Top 10 Most Common Cancers You Should Be Aware Of

The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system. Each woman has two ovaries, located in the pelvic region and roughly the size of an almond. The ovaries are responsible for producing eggs for fertilization and secreting female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play a significant role in body development and are closely related to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Ovarian cancer occurs when malignant tumors form in one or both ovaries due to the abnormal growth of cells inside them. If left untreated, cancer cells invade surrounding tissues and organs, disrupting hormone production, egg cell production, and the ability to conceive. In advanced stages, cancer cells spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, forming new tumors in other parts of the body. Causes include genetics, infertility, and delayed childbirth, and it can affect women of all ages, particularly those going through menopause. Symptoms often include bloating, constipation, frequent urination, abdominal enlargement, and weight gain. Many patients mistake these signs for digestive or urinary issues, or problems related to aging, and may not consider cancer as a possibility.

Cervical cancer is a common disease in women. It progresses slowly and in the early stages, there are often no noticeable symptoms. Cervical cancer is one of the leading cancers among women globally, but it can be cured if detected early. Unfortunately, many women are unaware they have it because it doesn't show obvious signs. The cervix is covered by a thin layer of tissue made up of cells. Cervical cancer occurs when the cells in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor in the cervix.

Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many types of HPV, some of which are high-risk and can lead to cancers such as anal, cervical, vulvar, penile, and head and neck cancers. Other HPV types can cause genital warts. Other contributing factors include genetics, long-term contraceptive use, smoking, early sexual activity, and especially stress, which increases the risk of the disease.

Cervical cancer often develops quietly over several years. During this time, cervical cells undergo abnormal changes due to changes in the vaginal environment or HPV infection. These cell changes before cancer occurs are called dysplasia or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). The first sign of cervical cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods, heavier or longer periods, or bleeding after or during intercourse. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include pelvic pain, abnormal urination, and swollen legs. If the cancer has spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes, the tumors may affect their function, such as pressing on the bladder or blocking veins.

Stomach cancer is a highly dangerous disease in the digestive system. It occurs when the cells in the stomach begin to grow abnormally and uncontrollably, forming tumors. In severe stages, the cancerous tumors can spread to surrounding areas and metastasize to distant organs, causing severe health complications and potentially death. Stomach cancer can develop in any part of the stomach, often affecting the esophagus, lungs, lymph nodes, and liver. Globally, stomach cancer causes over 800,000 deaths annually. It is one of the most common cancers of the digestive system and ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related death for both men and women. This disease is particularly prevalent in Southeast Asia, with Vietnam having one of the highest rates of stomach cancer and related fatalities in the region. In Vietnam, patients often discover the cancer at advanced stages, making survival rates lower.

Helicobacter pylori infection is the leading cause of most stomach cancers, while autoimmune gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and genetic factors also increase the risk of developing the disease. While diet alone is not considered a direct cause, eating oily, grilled, fried foods, and drinking alcohol, as well as smoking, can increase the risk. Additionally, excessive salt intake doubles the likelihood of stomach cancer. In the early stages of stomach cancer, there may be no symptoms or only vague signs, making early detection difficult. Most cases are discovered when the cancer has already spread to other organs, often during routine health checks or periodic exams. Stomach cancer tends to develop quietly over years, so early-stage symptoms are often non-specific, leading to misdiagnosis with other digestive issues. By the time symptoms become noticeable, the cancer is usually in its advanced stages.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of death among women in many industrialized nations. According to the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 1998, breast cancer accounted for 21% of all cancers in women globally. The IARC also reported that the age-standardized incidence rate of breast cancer in women was 92.04 per 100,000 in Europe and 67.48 per 100,000 globally in 1998, both being the highest among all cancers in women. Breast cancer is becoming increasingly common in developing countries. In Vietnam, breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in Hanoi, with an age-standardized incidence rate of 20.3 per 100,000 people, and the second-highest in Ho Chi Minh City, following cervical cancer. This is a complex disease, and over the years, significant research has been done on its causes, pathogenesis, and treatment. It is important to note that early detection of breast cancer through screening in healthy women has significantly improved the disease's prognosis and altered its natural history.

