CANCER
What is cancer?
Cancer develops when cells in a part of the body begin to grow out of control.
Although there are many different kinds of cancer, they all start because of
abnormal cell growth. Cancer cells develop because of damage to the cell’s DNA. A
person’s DNA can be damaged by any number of things e.g. cigarette smoke and
pollution.
Any agent that causes cancer is known as a carcinogen.
Cancer is the result of abnormal cell division. This is usually the result of a
mutation or change in the DNA of a cell. These changes can be the result of an
accumulation of copying errors (which is why cancer occurs more frequently in older
people) or as a result of cancer-causing agents or carcinogens. These include
radiation (from the sun or other sources), tobacco smoke, asbestos and many other
chemicals. Occasionally even viruses can disrupt the DNA of cells sufficiently to
cause cancer. An example would be the Human Papillonoma Virus or HPV which
has been linked to cervical cancer.
The cells normally regulate the rate of division by contact inhibition which stops
replication when space becomes overcrowded and apoptosis which is programmed
cell death. Cancer cells do not respond to these signals and so form a mass of cells
or tumour. Not all tumours are malignant (cancerous/harmful). Sometimes the
tumour remains in the tissue where it formed and does not invade other tissues.
These tumours are benign
(harmless) and can usually be
removed surgically if
necessary. Cancerous cells
spread through the blood
stream and lymph to other
parts of the body
(metastasis).
Possible carcinogens
Cigarette smoke. Cancers of the lung, mouth, larynx, bladder, kidney, cervix
and oesophagus are all related to tobacco use. Smoking alone causes one –
third of cancer deaths.
Sun – UV rays. Skin cancer is related to unprotected exposure to
strong sunlight.
Chemicals e.g. Asbestos.
Radiation.
Water and air pollution.
Hereditary factors.
If you live a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce your risk of getting cancer. CANSA
encourages everyone to follow these basic lifestyle dos and don’ts.
Healthy lifestyle DOs and DON’Ts:
DO
Eat 5 portions of fresh fruit and vegetables each day.
Exercise regularly.
Drink plenty of fresh, clean water daily.
Go for regular medical check-ups.
Conduct regular self-examinations.
Cover up in the sun or stay in the shade.
DON’T
Don’t smoke or use any tobacco products.
Don’t drink more than one serving of alcohol per day.
Don’t eat processed food, junk food or food high in animal fat.
Don’t eat lots of red meat.
Go for screenings
It is important to detect cancer early by conducting regular self-examinations and
going for regular medical check-ups.
Prevention includes a healthy lifestyle, screening tests and in the case of
cancers linked to viruses, vaccination.
What are the symptoms of cancer?
Cancer can cause general symptoms such as fever, fatigue and weight
loss however different types of cancer display different symptoms.
Cancer early warning signs
These symptoms may be caused by another health problem but if one or more of
these symptoms persist, consult your doctor without delay.
C Change in a wart or mole
A A sore that does not heal
U Unusual bleeding or discharge anywhere in the body
Thickening or lump in the breast, neck, armpit or anywhere
T
else
I Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
O Ongoing hoarseness or cough
N Notable change in bowel or bladder action
Treatments
With early diagnosis followed by appropriate treatment, one can
overcome cancer.
Surgery: Tumours can be surgically removed.
Radiotherapy: This is where radiation (radioactive waves) is passed
through the cancer tissue preventing them from dividing. It can however
damage healthy tissue and can have side effects such as skin burns, hair
loss and sterility.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells and so causes
side effects like hair loss, nausea, mouth ulcers and impaired functioning of
the immune [Link] are “anti – cancer” drugs that are injected into the
body. They slow down or destroy the abnormal cells but damage healthy
cells because they act on any rapidly dividing cells. Chemotherapy results in
side effects like the destruction of white blood cells, hair loss, nausea,
vomiting, increased chances of infections and fatigue.
Cancer links
1. Ted ed on "How does cancer spread through the body?"
[Link]
jun
2. Ted ed on "How do cancer cells behave differently from healthy ones?"
[Link]
ones-george-zaidan
3. Ted ed on " why is cancer so difficult to treat?"
[Link]
5. Link to a website that explains the differences between Chemotherapy
and Radiation therapy as treatment options
[Link]
6. Ted Talk: "The Future of Early Cancer Detection" - for your
interest
[Link]
7. CANSA Website - South African Statistics of prevalence of
cancer [Link]
AWARENESS RIBBONS FOR l>IF'F'EKENT CANCERS
A
All Cancers Ovarian Cancer
A
La,·e11der Head & Neck Cancer Teal
Burgu11dy/Jvo1)'
Pancreatic Cancer
A A
Ye/lo"' Cancer
Bladder Orange
Kidney Cancer Purple
A BrainCancer
Gray A Leiomyosarcoma
Purple
Prostate Cancer
Light blue
A
BreastCancer Leukemla Sarcoma/Bone Cancer
Pink Orange Yellow
A A
CervicalCancer LiverCancer Stomach Cancer
Tea/Jwhite Emerald Perill'inkle
A A
Childhood Cancer Lung Cancer Testicular Cancer
Gold M1ite Orchid
A
Colon Cancer Lymphoma Thyroid Cancer
Dark blue Lime Tea//Pi11k/Blue
A
EsophagealCancer Melanoma Uterine Cancer
Perill'inkle Black Peach