Cancer remains a major challenge in modern world and the number of people suffering from cancer continues to rise, every other day. Though the signs and symptoms of cancer depends on the part of the body (organ) that is affected, the development of cancer in all patients usually takes a similar path.

 

In this post, we take a closer look at cancer and how the disease progresses. These are some of the topics about cancer that we will be discussing;

 

Cancer Definition

Cancer is a disease that result when there is an abnormal growth of cells that rapidly increases in number, spreading to other parts of the body. The cell undergoes transformation from normal cell to cancer cells. A process known as Carcinogenesis.

 

In people with compromised immune system, the body is unable to produce adequate antibodies to fight off the cancer cells and this can eventually leads to increased production of abnormal cell (cancer cells).

 

Leading Causes of Cancer or Risk Factors

The following are risk factors that are associated with Cancer;

How Cancer is Diagnosed

The diagnosis of cancer depends on the type of cancer the physician is suspecting the patients to be suffering from. Generally, cancer is diagnosed by use of the following method;

 

Biospy - Sample cell are aspirated from the patient and send to the laboratory for further evaluation. The pathologist look at the cell under the microscope and determine whether they are cancerous or non-cancerous.

 

Imaging - These are tests like mammography, MRI, PET scan, X-rays, ultrasound etc., that are used to visualize the internal organs for any abnormalities.

 

Laboratory Tests - These are different test that are ordered by a physician that used to determine the advancement of cancer and other vital information (usually urine and blood tests).  Other tests includes colonoscopy, occult blood for patients suspected of suffering from Colon cancer.

 

Warning Signals of Cancer

There are common warnings signs that are associated with cancer. Though it is still possible that other health problems may result to similar signs and symptoms, it is advisable that anyone experiencing any of the listed signs and symptoms must seek medical advice, urgently.

 

The word CAUTION is used to represent the 7 Warning Signs of Cancer;

C - hange in bowel or bladder habits

A - sore that does not heal

U - nusual bleeding or discharge

T - hickening or lump

I - ndigestion (dysphagia)

O - bvious changes in a wart or mole

N - agging cough or hoarseness

 

Cancer Detection Program/Early Screening of Cancer

One goal of Cancer Detection Programs is to make sure that patients are thoroughly screened and if possible, cancer is detected as early as possible. Early screening programs are also meant to create awareness on different types of cancer and to encourage individuals participation in detecting cancer.

 

Individuals are taught about;

Other tests which are done as part of annual cancer screening include;

TNM Staging and Tumor Grades

TNM stands for Tumor, Node and Metastasis

Stage 1: The tumor is localized and is less than 2cm.

Stage II: The tumor has a limited local spread and is more than 2cm.

Stage III: The tumor has a regional spread and it is more than 5cm.

Stage IV: There is distant metastasis: Tumor has spread to other body organs like bone, liver and lungs.

 

Grading

Grade I: Mild dysplasia (slight transformation of cell).

Grade II: Moderate dysplasia (moderate transformation of cell.

Grade III: Severe dysplasia ( severe transformation of cell).

Grade IV: Anaplasia (less differentiated cell or loss of structural function of the cell.

 

Cancer Treatment and Management

Depending on the level of progression and the body part affected by cancer. Basically, cancer treatment involves the following;

Cancer preventive measures involve; change in lifestyle and abandoning of negative vices like smoking or possible carcinogens modification of lifestyle.

 

Lastly, the prognosis of cancer depends on how early the diseases in detected and how fast the patient was able to receive the needed medical care. In some cases, most patients ignore the initial cancer signs and only go to see a physician when the cancer has progressed to a more advanced stage. 

 

It is important to seek medical advice early in the course of the disease before it progresses. Cancer prognosis is usually good when early screening, early detection and early treatment are all incorporated together.