This year’s World Cancer Day approaches the topic of cancer from a unique perspective, conveying a powerful message for all of us.
Cancer is a deeply personal disease.
For each individual, it represents a journey of strength, resilience, and hope.
Everyone experiences cancer differently, and each story highlights the significance of individuality.
In this uniqueness, we can find common ground to unite and collectively fight against cancer.
More Than Just A Medical Diagnosis
This year’s World Cancer Day advocates for a person-centred approach to cancer care. It encourages us to look beyond the diagnosis and see each patient as unique with their own extraordinary story.
What Is Cancer?
Cancer occurs when changes occur in a group of normal cells in the body, leading to uncontrolled and abnormal growth. This growth forms a lump known as a tumour.
If left untreated, tumours can increase and spread into surrounding healthy tissues or other body parts through the bloodstream and lymphatic systems.
This spread can affect various bodily systems, including the digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems, or release hormones that may disrupt normal bodily functions.
Types Of Tumors
Tumors can be classified into the following types:
- Benign Tumours: Non-cancerous and rarely life-threatening. They grow slowly and do not spread to other parts of the body.
- Malignant Tumors: Cancerous tumours that grow faster than benign tumours and can invade and destroy neighbouring tissues. They have the potential to metastasize, forming secondary tumours in other locations.
- Precancerous Conditions: Abnormal cells that have the potential to develop into cancer.
Types of Cancer
Cancer can be classified based on the type of cells it originates from. The five main types include:
- Carcinoma: Arises from epithelial cells. Common types include breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer.
- Sarcoma: Affects bones or soft tissues. Common types include leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, and osteosarcoma.
- Lymphoma and Myeloma: Lymphoma begins in immune system cells and encompasses lymphatic cancer and multiple myeloma.
- Leukemia: Affects white blood cells and bone marrow.
- Brain and Spinal Cord Cancers: Known as central nervous system cancers.
Causes of Cancer
Cancer can be caused by a combination of factors, some of which are modifiable. Reducing these risks can prevent over 40% of cancer cases.
Modifiable Risk Factors
- Alcohol Consumption: Increases the risk of various cancers, including bowel, breast, mouth, throat, oesophagal, liver, and stomach cancers.
- Being Overweight Or Obese: Linked to an increased risk of 12 types of cancer, including bowel and pancreatic cancers.
- Diet and Nutrition: A high intake of red meats, processed meats, and salted foods, alongside a low intake of fruits and vegetables, impacts cancer risks.
- Physical Activity: Regular physical activity helps reduce cancer risks.
- Tobacco Use: Contains carcinogenic agents responsible for 22% of cancer deaths.
- Ionizing Radiation: Includes exposure to radon, x-rays, gamma rays, and ultraviolet radiation.
- Workplace Hazards: Exposure to substances like asbestos increases cancer risks.
- Infections: Viruses such as HPV and Hepatitis B and C can lead to cancer.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
- Age: The risk of cancer increases with age.
- Carcinogens: Substances that alter cell behaviour.
- Genetics: Inherited genetic predispositions can increase cancer risk.
- Immune System: Weakened immune systems enhance cancer risk.
Signs and Symptoms of Cancer
Symptoms of cancer vary depending on the type and location of the disease; however, some key signs and symptoms to look for include:
- Unusual Lumps Or Swelling: Cancerous lumps are often painless and may increase in size as the cancer progresses.
- Coughing, Breathlessness, or Difficulty Swallowing: Persistent coughing, breathlessness, or difficulty swallowing should not be ignored.
- Changes In Bowel Habits: Symptoms such as constipation, diarrhoea, and/or blood in the stools.
- Unexpected Bleeding: Includes vaginal bleeding, blood in stools, urine, or when coughing.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant and unintentional weight loss over a short period (a few months).
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and a severe lack of energy, often accompanied by other symptoms.
- Pain Or Aches: Ongoing or unexplained pain.
- New Or Changed Moles: Look for changes in size, shape, or colour or if a mole becomes crusty, bleeds, or oozes.
- Complications With Urination: Includes urgent or frequent urination, inability to urinate when needed, or experiencing pain while urinating.
- Unusual Breast Changes: Changes in size, shape, or texture, including skin changes and pain.
- Appetite Loss: A prolonged decrease in hunger.
- Sores Or Ulcers That Won’t Heal: This includes persistent wounds, sores, or mouth ulcers.
- Heartburn Or Indigestion: Persistent or painful heartburn/indigestion.
- Heavy Night Sweats: Experiencing severe, drenching night sweats.
In cancer care, early detection is key. Many of the symptoms mentioned may not be related to cancer or may signify something less serious than cancer; however, it’s important always to seek expert medical help if you notice any abnormalities, especially symptoms that have lingered for long.
Modern Breakthroughs In Cancer Care
Cancer remains one of the most significant challenges in contemporary medicine, affecting countless lives and posing a significant challenge to healthcare systems all over the world.
However, recent years have seen a wave of groundbreaking breakthroughs that are reshaping the landscape of cancer care. These advancements enhance our understanding of the disease and revolutionise treatment approaches, offering new hope to patients and their families in the ongoing fight against cancer.
From groundbreaking research in immunotherapy to advancements in precision medicine and diagnostic technologies, scientists and clinicians are forging new paths toward more effective, personalized treatments.
This brief article explores the latest developments in cancer research, highlights promising therapies, and looks ahead to the future.
