Understanding Cancer
DEFINITION OF CANCERS
- Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.
- Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body, which is made up of trillions of cells. Normally, human cells grow and multiply (through a process called cell division) to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old or become damaged, they die, and new cells take their place(Apoptosis).
- Sometimes this orderly process breaks down, and abnormal or damaged cells grow and multiply when they shouldn’t. These cells may form tumors, which are aggregates of these cells. Tumors can be cancerous or not cancerous.
Types of Cancer :
There are more than 100 types of cancer. Types of cancer are usually named for the organs or tissues where the cancers form. For example, lung cancer starts in the lung, and brain cancer starts in the brain.
Blood Cancers
- Leukemias
- Lymphomas
- Myeloma
Solid Cancers
- Carcinomas
- Melanoma
- Sarcoma
- Neuroendocrine Tumors
OTHER KNOWN CAUSES OF CANCERS:
Lung cancers are often detected after they have metastasized to other parts of the body.
Symptoms at presentation can vary and depend upon:
1-Viruses:
- Hepatitis B & C
- Human Papilloma Virus
- Epstein Barr Virus
2 – Ionizing Radiation; UV Radiation
3 – Chemical Carcinogens
4 – Alcohol
5 – Dietary Fat; Obesity
6 – Genetic Syndromes
CANCER PREVENTION :
Cancer Prevention is action taken to lower the chance of getting cancer:
1.Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with dietary changes and regular physical activity.
2.Stop Smoking and tobacco consumption.
3.Vaccinations- Hep B, HPV
4.Cutting down alcohol consumption.
5. Healthy weight maintenance.
6.Sun Protective measures.
WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
- Usually site specific symptoms.
- General: Increased Fatigue; Unexplained weight loss; Low grade fever.
- Mouth and Pharynx Ca: A non healing ulcer; reduced mouth opening; difficulty in speech or swallowing;
- Breast Ca: Lump or firm feeling in your breast or under your arm ; Nipple changes or discharge ;Skin that is itchy, red, scaly, dimpled, or puckered.
- Skin Ca: A flesh-colored lump that bleeds or turns scaly; A new mole or a change in an existing mole; A sore that does not heal.