Dealing with Cancer
The body is made up of millions of units called cells. Cancer is a disease of the cells. Normally, as certain cells die to old age or injury, the other cells divide to make new cells to replace them. Sometimes, however, cells in the body continue to grow without stopping for no obvious reason. These abnormal cells gradually form a lump of tissue which is called a tumour. This tumour compresses the surrounding cells and takes away food from them. This tumour may be a cancer. Tumours can be benign (not a cancer) or malignant ( a cancer) benign tumours do not spread to other parts of the body. However, they can still cause serious illness if they develop in the brain or other enclosed areas of the body. Malignant tumours invade and destroy nearby normal tissuesa s well as spread to other body sites.
Cancer Facts
A malignant tumour is made of cancer cells. If not treated, they may invade and destroy surrounding tissues. Sometimes, these cells break away from the original malignant tumour and spread to other parts of the body. This called secondary cancer or metastasis. So for example, if breast cancer spreads to the bones, it is called secondary in the bone. It is not considered to be bone cancer, which is a separate disease. Cancer spreads to other sites of the body by forcing their way among normal cells. Cancer cells also spread from their original site, via the blood stream or lymph channels, to other parts of the body where they form new cancer growths.
What Causes Cancer
The exact cause of many cancer types is unknown. Up to 90% of cancer is associated with the environment and lifestyle. The risk factors of cancer can be classified as non-modifiable and modifiable. Non-modifiable cancer risk factors include sex, age and genetic make-up. People with a family history of a certain cancer types may be at a higher risk of getting cancer. The modifiable cancer risk factors are associated with lifestyle and environment, that is anything that interacts with humans, including substances eatan, drunk and smoked, radiation, workplace exposure, sexual habits and substances present in the air, water and soil. Modifiable risk factors include tobacco, diet, sexual habits, betel and tobacco chewing, hepatitis B infection and occupational exposure.
Cancer Types
Some of the more cancer types are cervical cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, bone cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer and brain cancer.
Prevent Cancer
Some forms of cancer risks can be prevented by the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. You can reduce your cancer risks by taking responsibility for your well being by adopting the following practices and habits.
- Choosing not to smoke and keeping away from cigarette smoke.
- Eating a well-balanced diet- low in fat with a good mix of fruits and vegetables.
- Maintaining an ideal body weight through regular exercise and healthy eating
- Avoiding sex with multiple partners
- Avoiding excessive alcohol intake, if at all
- Obtaining Hepatitis B immunisation
- Practicing monthly breast self-examination
- Having a regular medical examination
Cancer Treatment
Most cancer types can be cured if detected and treated early. Early detection and prompt cancer treatment may help cancer prevention and stop them from spreading futher. The three main types of cancer treatment are surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Each may be used alone or combined with another treatment. Cancer treatment depends on the tyype of cancer, the extent to which it has spread and the patients general health.
Early cancer prevention and prompt cancer treatment can save live.
