Malignant or cancerous tumors arise in one organ and later spread to closeby glands, tissue, and other organs. They can be life-threatening as they often overpower the healthy cells by growing aggressively and consuming their nutrients, space and blood. 

Benign are non-cancerous tumors that are localized and do not spread. If left untreated, they will keep growing and press on other body parts which leads to serious complications.

There are over 200 cancers classified into major types of cancer like carcinoma, sarcoma, melanoma, lymphoma, and leukaemia.

Breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, vulvar cancer and vaginal cancer are some of the cancers seen in women while lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, stomach cancer and liver cancer are some of the cancers that most often affect men. 

The most common types of cancer among children are leukaemias, neuroblastoma, lymphomas, kidney tumours, and malignant bone tumours.

The cancer symptoms are as follows. 

• Unexplained weight changes 
• Night sweats
• Persistent cough
• Tiredness and persistent pain
• Yellowing, darkening, or redness of the skin
• A lump or thickening of skin
• Fever that occurs mostly at night
• Difficulty in breathing and swallowing
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Constipation, diarrhea, and other bowel issues

Having any of the above symptom/s doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. If you notice any change in your body that lasts for over two weeks then you should see a doctor. If your doctor confirms the changes and suspects cancer, he/she may refer you to an oncologist.