Kancer

Kancer is the term used in several languages to refer to cancer, a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. While the spelling kancer may appear in Indonesian (kanker) or Malay (kanser/kanser), the underlying disease is the same condition described in medical literature as cancer. In its broadest sense, kancer can arise in nearly any tissue and can spread to distant sites through the blood or lymphatic system.

Most cancers are named by the tissue of origin, for example carcinoma (epithelial tissue), sarcoma (connective tissue), leukemia (blood-forming tissues), lymphoma and myeloma (immune system-related). Many cancers are driven by genetic mutations that accumulate over time. Risk factors include tobacco use, certain infections, ultraviolet radiation, alcohol, obesity, aging, and family history. Some inherited syndromes increase risk for multiple cancer types.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of imaging, laboratory tests, and tissue biopsy with histopathological examination. Staging, using systems such as TNM (tumor, node, metastasis), helps guide treatment decisions. Treatments vary by type and stage and may include surgery to remove tumors, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies that attack specific molecular changes, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy in some cancers. Palliative care focuses on symptom relief and quality of life.

Prognosis depends on the cancer type and stage at diagnosis, with early-stage cancers often having better outcomes. Global cancer research seeks to improve prevention, early detection, and new treatments. The term 'kancer' as used in non-English contexts mirrors the same medical concept and underscores the cross-cultural nature of disease terminology.