Cancer is a condition that arises when alterations in a group of normal cells within the body lead to uncontrolled, abnormal growth forming a lump called tumour. Tumours can develop and spread into surrounding normal tissue or other regions of the body via the bloodstream and lymphatic systems. It can affect the digestive, neurological, and circulatory systems as well as release hormones that can impair bodily function if left untreated.
What is Cancer
Types of Cancers
Early Detection of Cancer
A variety of cancers can be detected early, which increases the odds of a good treatment result, typically at a cheaper cost and with fewer (or less severe) adverse effects for patients. Colorectal, breast, cervical, and oral cancers can all be detected early with cost-effective tests, and more tests are being developed for other cancers.
Consult your doctor for information on national immunization, testing, and screening guidelines. These can and do differ from one country to the next.
Preventing Cancer
Reduce your exposure to risk factors including cigarettes, obesity, physical inactivity, infections, alcohol, pollution, occupational carcinogens, and radiation to avoid over a third of all cancers.
Vaccination against the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which protect against liver cancer and cervical cancer, respectively, may also be beneficial in the prevention of some malignancies.
Other carcinogens, such as pollution, occupational carcinogens, and radiation, might be reduced to help prevent future cancers.
Causes of Cancer
1. Modifiable risk factors
Alcohol & Tobacco consumption
Sedentary Lifestyle
Infection agents
Lonizing radiation
Workplace hazards
Being overweight or obese
High intake of Red/ processed meats
2. Non-modifiable risk factors
Age – As people get older, several forms of cancer grow more common.
Cancer-Causing Chemicals (carcinogens) – Substances that alter the behavior of cells, raising the risk of cancer.
Genetics – Some people are born with a genetically inherited increased risk of certain cancers (a condition known as “genetic predisposition”).
Immune System – People with weaker immune systems are more susceptible to certain forms of cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Cancer
Cancer Care in times of Covid
Patients with cancer are a vulnerable demographic as they are exposed to a variety of problems during pandemics, including infection susceptibility and disruption of their regular medical care. As a result, healthcare institutions have faced a significant problem in balancing the delivery of continuous cancer care while decreasing the danger of exposure to patients during treatment.
In low and middle-income nations with limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, a paucity of healthcare providers, and a scarcity of medical supplies and personal protective equipment(PPE), the pandemic’s negative impact is likely to disrupt the delivery of critical care.
