Posted By : Dr. Tushar V Patil - DM (Onco), MD (Medicine),MBBS
Posted On : Aug 28, 2011 (Views : 2827)
View Profile ContactThe word CANCER immediately brings to mind a sense of doom and invokes great fear in the minds of common people.
This is largely because of very little understanding about various aspects of cancer, its causes, origin, patterns of growth and the outcomes of various kinds of cancers.
Fpr example, a blood cancer (ALL) occurring in a child is curable in almost 80-90% whereas widespread carcinoma lung occurring in an elderly person has a dismal outcome
So, with this background, let us take a brief look at cancer in general
What Is Cancer?
CANCER is a condition which occurs when normal cells mutate into abnormal cells that take over normal tissue, eventually harming and destroying the host
It is characterized by:
– Uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells
– Proliferation (rapid reproduction by cell division)
– Metastasis (spread of cancer cells from one organ or part to another not directly connected)
Cancer cell characteristics:
Undifferentiated
Erratic and Uncontrolled Growth
Expansive and Invasive
Secretes abnormal proteins
Metastasizes i.e. spreads to distant places
CAUSATIVE FACTORS
• Physical stressors
• Chemical carcinogens
• Viruses
• Hormonal factors
• Genetic factors
Etiology of cancer
1. PHYSICAL AGENTS
Radiation
Exposure to irritants
Exposure to sunlight
2. CHEMICAL AGENTS
Smoking
Industrial chemicals- benzene
3. Genetics and Family History
Colon Cancer
Premenopausal breast cancer
4. Dietary Habits
Low-Fiber
High-fat
Processed foods
alcohol
5. Viruses and Bacteria
DNA viruses- Hepatitis B, Herpes, EBV, CMV, Papilloma Virus
RNA Viruses- HIV, HTCLV
Bacterium- H. pylori
Warning Signs of Cancer
Change in bowel or bladder habits
A sore that does not heal
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Thickenings or lumps
Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
Obvious change in a wart or mole
Nagging or persistent cough or hoarseness
Unexplained anemia
Sudden unexplained weight loss
1. Change in bowel or bladder habits
A person with colon cancer may have diarrhea or constipation, or he may notice that the stool has become smaller in diameter
He may also note either black coloured stools or fresh blood passage with stools
2. A sore that does not heal
Small, scaly patches on the skin that bleed or do not heal may be a sign of skin cancer
A sore in the mouth that does not heal can indicate oral cancer
3. Unusual bleeding or discharge
Blood in the stool is often the first sign of colon cancer
Similarly, blood in the urine is usually the first sign of bladder or kidney cancer
Postmenopausal bleeding (bleeding after menopause) may be a sign of uterine cancer
4. Thickenings or lumps
Enlargement of the lymph nodes or glands (such as the thyroid gland) can be an early sign of cancer
Breast and testicular cancers may also present as a lump
• Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
– Cancers of the digestive system, including those of the esophagus, stomach, and pancreas, may cause indigestion, heartburn, or difficulty swallowing
• Obvious change in a wart or mole
– Moles or other skin lesions that change in shape, size, or color should be reported
• Nagging or persistent cough or hoarseness
– Cancers of the respiratory tract, including lung cancer and laryngeal cancer, may cause a cough that does not go away or a hoarse (rough) voice
• Unexplained anemia
• Sudden unexplained weight loss
PREVENTION
Reducing modifiable risk factors in the external and internal environment
Prevention and detection
VACCINATION- available against hepatitis B virus (causes primary liver cancer, Human papilloma virus (causes cervical cancer)
SCREENING- very effective strategy for breast, cervix cancers
Recognizing early signs and symptoms and seeking prompt treatment
Prompt intervention to halt cancerous process
CANCER PREVENTION: GENERAL MEASURES
Avoid alcohol/tobacco
Protect from excessive sunlight
Consume fruits and vegetables
Exercise regularly
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