kankers

Kankers is the Dutch term for cancer, referring to malignant neoplasms arising from the uncontrolled growth of cells with the potential to invade surrounding tissue and to metastasize to distant sites. The category encompasses many diseases with varying behavior and prognosis. In medical usage, cancers are commonly grouped by tissue of origin into carcinomas (epithelial), sarcomas (connective tissue), leukemias (blood and bone marrow), lymphomas (lymphatic system), gliomas (nervous system), and germ cell tumors, among others.

Causes and risk factors: Most cancers result from genetic mutations that accumulate over time and are influenced by inherited predispositions and environmental exposures. Risk factors include tobacco use, unhealthy diet, obesity, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol, infections (for example HPV, HBV/HCV), ultraviolet radiation, and certain chemicals. Age is a major risk factor.

Diagnosis and staging: Detection relies on screening and clinical evaluation, followed by biopsy with histopathology. Imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound, PET) and laboratory tests support staging, which uses systems such as the TNM classification to describe tumor extent, nodal involvement, and metastasis.

Treatment: Management is individualized and may combine surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, hormonal therapy, and supportive care. Early-stage cancers are more likely to be curable; advanced cancers may require palliative approaches.

Epidemiology and prevention: Cancers are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Prevention emphasizes risk reduction, vaccination against oncogenic infections, and participation in age- and organ-appropriate screening programs.