The exact causes of breast cancer remain unclear. However, doctors know that it occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow abnormally. These cells divide more rapidly than normal cells and accumulate, forming tumors. These cells may spread (metastasize) from the breast to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Breast cancer often begins in the cells of the milk ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma). The reasons why breast cancer develops in some individuals without known risk factors, while others with risk factors do not develop the disease, remain uncertain. It is likely that breast cancer results from a complex interaction between genetic structure and environmental factors, including early menstruation, late menopause, living in a polluted environment, and exposure to harmful chemicals and dust. In its early stages, breast cancer often causes no pain and may have no symptoms at all. Around 10% of patients may not experience pain, feel a lump, or notice any other signs. However, as the tumor grows, symptoms may include breast swelling, skin irritation in the breast or armpit area, the appearance of a firm lump, changes in breast size or shape, changes in the color or texture of the nipple or areola, such as wrinkling or scaling, nipple discharge, especially if it is bloody, retraction of the nipple, or the presence of enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit, as well as pain or abnormal breast shape.

Colon cancer is one of the most dangerous and deadly cancers. It is characterized by the growth of abnormal tumors in the final segments of the colon. If the cancer spreads to the rectum, it becomes rectal cancer. Colon cancer develops in the large intestine, also known as the colon, which is the last part of the digestive tract and measures about 1.5 meters in length. Most cases of colon cancer originate from benign polyps, small growths in the cells of the colon that, due to chronic inflammation and dysfunction of the colon, become malignant and develop into colon cancer. Rectal cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the cells responsible for producing mucus and other fluids. This disease is very dangerous, second only to stomach cancer, and is more common in men than women.

Most cases of colon cancer are related to lifestyle factors and age, with only a few cases linked to genetic disorders. Risk factors include diet, obesity, smoking, and lack of physical activity. Certain dietary factors increase the risk, including consumption of red meat, processed meats, and alcohol. Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are also risk factors. Symptoms of colorectal cancer depend on the tumor's location in the intestine and whether it has spread to other parts of the body (metastasized). Early warning signs include constipation, smaller stools, rectal bleeding, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and nausea or vomiting, especially in individuals over 50 years old. Early-stage cancer often causes no pain. While rectal bleeding or anemia is a high-risk sign for those over 50, other symptoms such as weight loss and changes in bowel habits are usually associated with bleeding, constipation, or small stools.

The thyroid is the largest endocrine gland in the body, responsible for secreting thyroid hormones like thyroxine, triiodothyronine, and calcitonin from the parafollicular cells. Located at the front of the neck, the thyroid consists of two lobes connected by an isthmus.

Thyroid cancer occurs when thyroid cells grow abnormally. This is the most common type of malignancy among endocrine cancers. Thyroid cancer has a favorable prognosis and can often be cured if detected early. A tumor in the thyroid can lead to symptoms such as pain, difficulty swallowing, trouble breathing, and persistent coughing. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are critical for a successful recovery.

Like many cancers, thyroid cancer typically doesn't show symptoms in its early stages. It is often discovered during routine health check-ups or when investigating other thyroid-related conditions. Some signs that may indicate thyroid problems include:

• A visible lump or swelling in the neck: The tumor may be felt or seen, is firm, has clear borders, and moves when swallowing.
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck: These are often small, soft, mobile, and located near the tumor.

In more advanced stages, symptoms may include:

• Unexplained weight loss.
• A large, firm tumor that moves with swallowing.
• If the tumor presses on the surrounding area, it may cause hoarseness, difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, or a feeling of obstruction in the throat.
• Visible neck lymph nodes.
• The skin over the neck may become discolored or develop open sores that bleed.

Nasopharyngeal cancer refers to cancers of the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat, behind the nose), oropharynx (the middle part of the throat), and hypopharynx (the lower part of the throat). This cancer is common in the category of 'head and neck cancers'. The pharynx is a hollow tube approximately 10 cm long, beginning at the back of the nose and extending to the top of the esophagus.

