Cancer
In medical school, I was told by one of my Pathology lecturers that by the fact that you are alive, you are at risk of getting cancer. But again, the body has mechanisms to overcome this challenge. Good news is that the risk of dying from cancer is continuously lowering at an accelerated rate.
Cancer refers to a group of disease conditions that are characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. These cells are formed from any kind of cell in the human body.
Epidemiology & Prevalence
With an estimated 19,000,000 new cases with over 8.5 million deaths in 2020, cancer was the leading cause of deaths around the globe.
Globally, breast, colorectal, prostate and skin cancers represent the most common of diagnoses.
According to locality, incidence rates and mortality rates vary. Exposure to risk factors such as mutagens is a key factor, responsible for many differences.
In the United States of America, cancer stands as the second most common cause of deaths.
According to the National Cancer Institute, the number of cancer cases is expected to rise to around 30,000,000 by the year 2040. The number of cancer-related deaths is anticipated to rise to over 15 million.
Types
Most common cancers;
- Carcinomas- epithelial cells
- Sarcomas- origin in connective tissue or supporting tissue
- Leukaemias- genesis is erythropoietic/ blood-forming tissue
- Lymphomas- emerge from lymphatic tissues
Further classification;
- Breast cancers- This is the most common type of cancer. It affects women but can also be found in men.
- Lung cancer- Second most common kind of cancer. Exists in 2 types;
non small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer - Prostate cancer- affects 11% of men(1 out of 9)
- Colorectal cancer- colon cancer and rectal cancer affect parts of your digestive system
- Blood cancers- leukaemia and lymphoma
Risk factors
Modifiable risk factors;
- Unhealthy diet
- Physical inactivity
- Radiations- X-rays, gamma rays, alpha and beta particles
- Infectious microbes eg Eipstein-Barr Virus causing Hodgkin and Burkitt’s lymphomas
- Smoking tobacco- Lung cancer
Non-modifiable risk factors;
- Family history of specific cancers
- Age
- Genetic predisposition
Causes
Cancers are caused by Genetic mutations;
- Inherited/ germline
- Acquired/ somatic
These mutations occur as a result of;
- Radiation
- Chronic inflammation
- Viral infections eg EBV causes Hodgkin and Burkitt’s lymphoma
Signs & Symptoms
- Lumps or growths
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained pain
- Night fever
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of cancer;
- Comprehensive Physical examination
- Imaging eg X-Rays, Computer tomography scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, positron emission test scan, ultrasound
- Biopsies
- Lab tests- blood tests such as CBC, tumor markers
Specific diagnostics can be performed depending on the suspected kind of cancer, to chelate
Management & Treatment
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Surgery
Prevention
- Vaccination, for example against Hep B and HPV responsible for hepatitis and cervical cancer(vaginal, penile,vulvar)
- Embrace a healthy lifestyle ; minimize smoking cigarettes healthy diet, cancer screening