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
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:
The burden of cancer can be reduced through early detection of cancer and management ofpatients 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,
- 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
How is cancer treated?
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
- Nutrition therapy to help prevent malnutrition and reduce side effects
- Mind-body medicine to improve emotional well-being through counseling, stress management
- Naturopathic support to use natural remedies to boost energy and reduce side effects
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