LECTURE NOTE ON CANCER
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the
body. These cells can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through blood or
lymphatic systems.
Cancer is a major cause of death worldwide and can affect almost any organ in the body.
2.0 DEFINITION
Cancer is defined as a disease in which body cells divide uncontrollably, form tumours, invade
surrounding tissues, and may spread (metastasize) to distant organs.
3.0 TYPES OF CANCER
Cancer is classified based on the tissue of origin:
3.1 Carcinomas
Arise from epithelial cells
Most common type
Examples: breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer
3.2 Sarcomas
Arise from connective tissues (bone, muscle, cartilage)
3.3 Leukemias
Cancer of blood-forming tissues (bone marrow)
3.4 Lymphomas
Cancer of lymphatic system
3.5 Central Nervous System Cancers
Brain and spinal cord tumors
4.0 CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
Cancer does not have a single cause but involves multiple factors:
Genetic mutations
Family history
Smoking and tobacco use
Excessive alcohol consumption
Exposure to radiation
Exposure to chemicals (e.g., asbestos, benzene)
Viral infections (e.g., HPV, Hepatitis B)
Obesity and poor diet
Physical inactivity
Ageing
5.0 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Normal cells grow and divide in a controlled manner
Cancer occurs when genetic mutations disrupt normal cell cycle control
Abnormal cells divide rapidly and avoid cell death
Tumours form and may become malignant
Cancer cells can spread to other organs (metastasis)
6.0 CLINICAL FEATURES
Symptoms vary depending on the type and site of cancer, but common features include:
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent fatigue
Lumps or swelling in any part of the body
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Persistent pain
Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Non-healing wounds
Chronic cough or hoarseness
7.0 COMPLICATIONS
Spread to other organs (metastasis)
Organ failure
Severe weight loss (cachexia)
Chronic pain
Immunosuppression
Death if untreated
8.0 DIAGNOSIS
Physical examination
Biopsy (definitive diagnosis)
Blood tests (tumor markers)
Imaging studies (X-ray, CT scan, MRI, PET scan)
Endoscopy (for internal organs)
9.0 TREATMENT
Cancer treatment depends on type, stage, and location:
9.1 Surgery
Removal of tumour
9.2 Chemotherapy
Use of drugs to kill cancer cells
9.3 Radiotherapy
Use of high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells
9.4 Immunotherapy
Boosts immune system to fight cancer
9.5 Targeted therapy
Drugs that target specific cancer cell mechanisms
9.6 Hormonal therapy
Used in hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g., breast and prostate cancer)
10.0 PREVENTION
Avoid tobacco and alcohol abuse
Healthy diet (fruits and vegetables)
Regular exercise
Vaccination (e.g., HPV, Hepatitis B)
Early screening (breast, cervical, prostate cancer screening)
Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals and radiation
11.0 PUBLIC HEALTH IMPORTANCE
Cancer is a leading cause of death globally. Early detection and lifestyle modification significantly reduce
mortality. Awareness, screening, and vaccination are key public health strategies.
12.0 SUMMARY
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and spread. It can affect almost
any organ and may be life-threatening if not detected early. Prevention, early diagnosis, and effective
treatment are essential for control.
If you want, I can next:
Compile all your diseases into one full lecture handbook (Word/PDF)
Or create exam questions + answers on cancer and all topics so far
Or continue with another disease like Asthma or Malaria