Cancers are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, there are an estimated 9.6 million deaths, or one in six cancer-related deaths in 2018. Lung, stomach, colorectal, prostate, and liver cancers are the most common types of cancer in men, while lung, breast, colorectal, cervical, and thyroid cancers are the most common among women.
The human body is made up of trillions of cells and these are considered the basic fundamental units of life. Cells normally grow and divide to form new cells. The old or damaged cells will die and be replaced by new healthy cells to perform their functions except for the cells in the liver, brain and kidneys. However, when cancer is developed, old cells do not die anymore and continue to divide non-stop causing growths called tumors. A tumor is a mass of tissue formed by the formation of abnormal cells. Tumors can be benign and malignant. Cancerous tumors are malignant and can spread in other tissues. As the tumor grows, cancer cells can spread in different parts of the body through the blood and build new tumors through the process called metastasis. Unlike malignant tumors, benign are noncancerous and do not invade or spread in other tissues. Sometimes, benign tumors can be enlarged and do not grow back when removed. Aside from tumors, cancerous cells can also impair the immune system and cause other changes that prevent the body from functioning normally and regularly.
Changes in a person’s genetic code that control the function of the cells, especially how they grow and divide can contribute to the development of cancer. Genes related to cancer can be inherited from our parents. They can also develop when there is an error during cell division or damage to DNA caused by certain environmental exposures. Certain environmental exposures include radiation such as ultraviolet rays from the sun and chemical substances in tobacco smoke. Other risk factors that can contribute to the development of cancer include age, heavy alcohol consumption, excess body weight, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition. Cancer is named based on the area where it begins and the type of cell they are made of. While several use clinical terms for certain general types of cancer such as carcinoma, sarcoma, leukemia, and lymphoma.
Some general signs and symptoms vary depending on what part of the body is affected. These include a lump that can be felt under the skin, unintended weight loss or gain, changes in skin color (yellowing or darkening), sores that won't heal, or changes to existing moles, changes in bowel or bladder habits, persistent cough, or trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain, persistent and unexplained fevers or night sweats, and unexplained bleeding or bruising.
People can reduce the risk of cancer by not smoking, avoiding too much sun exposure, eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining or losing weight if overweight, get vaccinated against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV), and drinking alcohol in moderation. It is also beneficial for children to have ideal weight for their age and weight for length or height to prevent cancer as they grow older. Treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. If you are experiencing persistent signs and symptoms, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention and ask your doctor which screening test will suit you based on your risk factors.
-PNC-ZDN Rowence F. Zorilla
References:
1. National Cancer Institute-What is Cancer
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer
2. MedicalNewsToday-What to know about cancer
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323648#causes
3. Mayo Clinic- Cancer
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20370588
4. World Health Organization-Cancer
