While it is often referred to as a single chronic condition, cancer is the name of a collection of related diseases. Cancer is the abnormal growth of a cell that can occur in any part of the body. There are more than 100 kinds of cancer, each different depending on where it was first formed in the body.
Stages of cancer
Cancer is typically assigned stages from 1 to 4, with stage 4 being the most severe. Cancer staging can differ depending on the site it was formed, but it generally involves the spread of cancer. The wider the spread of cancer cells throughout the body, the higher the stage for that particular cancer.
Symptoms of cancer
The appearance of the following signs is insufficient to diagnose the disease and doesn’t always mean cancer. Many common ailments have similar symptoms or signs. However, these symptoms can act as hints for doctors, allowing them to detect and treat potential problems earlier. The earlier a cancer is diagnosed, the more favourable the treatment prognosis.
If you display any symptoms that occur persistently or concern you, please consult with a doctor as soon as possible. Symptoms include:
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Extreme fatigue
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Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain
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Unusual changes in your skin i.e. new moles, bumps, or areas where the skin has thickened or darkened
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Unexpected weight loss
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High fever
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Persistent cough and hoarseness in the throat
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Anaemia
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Sores that won’t heal
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Unexplained bleeding or bruising
Even if you do not display any of the above symptoms but are still worried about your risk of cancer, especially if you have a family history of it, be sure to discuss your concerns with your doctor. Ask about the procedure for cancer screening and if any available screenings are appropriate for you.
Causes of cancer
There are risk factors of cancer which are preventable or manageable. They are:
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Smoking
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Heavy alcohol consumption
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Poor nutrition
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Physical inactivity
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Excess body weight
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Exposure to cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens)
Other causes of cancer are not preventable. These include factors such as old age and genetics. Cancer can be inherited through family bloodlines, although genetic mutations contribute to only about 5%-10% of all cancer cases.
How cancer affects people
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Cancer is not only a chronic condition that severely affects the body but also a form of psychological trauma. Receiving a diagnosis for cancer may result in a loss of functioning and dignity for the affected individual, as they feel that things are spiralling out of their control. Experiencing a sense of doom is not uncommon, and other challenges may come with the diagnosis, such as financial implications and a change of roles and responsibilities in the family.
Possible physical effects of cancer and cancer treatment are pain, fatigue, difficulty breathing, nausea, difficulty eating, diarrhoea or constipation, weight loss, chemical changes, and trouble concentrating or remembering things. Some kinds of chemotherapy can make hair fall out, although the hair usually grows in 2 to 3 months after the end of the treatment.
Cancer patients may also experience depression. Depression affects up to 20% of patients with cancer, while anxiety affects 10% of patients, regardless of the phase of cancer or the type of treatment. Some cancers can release chemicals thought to cause depression, and certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and corticosteroids, are associated with depression.
This is why social support is important for a cancer patient. This can be through family members, more distant relatives, friends, mental health professionals or support groups. Patients must know they are not going into this battle with cancer alone. Patients are encouraged to openly share their concerns with their doctors so that they can help them with their problems or direct the patient to a third party that can help, e.g. psychologists, counsellors or even social workers.
Treatment for cancer
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The days when a cancer diagnosis is equivalent to a death sentence are gone. Thanks to modern technology, many things can be done to treat cancer. However, it cannot be denied that the earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat, as the treatment success rate depends on early detection. Thus, it is important for people to attend medical check-ups and cancer screenings regularly. Early screening is recommended for those with a family history of cancer. Otherwise, getting some form of screening or check-up annually from the age of 40.
Different types of cancer require different kinds of treatment. The main types of treatment are:
Surgery
A medical procedure or operation to remove the cancer cells from your body. Applicable for certain cancers, especially when detected early or if cancer has not spread.
Radiotherapy
High doses of radiation are used to target cancer cells to kill them or shrink tumours.
Chemotherapy
The use of drugs to kill cancer cells. This is done either by inserting the medicine through an IV drip or by taking it orally. Chemotherapy is usually the option for cancer that has already spread and is at stage 3 or 4.
However, cancer treatment is constantly evolving, and now there are treatments such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy.
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