WHAT IS CANCER?
Cancer happens when cells become abnormal and grow, multiply
and spread out of control. Normal body
cells grow and divide and know to stop growing.
Over time, they also die. Unlike
these normal cells, cancer cells just continue to grow and divide out of
control and don’t die when they’re supposed to.
Cancer cells usually group or clump together to form tumors. A growing tumor becomes a lump of cancer
cells that can destroy the normal cells around the tumor and damage the body’s
healthy tissues. Sometimes cancer cells
break away from the original tumor and travel to other area of the body, where
they keep growing and they can go to form new tumors. This is how cancer spreads. The spread of a tumor to a new place in the
body is called metastasis.
WHAT CAUSES CANCER?
There are about 200 different types of cancer. They can start in any type of body
tissue. Although we probably inherit
faulty genes that trigger normal cells developing to cancerous cells, most
cancers are primarily the result of changes that humans have made to our
environment-what we eat, drink and breathe.
However, of all risk factors diet is the greatest. In the space of two generations, we have
invented ten million new chemicals and unwittingly released thousands of them
into our environment. The contaminants
eventually enter the human food chain and either cause cancer or accelerate its
growth. What’s more, our foods have
‘evolved’ from natural product direct out of the soil to highly processed
version that could hardly be recognized years ago. No matter how extensively genetic factors and
environmental factors contribute the occurrence of cancer, one of three things could be the underlying
cause in many types of cancer.
1.
Free
radical damage to the DNA of cells, triggering their altered behavior. Risk factors such as smoking and radiation
encourage free radical activity, while a good intake of antioxidant supplements
provides a measure of protection.
2.
Over-exposure to hormone-disrupting chemical in
food and water. Eating a diet low in
hormone-disrupting chemicals and high in ‘dietary estrogens’ is another
important protection factor, especially for hormonal cancers such as breast and
prostate.
3.
Poor methylation, resulting in high homocysteine
and increased damage to DNA. The
solution to this is more B vitamins.
WHY MOST SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CANCER ARE NEGLECTED?
Cancer is a disease that no one wants to think about. Even so, everyone still needs to be aware
about its symptoms, because cancer is most curable if diagnosed and treated in
its earliest stages. Cancer can cause
almost any sign or symptom. The signs
and symptoms will depend on where the cancer is, how big it is, and how much it
affects the organs or tissues. If a cancer
has spread, signs or symptoms may appear in different parts of the body. Those signs and symptoms can mislead to wrong
diagnosis. Once obvious signs and
symptoms demonstrate there is little chance for cure thus dramatically reduces
the cancer survival rate. Therefore, the
key is to seek immediate medical advice as soon as you notice some of the signs
and symptoms of cancer.
WHAT ARE SOME GENERAL CANCER SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?
You should know some of the general signs and symptoms of
cancer. But remember, having any of
these does not mean that you have cancer- many other things cause these signs
and symptoms, too. If you have any of
these symptoms and they last for a long time or get worse, please see a doctor
to find out what is going on.
-
Unexplained
weight loss
-
Fever of unknown origin
-
Fatigue
-
Skin color changes or itching
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CERTAIN CANCERS
Along with the general symptoms, you should watch for
certain other common symptoms and signs which could suggest cancer. Again, there may be other causes for each of
these, but it is important to see a doctor about them as soon as possible.
1.
Change in bowel or bladder habits like diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool that
lasts for more than a few days or any rectal bleeding or blood in the stool can
be symptoms of colorectal cancer.
Changes in bladder habits, including frequent urination or feeling as if
you need to go but not being able to urinate, or any blood in the urine may be
symptoms of bladder cancer.
2.
Sores that do not heal
3.
White patches inside the mouth or white spots on
the tongue may be leukoplakia.
Leukoplakia is a pre cancerous area that is caused by frequent
irritation. It is caused by smoking or
other tobacco.
4.
Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge.
5.
Thickening or lump in the breast or other parts
of the body.
6.
Indigestion or trouble swallowing
7.
Recent change
in a wart or mole or any new skin change
8.
Nagging cough or hoarseness cough that does not
go away may be a sign of lung cancer.
HOW TO PREVENT CANCER?
With a few simple lifestyle changes, you can drastically
reduce your risk of many types of cancer.
Many factors play a role in cancer development, but the good news is
that most can be avoided.
1.
Avoid
smoking and exposure smoke
2.
Avoid UV ray exposure and protect your skin by
wearing sunscreen
3.
Eat adequate fresh fruits and vegetables
4.
Cut consumption of red meat and animal fat
5.
Limit alcohol intake
6.
Be physical active
7.
Know hour personal and family medical history to
take specific preventive measures
8.
Practice work environment protection
9.
Practice safe sex
10.
Get screened for cancer regularly