CANCER is common, developing at some time in the life of more than one- third (1/3) of the population. It is now one of the leading causes of death in both developed and developing countries i ncluding Nigeria.Most cancers are curable if diagnosed early.

 

What is Cancer?

When the cells in parts of body continue reproducing new cell can move to other parts of the body were they stimulate growth again.

 

What causes Cancer?

The causes of cancer are not well known. However, a number of “RISK FACTORS” had been indentified to increase the likelihood of cancer development. These include,

1. Age.
2. Family history of cancer.
3.  Race /Ethnicity.
4. Diet: certain foods contain toxins, Vitamins and minerals deficiency .
5. Infections: STls –Chlamydia, human papiloma virus.
6. Immune-suppression: chemotherapy, exposure to X-rays, radiotherapy etc.
7.  Cigarette smoking.
8. Lifestyle-lack of exercise, reproduction  pattern-early, sex and late onset of pregnancy.
9. Environmental factors: excessive sunlight (skin cancer) pollution etc. Chemical agents.

 

How does it present?

How does Depends on location, but what is common is swelling in the form of lump which later produce pain and discomfort due to obstruction and pressure.
Other common presentations are:

1. Loss of weight no apparent cause.
2. Frequent headaches.
3. Spot on the skin that grows, become irritable and bleeds.
4. Difficulty in swallowing (throat).
5.  Cough with blood, difficulty with breathing (lungs).
6. Change in the shape of breast with blood or discharge from the nipples.
7. Vaginal bleeding between menstrual cycles (cervical).
8. Blood in urine, pain in lower back, pelvis or upper thigh (prostrate) etc..
9. Persistent abdominal pain (stomach).
10. Blood in urine without pain (kidney and bladder).
11. Jaundice pain and swelling by the right flank (liver).

 

Prevention and Screening:-

1. Cancer Risk Reduction Management Services (CRRMS) are preventive and screening measures which involves assessing individual’ Cancer Risk factors-cancer Risk Profile
2.  Personal Cancer Risk profile (PCRP) review important informations(Age, Race/Ethnicity, family History, Medical History, lifestyle etc.) about you and your risks for developing Cancer Compared with individuals of the same age and sex. Then list the factors that increase or decrease your risk and present a list of lifestyle actions or habits you can modify – therapeutic lifestyle charge (TLC) to prevent cancer.
3. Appropriate recommendation, including screening (Ultrasound Scanning, Mammography, CT-Scanning, serum Tumour Markets, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) etc.) for early detection of Cancer and interventions to affect cure are also enumerated.

 

Read on Prostate Cancer.