In the early stages of nasopharyngeal cancer, symptoms may be minimal or absent. However, as the cancer progresses locally or enters advanced stages, common symptoms include:

• Pain or bleeding in the mouth
• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Persistent cough or coughing up blood
• Ear pain, reduced hearing, or ringing in the ears
• Stuffy nose, prolonged nosebleeds
• Blurred vision, double vision, or squinting
• Swelling or lumps in the neck

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a highly dangerous disease. Its symptoms can easily be mistaken for other respiratory conditions, which often leads to delays in diagnosis. By the time it is discovered, the cancer is frequently in its late stages, making treatment more challenging. In Vietnam, nasopharyngeal cancer accounts for 12% of all cancers, which is relatively high compared to other types. A significant number of patients—up to 70%—are diagnosed at late stages, which complicates treatment efforts. This form of cancer is more common in men and has been one of the most prevalent cancers in recent years in Vietnam.

Lung cancer is a common and increasingly prevalent form of cancer. Recently, it has been appearing more frequently in younger individuals, particularly men. Lung cancer originates in the lung tissues, typically in the cells of the airways. There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although the exact cause of lung cancer remains unclear, several factors are known to increase the risk. Statistically, 85% of lung cancer cases are related to smoking. The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the lung cells, and over time, these damaged cells may turn cancerous. This is why smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars can lead to lung cancer. Inhalation of secondhand smoke can also cause lung cancer in non-smokers.

Lung cancer in its early stages often does not cause noticeable symptoms. As the cancer progresses, common symptoms may include: A persistent or worsening cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain that doesn't go away, coughing up blood, hoarseness, frequent respiratory infections like pneumonia, chronic fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms may not necessarily indicate cancer, as other conditions can cause similar issues. However, anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult a doctor as soon as possible for early diagnosis and treatment.

The liver is the body's primary detoxifying organ, and it plays a crucial role in food metabolism and storing energy in various forms. Damage to the liver can significantly impair its function, with liver cancer being one of the most dangerous and common outcomes. Liver cancer ranks as the sixth most prevalent cancer worldwide, with over 782,000 new diagnoses each year. According to the 2018 GLOBOCAN report, approximately 841,000 new cases of liver cancer are diagnosed annually, and 781,000 people die from it. In Vietnam, liver cancer had the highest incidence rate in 2018, with 25,335 new cases, and the mortality rate closely mirrors the number of cases. Liver cancer remains a daunting concern due to its poorer prognosis compared to other cancers, and it is especially on the rise in Vietnam.

Liver cancer can be classified into primary and secondary types. Secondary liver cancer occurs when cancer cells from other parts of the body spread to the liver, forming metastatic tumors. Primary liver cancer develops when normal liver cells become abnormal in both structure and function. These cancerous cells proliferate, damaging surrounding tissues, and can spread to other areas of the liver and beyond. Causes include chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, diabetes, obesity, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Symptoms: Early-stage liver cancer is often hard to detect. Most patients seek help when the disease has already advanced, complicating treatment. In its early stages, symptoms may resemble those of chronic hepatitis or progressive cirrhosis.

Esophageal cancer is a malignant tumor that originates from the epithelial cells of the esophagus. It includes two main types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma arises from the squamous cells in the esophagus and typically begins in the upper or middle part of the esophagus, while adenocarcinoma develops from glandular tissue in the lower esophagus. The primary risk factors include: smoking or tobacco use, which is a major cause of esophageal cancer; alcohol consumption, especially in combination with smoking, significantly increases the risk; esophageal conditions such as Barrett's esophagus, where long-term esophageal ulcers increase the risk of cancer; and conditions that cause esophageal tissue damage, such as ingesting acid or other harmful substances, which also elevate the cancer risk.

Additionally, patients with head, neck, or throat cancers are at a higher risk of developing secondary cancers in these regions, including esophageal cancer. In its early stages, esophageal cancer often shows no symptoms. However, as the tumor grows, symptoms may include painful swallowing, difficulty swallowing, significant weight loss, pain in the throat or back, behind the breastbone or between the shoulder blades, a burning sensation in the throat, persistent coughing, nausea, or even coughing up blood. These symptoms can be caused by esophageal cancer or other conditions. Therefore, in addition to clinical examination, further tests may include barium swallow X-rays, endoscopy, CT scans, bone scans, and PET/CT scans to assess the extent of the cancer's spread.