Krabbameina

Krabbameina is a term used in Icelandic to refer to cancers, diseases characterized by abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth with the potential to invade nearby tissues and to spread to distant sites. Cancer arises when genetic and epigenetic changes disrupt normal cell-cycle controls, allowing cells to proliferate despite signals to stop and to evade cell death.

Most krabbameina result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors, including tobacco use, excessive alcohol, unhealthy diet, obesity, physical inactivity, certain infections (such as HPV and hepatitis B and C), UV radiation, and occupational exposures. Age is a major risk factor; incidence generally increases with age. Some cancers have strong hereditary components, while others are largely sporadic.

Common cancer types include carcinomas, sarcomas, leukemias, lymphomas, and brain tumors. Globally, the most frequently diagnosed cancers are breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, liver and stomach cancers, with regional variation.

Diagnosis typically involves screening programs when appropriate (for example, mammography, colonoscopy, Pap/HPV testing), followed by imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET) and confirmation by biopsy. Staging assesses tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis (often using the TNM system).

Treatment is individualized and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy. Palliative care may be important for advanced disease to relieve symptoms and maintain quality of life.

Prevention focuses on risk reduction and early detection: tobacco control, vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B, healthy weight, physical activity, balanced diet, limited alcohol, sun protection, and adherence to screening programs. Ongoing research aims to improve prevention, detection, and treatment, and outcomes vary by cancer type and region.