CANCER AWARENESS

Overview 



Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancer develops when the body’s normal control mechanism stops working. Old cells do not die and instead grow out of control, forming new, abnormal cells. These extra cells may form a mass of tissue, called a tumor. Some cancers, such as leukemia, do not form tumors. neoplasm and malignant tumor are other common names for cancer.


  • They can grow directly into the tissue surrounding the tumor;
  • Cells can travel through the bloodstream to distant locations; or
  • Cells can travel through the lymph system to nearby or distant lymph nodes

According to WHO, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths, or one in six deaths, in 2018. More than 70% of all cancer deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Deaths from cancer worldwide are projected to continue rising, with an estimated 11.5 million deaths in 2030
Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are the most common types of cancer in men, while breast, thyroid cancer, colorectal, lung, cervical and are the most common among women

Metastasis is a word used to describe the spread of cancer. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells have the ability to grow outside of the place in the body where they originated. When this happens, it is called metastatic cancer.

The most common sites for cancers to metastasize include the brain, bones, lungs and liver. Other places can include the adrenal gland, lymph nodes, skin and other organs Nearly all types of cancer have the ability to metastasize, but whether they do depends on a variety of individual factors. Metastases can occur in three ways:

Prevention




The burden of cancer can be reduced through early detection of cancer and management of

 patients who develop cancer. Prevention also offers the most cost-effective long-term

strategy for the control of cancer.


Avoiding the following key risk factors can help prevent cancer:

  • avoid tobacco use, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco
  • maintain a healthy weight
  • limit alcohol use
  • eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables
  • exercise regularly
  • get vaccinated against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • get regular medical care
  • reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation
  • prevent unnecessary ionizing radiation exposure (e.g. minimize occupational exposure,
          ensure safe and appropriate medical use of radiation in diagnosis and treatment)
  • avoid urban air pollution and indoor smoke from household use of solid fuels
  • some chronic infections are also risk factors for cancer. People in low- and middle-income    
         countries are more likely to develop cancer through chronic infections


How is cancer treated?



Cancer is more likely to respond to effective treatment when identified early. Treatment

options depend on the type of cancer and its stage of cancer. The goal of treatment is to kill

as many cancerous cells while reducing damage to normal cells nearby. Advances in

technology make this possible.

The three main treatments are: 

  • Radiation therapy: using X-rays to kill cancer cells
  • Chemotherapy: using chemicals to kill cancer cells
  • Surgery: directly removing the tumor

administered alone or in combination. A multidisciplinary team of cancer professionals must

 recommend the best possible treatment plan based on tumor type, cancer stage, clinical and other

 factors


How to manage the side effects

of Cancer Treatment

Treating cancer requires focusing on more than the disease alone; it must also address the pain, fatigue, depression and other side effects that comes with it.





Supportive care services include:

  • Oncology rehabilitation to rebuild strength and overcome some of the physical effects of
          treatment
  • Nutrition therapy to help prevent malnutrition and reduce side effects
  • Mind-body medicine to improve emotional well-being through counseling, stress management
           techniques and support groups
  • Naturopathic support to use natural remedies to boost energy and reduce side effects





Comments