Cancer

What is cancer?

Cancer is a generic term for a group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. Other terms used are malignant tumors and neoplasms. One defining feature of cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries, and which can then invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs; the latter process is referred to as metastasis.

Widespread metastases are the primary cause of death from cancer. According to the WHO, about 1.1 million new cancer cases occur each year in Africa, with about 700,000 deaths. Lancet Oncology Commission asserts that unless steps are taken to reverse the trends, annual cancer deaths in sub-Saharan Africa will likely reach 1 million by 2030 and the incidence will likely double again by 2040.

What are the causes of cancer?

The main cause of cancer is mutations, or changes to the DNA in your cells. Genetic mutations can be inherited. They can also occur after birth as a result of environmental forces. These external causes, called carcinogens, can include: physical carcinogens like radiation and ultraviolet (UV) light; chemical carcinogens like cigarette smoke, asbestos, alcohol, air pollution, and contaminated food and drinking water; biological carcinogens like viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

According to the WHO, about 33 percent of cancer deaths may be caused by tobacco, alcohol, high body mass index (BMI), low fruit and vegetable consumption, and not getting enough physical activity. The incidence of cancer rises dramatically with age, most likely due to a build-up of risks for specific cancers that increase with age. The overall risk accumulation is combined with the tendency for cellular repair mechanisms to be less effective as the person grows older.

What are the chances that you may get cancer?

Certain risk factors may increase your chance of developing cancer. These risk factors can include:

• Tobacco use
• High alcohol consumption
• An unhealthy diet, characterized by red and processed meat, sugary drinks and salty snacks, starchy foods, and refined carbohydrates including sugars and processed grains, according to a 2017 review
• A lack of physical activity
• Exposure to air pollution
• Exposure to radiation
• Unprotected exposure to UV light, such as sunlight
• Infection by certain viruses including H. pylori, human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis

The risk of developing cancer also increases with age. In general, the risk of developing cancer appears to increase until the age of 70 and then diminish, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). A 2020 review suggests this may be the result of: less effective cell repair mechanisms that come with aging, buildup of risk factors over the course of life, duration of exposures to carcinogens.

Some existing health conditions that cause inflammation may also increase your risk of cancer. An example is ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. There are some cancers with no identifiable risk factors and maybe due to a ‘random’ change in cell turnover.

What are the signs and symptoms of cancer?

The signs and symptoms of cancer can include:

• Lumps or growths on the body
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Pain
• Night sweats
• Changes in digestion
• Changes in skin
• Cough

Specific types of cancers often have their own warning signs. If you are experiencing unexplainable symptoms, it is best to contact a doctor for a diagnosis.

 What are the misconceptions about cancer?

Cancer is not limited to the wealthier social class. Environmental factors and genetics play an important role. As far as economic/social class goes, everyone is susceptible. There is no one stop medication or drug that can cure cancer. Management of cancer involves a series of treatment modalities and several tests in between to see how the body is faring. The good news is knowing the factors that contribute to cancer can help you live a lifestyle that decreases your cancer risk.

What are some measures to prevent cancer?

Between 30 and 50% of cancers can currently be prevented by avoiding risk factors and implementing existing evidence based prevention strategies. The preventive measures to reduce your risk of developing cancer can include:

• Avoiding tobacco and secondhand smoke
• Limiting your intake of processed meats
• Eating a diet that focuses mainly on plant-based foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Avoiding alcohol or drinking in moderation
• Maintaining a moderate body weight and BMI
• Doing regular moderate physical activity
• Getting vaccinated against viral infections that can lead to cancer, such as hepatitis B and HPV

What is the importance of early detection?

Early detection is when cancer is found in its early stages.  The cancer burden can also be reduced through early detection of cancer and appropriate treatment and care of patients who develop cancer. This can increase the effectiveness of treatment and lower the mortality rate. Early diagnosis consists of three components:

• Being aware of the symptoms of different forms of cancer and of the importance of seeking medical advice when abnormal findings are observed;
• Access to clinical evaluation and diagnostic services; and
• Timely referral to treatment services.

Cancer screening aims to identify individuals with findings suggestive of a specific cancer or precancer before they have developed symptoms. Some common cancer screenings may detect:

• Cervical cancer and prostate cancer. Some screenings, such as for cervical cancer and prostate cancer, may be done as part of routine exams.
• Lung cancer. Screenings for lung cancer may be performed regularly for those who have certain risk factors like long history of smoking.
• Skin cancer. Skin cancer screenings may be performed by a dermatologist if you have skin concerns or are at risk of skin cancer.
• Colorectal cancer. It is recommended that regular screenings for colorectal cancer begins at age 45. These screenings are typically performed during a colonoscopy.
• Breast cancer. Mammograms to test for breast cancer are recommended for women ages 45 and older, but you may choose to begin screenings at age 40. In people at a high risk, screenings may be recommended earlier.

If you have a family history of cancer or have a high risk of developing cancer, it is important to follow a doctor’s screening recommendations. While recognizing cancer warning signs may help people with cancer seek diagnosis and treatment, some cancers may be harder to detect early and may not show symptoms until the later stages.

How does cancer grow and spread?

Abnormal cell division

Normal cells in your body grow and divide. Each one has a life cycle determined by the type of cell. As cells become damaged or die off, new cells take their place. Cancer disrupts this process and causes cells to grow abnormally. It’s caused by changes or mutations in the cell’s DNA. The DNA in each cell has instructions that tell the cell what to do and how to grow and divide.

Mutations occur frequently in DNA, but usually cells correct these mistakes. When a mistake is not corrected, a cell can become cancerous. Mutations can cause cells that should be replaced to survive instead of die, and new cells to form when they’re not needed. These extra cells can divide uncontrollably, causing tumors to form.

Creation of tumors

Tumors can cause health problems, depending on where they grow in the body. Not all tumors are cancerous. Benign tumors are noncancerous and do not spread to nearby tissues. But sometimes, tumors can grow large and cause problems when they press against neighboring organs and tissue. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can invade other parts of the body and disrupt normal bodily function.

Metastasis

Some cancer cells can also spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to distant areas of the body. This is called metastasis. Cancers that have metastasized are considered more advanced than those that have not. Metastatic cancers are often harder to treat and may likely lead to death.

How can you treat cancer?

Cancer treatment can include different options, depending on the type of cancer and how advanced it is. The primary goal of management is to cure cancer and possibly prolong life if this cannot be achieved, treatment is aimed at improving patients’ quality of life. This includes end of life care in terminal diseases.

• Localized treatment. Localized treatment usually involves using treatments like surgery or local radiation therapy at a specific area of the body or tumor.
• Systemic treatment. Systemic drug treatments, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, can affect the entire body.
• Palliative treatment. Palliative care involves relieving health symptoms associated with cancer, such as trouble breathing and pain. Palliative care can help people live more comfortably.

Cancer is a very dangerous illness, not yet fully understood. Early detection saves lives.