Cancer is basically uncontrolled multiplication of cells. The human body is composed of trillions of cells. Each cell has its own lifespan. It grows,divides and then gets destroyed. When this process becomes dysfunctional cancer develops. The cell start multiplying without control and do not get destroyed which causes increase in the number of cells which manifests as an ulcer or a lump. When these cells can no longer be contained in one area they spread to other parts of the body .
What causes cancer?In most cases development of cancer cannot be pin pointed to a specific cause. Development of cancer is multi factorial.
The factors causing cancer can be divided into inherited and acquired factors.
Genetic mutations lead onto become cancers. Some genetic mutations are hereditary. They can be passed from parents to their off springs. Most genetic mutations are acquired Of the external factors the most important one is tobacco.
Tobacco in different forms is responsible for almost a third of all the cancers in the world
Tobacco can be in smoking form like cigarettes and beedis or in the chewing form like gutka
Tobacco in different forms is responsible for almost a third of all the cancers.
Alcohol consumption too is associated with certain cancers
There are certain viruses which lead on to development of cancer. There is a strong association between the human papilloma virus and cancer
People who are immune deficient due to medical conditions like HIV are at increased risk of developing cancers
What are the symptoms of cancer?Cancer symptoms are highly variable.
Typical symptoms of cancer include:The presence of an unusual lump in the body
Changes in a mole on the skin
A persistent cough or hoarseness
A change in bowel habits, such as unusual diarrhea or constipation
Difficulty in swallowing or continuing indigestion
Any abnormal bleeding, including bleeding from the vagina, or blood in urine or faeces
A persistent sore or ulcer
Difficulty passing urine
Unexplained weight loss
Unexplained pain
Unexplained tiredness or fatigue
Skin changes such as an unexplained rash or unusual texture
Unexplained night sweats
Abdominal pain otherwise unexplained.
These symptoms do not always mean cancer but warrant visiting a doctor and getting investigated
How is cancer diagnosed?On the basis of the above symptoms the doctor examines the patient and orders investigations. Most of the time when the doctor suspects cancer he orders a biopsy. During biopsy a small bit of tissue is removed and sent to the pathologist for examination. The pathologist confirms or rejects the presence of cancer. In certain areas the biopsy cannot be performed and the doctor may have to rely on radiologic investigation like ultrasound, CT scan and MRI. Many new techniques are now available for the detection of cancer.
How is cancer treated?Most cancers are treated by single or combination of 3 major modalities
- Surgery which involved removal of the affected tissue
- Chemotherapy which means giving medicines which destroy the cancer cells
- Radiation which means delivering rays similar to Xrays to the affected part.
Doctors who specialise in cancer are called oncologists. So there are surgical, medical and radiation oncologists. When all facilities are available in the same place it is known as a comprehensive cancer centre
What are the common myths about cancer?- Cancer is a death sentence. There are now more and more instances of people getting cured of cancer and leading a normal life
- Cancer is contagious. None of the cancers are known to spread from person to person
- Doing biopsy or surgery causes spread of cancer
- Herbal cures are available for cancer.
- Cancer is hereditary. This true in only a very small fraction of the cancers
How can cancer be detected early?The best weapon against cancer is knowledge about the disease. Regular health check-ups help detect cancer early. Mammogram in ladies over the age of 40 and pap smears help in early detection of cancer. Early visit to the doctor when symptoms of cancer are present help in early detection
Can cancer be prevented?There is no sure shot way of preventing cancer
Healthy eating habits, lifestyle and maintaining optimal body weight all reduce cancer risk but do not eliminate it all together
Avoiding tobacco in any form. Consuming alcohol in moderation help reduce the cancer risk greatly
Vaccine available against the Human Papilloma virus has been greatly helpful in reducing the risk of cervical cancer