Cancer is a disease in which the body cells multiply and grow uncontrollably due to certain abnormal genetic changes at the cellular level.
If left untreated, the abnormal growth of cells will involve much deeper structures and spread to other parts of the body.
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Cancer is a disease in which the body cells multiply and grow uncontrollably due to certain abnormal genetic changes at the cellular level.
If left untreated, the abnormal growth of cells will involve much deeper structures and spread to other parts of the body.
Cancer is a disease in which the body cells multiply and grow uncontrollably due to certain abnormal genetic changes at the cellular level.
If left untreated, the abnormal growth of cells will involve much deeper structures and spread to other parts of the body.
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide killing up to 10 million people in a year. It is therefore important that we understand what cancer is and how we can prevent it.
Cancer remains undiagnosed in most people because there may be no noticeable symptoms in the early phase of the disease.
The symptoms more often than not become apparent when the disease has begun spreading from the primary organ to surrounding body structures.
With the education of the public, more people are embracing annual or biennial checkups which increase the chances of numerous cancers being caught early.
Keep reading to learn more about cancer.
What are the common types of cancer?
While there are very many types of cancer, the following occur more commonly;
Why do people get cancer?
Studies have shown that cancer starts off as a genetic mutation in a small group of cells which multiply rapidly and overwhelm the normal regulatory mechanisms of cell growth.
The same studies have shown that certain factors increase your risk for developing various cancers: –
Most types of cancer are preventable when simple lifestyle modifications are incorporated into our day-to-day lives.
These include:
There are cancers however that cannot be prevented such as those linked to certain hereditary genetic mutations.
Cancer symptoms are not very specific. They mimic symptoms of other illnesses.
However, some symptoms have been identified more commonly such as: –
The occurrence of any of these symptoms in a previously well individual should prompt an evaluation by a qualified medical professional.
When you notice any of the symptoms above and seek a consultation with a general medical doctor, the doctor will take the history and perform a physical examination.
The doctor may order some specific lab tests and imaging tests to confirm or rule out their suspected diagnosis.
The tests ordered will depend on age, gender, and the particular symptoms you presented with.
The results will determine whether further specialized tests or referral to a specialist is required.
If the results are normal, reassurance and advice on when to seek another consultation will be offered.
The screening tests advised will vary with age, gender, and any physical symptoms experienced at the time of ordering the tests.
The male screening tests are mainly blood tests to check for certain tumor markers that are elevated in prostate cancer or colorectal cancer.
The female screening tests detect elevated tumor markers for breast, ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancers.
However additional screening procedures such as imaging and histological procedures may be ordered.
Various specialists will be involved in the care of someone diagnosed with cancer.
These vary depending on the stage and type of cancer. They include:-
An oncologist is a specialized doctor who has undergone extra training on the diagnosis and management of cancers.
This type of doctor will advise on how cancer can best be managed depending on the type and progression of the disease.
Apart from advising, this doctor can employ various modalities of treatment such as:
A positive diagnosis of cancer can be an emotionally daunting prospect.
However, the journey is never the same for all patients. For some, the cancer is diagnosed very early and the disease can be cured completely by removal of the cancerous tissue with very little recurrence rates.
For others, radiotherapy and chemotherapy may successfully manage the condition.
For patients whose disease has already spread to other organs, they would benefit from palliative care packages to maintain their quality of life and manage any arising medical complications.
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