Cancer is one of the most feared diseases in the world—not only because it affects millions of people every year, but also because many still do not fully understand what it truly is. There are countless myths, misunderstandings, and misconceptions about cancer, tumours, and how these conditions spread inside the body.
To help patients and families understand cancer from a scientific yet simple perspective, renowned Uro-Oncologist Dr. Rahul Jena explains the fundamentals of cancer in his insightful YouTube video:
👉 https://youtu.be/Oov6QzQm4e0?si=vde5-NKIjPsWiJ9C
This blog explores cancer in detail—its meaning, how it begins, how it spreads, how it is diagnosed, and why early detection is the biggest key to survival.
Understanding Cancer: What Exactly Is It?
Our body is made of trillions of cells. These cells have a proper “life cycle”—they grow, divide, and die at the right time.
This controlled process is essential for healing injuries, replacing old cells, and maintaining healthy tissues.
But cancer begins when a group of cells stops obeying the body’s rules.
Cancer cells have four major abnormal behaviors:
They grow uncontrollably
Unlike normal cells, cancer cells keep dividing without stopping.They do not die when they should
Instead of undergoing programmed cell death (apoptosis), they remain alive.They invade surrounding tissues
Cancer cells aggressively push into nearby organs and tissues.They spread to distant organs
Through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, they travel to other parts of the body.
This process is called metastasis, the hallmark of cancer.
These abnormal behaviours completely change the way the body functions, making cancer a life-threatening condition.
How Do Cancer Cells Form?
Cancer does not appear overnight. It develops gradually over time due to genetic mutations.
These mutations can be caused by:
1. Internal Factors (Inside the Body)
Inherited genetic mutations
Hormonal influences
Immune system disorders
Age-related DNA damage
2. External Factors (Outside the Body)
Tobacco and smoking
Alcohol
UV radiation
Harmful chemicals
Pollution
Viral infections
Unhealthy lifestyle habits
When multiple mutations accumulate inside a cell, it loses control and transforms into a cancer cell.
Tumour vs Cancer: Are They the Same? NO!
This is one of the biggest misconceptions among patients.
A tumour simply means abnormal cell growth.
But a tumour can be:
1. Benign Tumour (Non-Cancerous)
A benign tumour is not cancer.
Characteristics:
Slow-growing
Does NOT spread to other organs
Well-defined borders
Can often be removed completely by surgery
Usually not life-threatening
Examples:
Lipoma (fat lump)
Fibroids
Adenomas
2. Malignant Tumour (Cancer)
This is the dangerous type.
Characteristics:
Rapid growth
Invades nearby organs
Has no clear boundary
Can spread to distant parts of the body
Life-threatening if untreated
The ability to spread (metastasize) is what makes a cancer truly “cancer.”
This is exactly what Dr. Rahul Jena explains in his video.
How Does Cancer Spread? (Metastasis Explained)
Cancer spreads in three ways:
1. Direct Spread
Cancer grows into nearby organs (example: kidney cancer spreading into adrenal gland).
2. Lymphatic Spread
Cancer travels through lymph nodes to other parts of the body.
3. Bloodstream Spread
Cancer enters the bloodstream and reaches distant organs like:
Lungs
Liver
Bones
Brain
When cancer spreads, treatment becomes more complex.
This is why early detection is critically important.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Cancer?
Detecting cancer is a systematic process. Dr. Rahul Jena highlights several essential steps:
1. Clinical Examination
A doctor physically examines:
Lumps
Swelling
Organ enlargement
Pain
Abnormal changes
Clinical suspicion is the first step.
2. Imaging Tests
These tests help “see” inside the body:
Ultrasound
Useful for detecting early lumps or abnormalities.
CT Scan
Provides detailed images of organs to locate tumours.
MRI
Ideal for soft tissue cancers.
PET Scan
Shows active cancer cells throughout the body.
Imaging helps in understanding the:
Size of tumour
Spread
Stage of cancer
3. Biopsy – The Gold Standard
No matter what imaging shows, cancer is confirmed ONLY through biopsy.
A small tissue sample is taken from the tumour and examined under a microscope.
Biopsy reveals:
Cell type
Cancer grade
Aggressiveness
Confirmed diagnosis
No cancer diagnosis is complete without biopsy.
4. Blood Tests
Blood tests help detect:
Cancer markers
Organ damage
Abnormal cell growth
Although blood tests alone cannot confirm cancer, they support the investigation.
Early Warning Signs of Cancer
Most cancers do not show symptoms in early stages.
But patients should pay attention to these signs:
Common Symptoms:
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent fatigue
Lumps in any body part
Non-healing wounds
Persistent cough
Blood in urine or stool
Difficulty in swallowing
Sudden changes in bathroom habits
Urological Symptoms (Kidney, Prostate, Bladder Cancers):
Blood in urine
Lower back pain
Frequent urination
Difficulty urinating
Pelvic pain
If these symptoms persist, immediate consultation is essential.
Why Early Detection Saves Lives
Dr. Rahul Jena emphasizes this point strongly:
✔ Early-stage cancers are often treatable
✔ Survival rates are high
✔ Treatment is simpler
✔ Complications are fewer
In advanced stages, cancer becomes more aggressive, spreads faster, and requires more complex treatment.
Regular screenings and early evaluation of symptoms can save lives.
Message from Dr. Rahul Jena
From his video explanation, Dr. Jena offers clear guidance:
“Not all tumours are cancerous—don’t panic unnecessarily.”
“Biopsy is the most accurate tool to confirm cancer.”
“Cancer’s real identity is uncontrolled growth, invasion, and metastasis.”
“When in doubt, always get checked early.”
As a leading Uro-Oncologist, Dr. Jena encourages patients to trust scientific diagnosis and avoid fear-based assumptions.
Conclusion
Cancer is complex, but understanding it is the first step toward prevention and proper treatment.
The more we learn about how cancer forms and spreads, the better we can fight it.
If you notice any unusual symptoms, lumps, or changes in your health—never ignore them.
Early consultation with a specialist like Dr. Rahul Jena can make all the difference.