoms in advanced cases.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight against cancer. It can help your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment that uses medications to attack cancer cells without harming healthy cells in your body. These medications target the unique characteristics of cancer cells and stop their growth, making them an integral part of personalized cancer care.

Palliative and Supportive Care

Palliative care for cancer focuses on helping you feel as good as possible. It’s about treating the disease while managing pain, stress and other symptoms.

This type of care is provided from the time you are diagnosed with cancer through your treatment and beyond. The goal is to address physical discomfort and support your emotions, relationships and spiritual well-being.

Your care team may include palliative care doctors and nurses, social workers, patient advocates, dietitians and, if desired, spiritual leaders such as chaplains. They will help you and your family deal with your challenges. The goal is to help you comfortably live as long as you can.

Even though treatments like chemotherapy and radiation help fight cancer, they can lead to unwanted side effects that can affect how you feel. Managing the side effects of cancer treatment is essential.

Tell your medical team about your side effects so they can help you feel better and get the most out of your treatment.

Addressing side effects quickly can make a big difference in your overall well-being. Stay proactive, ask questions and explore your options to manage your symptoms.

Understanding cancer risk involves examining factors that contribute to its development. Lifestyle choices, environmental exposures and genetic predispositions can increase your cancer risk.

Lifestyle Risks

According to the American Association for Cancer Research, nearly 20% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States are related to alcohol use, unhealthy diets, excess weight and a lack of physical activity.

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of cancer, responsible for nearly 20% of all cases. It’s not just lung cancer; tobacco use is linked to at least 17 different cancers.

Following a healthy diet, staying active and avoiding smoking can lower your risk significantly.

Environmental Risks

Environmental factors can significantly impact cancer risk. Things like pollution, chemicals and sunlight can make you more likely to get certain types of cancer.

People who live in places with lots of pollution or work dangerous jobs are at higher risk. For example, firefighters are at greater risk of developing cancer due to their increased exposure to carcinogens, such as firefighting foam that contains aqueous film-forming foam.

Several consumer products, industrial products and occupations may also increase one’s exposure risk for different kinds of cancer.

You may consider hiring a professional to test your home for radon or asbestos. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can leak into your home from the soil or well water.

Asbestos may be present in building materials such as certain types of insulation, vinyl floor tiles, paint and roof shingles. Asbestos is more likely to be found in older homes.

Genetic Predispositions

Some people are genetically predisposed to cancer, meaning they inherit changes in their DNA that raise their risk. These changes, or mutations, can be passed from parents to children.

A hereditary cancer syndrome happens when a family has a greater chance of developing certain cancers due to these inherited mutations. For example, mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes might increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

Having a genetic mutation doesn’t guarantee someone will get cancer, but it does raise their risk. Genetic testing may help identify these risks and guide doctors in monitoring or treating the condition.

Early detection of cancer is crucial for effective treatment. Recognizing symptoms and seeking timely medical evaluation can increase your chances of surviving and improve your treatment outcomes.

“If caught early, most cancers are highly curable,” Ben Greulich, a cancer researcher and professor at Mercer University in Georgia, told Drugwatch. “The real threat comes with time — the tumor will grow, but the cancer cells will also begin to become more migratory.”

Recognizing Symptoms of Cancer

Cancer symptoms can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer. With over 200 types of cancer, each can present differently.

Some common symptoms include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss and skin changes like new or altered moles. You might also experience changes in bowel or bladder habits, ongoing pain or unusual bleeding.

Symptoms may range from subtle to severe and can uniquely affect different organs.

When To Seek Medical Attention

Seek medical help if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, like unexplained fatigue, weight changes or pain. Also, consult a doctor if you notice new lumps, skin changes or unusual bleeding.

If you’re worried about your cancer risk but have no symptoms, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider and ask about appropriate cancer screenings.

Editor Lindsay Donaldson contributed to this article.