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CANCER. What is Cancer?. Cancer is a condition in which body cells become abnormal and grow uncontrollably within the body .
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What is Cancer? • Cancer is a condition in which body cells become abnormal and grow uncontrollably within the body
Normally, cells die as they grow old or become damaged. The dead cells are replaced by new cells. Cancer develops when the old or damaged cells fail to die and continue to survive.
These are examples of old cells that are replaced by new ones. • The green cells are the bad cells that do not die and continue to divide. They have the potential to become cancer.
The bad cells continue to grow until they form a mass called a “tumor” or “neoplasm”. • The tumor continues to divide until it eventually forms a lump and disrupts the normal organization of a body part
Tumors or neoplasms refer to “new growths”. Not all of them are malignant or cancerous • Benign tumors, rarely, if at all, cause patients to die from the disease. • Benign tumors remain within the original part of the body where they started to grow
Malignant tumors or cancers are capable of invading the blood vessels, migrate and grow in other parts of the body. • This process is known as “metastasis”
Example, if breast cancer cells start to grow in the bone, how do we name these cancers now? Will they be called bone cancer?
The breast cancer cells growing in the bone is now called Metastatic Breast Cancer NOT bone cancer. • The cancer cells that metastasize share the name of the original tumor
Why is cancer dangerous? • Cancer is dangerous because it can grow in other parts of the body and disrupt the functions of these other organs
Do all patients diagnosed with cancer die from their disease?
SOME cancers that are detected early can be cured. Generally, these are cancers that have not yet metastasized (“transferred”) to other parts of the body
Unfortunately, not all cancers have symptoms, especially if the cancer is at an early stage. • Some cancers have symptoms only when they have already metastasized to other parts of the body
The signs and symptoms of cancer will depend on where the cancer is, its size and how it affects other organs or structures. • A symptom is an indication of disease. It may be felt or noticed by a person but may not be easily noticed by anyone else. • A sign is defined as an observation made by a doctor, nurse, or other health care professional • If cancer spreads, symptoms may appear in different parts of the body
That is why it is important to undergo “screening” for some cancers especially if the person has “risk factors”
What is Screening? • Screening refers to testing persons for cancer in the absence of signs or symptoms • Screening methods are designed to check for cancer in people with no signs or symptoms
Detecting the cancer early through screening allows doctors to detect the cancer when it is small and less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. This also increases the chances of successful treatment or cure
What are risk factors? • Risk factors are those things that increase a person’s chances of developing cancer • Examples of risk factors • Cigarette smoking • Family history • Dietary habits • Exposure to chemicals
If a person undergoes screening, does it mean that he will not develop cancer?
There is no test that can detect all kinds of cancer • Screening tests are only available for: • Breast cancer • Cervical cancer • Colon & rectal cancer • Prostate cancer • Lung cancer
There are no signs or symptoms that exclusively indicate presence of cancer. However, the following are conditions that MUST prompt a person to consult a doctor.
These symptoms must not be neglected especially if they have been present for a long time or are getting worse
Possible Signs & Symptoms of Cancer Weight loss, night sweats & fever Fatigue
Possible Signs & Symptoms of Cancer Persistent cough or blood-tinged saliva Unexplained anemia or low blood count
Possible Signs & Symptoms of Cancer • Blood in the stool • Change in bowel habits
Possible Signs & Symptoms of Cancer Breast lump
Possible Signs & Symptoms of Cancer Breast discharge
Possible Signs & Symptoms of Cancer • Change in urination • Blood in the urine
Possible Signs & Symptoms of Cancer • Changes in wart or mole • Non-healing sores in the mouth
Possible Signs & Symptoms of Cancer Lump in the testicles
Possible Signs & Symptoms of Cancer • Persistent lump or swollen glands
Trouble swallowing Hoarseness Possible Signs & Symptoms of Cancer
The above conditions do not automatically indicate presence of cancer. These conditions can also be present in harmless situations but it would be best for the person to be seen by a doctor.
C A U T I O N U S The Nine Warning Signs • Change in bowel or bladder habits. • A sore that does not heal. • Unusual bleeding or discharge. • Thickening of a lump in breast or elsewhere. • Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing. • Obvious change in a wart or mole. • Nagging cough or hoarseness. • Unexplained anemia. • Sudden, unexplained weight loss.
If you notice any major changes in the way your body functions or the way you feel, especially if they last for a long time or get worse, let your doctor know.
Cancer Prevention Step 1 Don't use tobacco
Cancer Prevention Step 2 Eat your fruits & vegetables
Cancer Prevention Step 3 Watch the meats you eat, choose low fat meats
Cancer Prevention Step 4 Limit salt intake
Cancer Prevention Step 5 Limit cured, smoked & processed foods
Cancer Prevention Step 6 Limit alcohol intake
Cancer Prevention Step 7 Stay active and maintain a healthy weight
Cancer Prevention Step 8 Get immunized
Cancer Prevention Step 9 Avoid risky behaviors
Cancer Prevention Step 10 Get screened
The Philippine College of Physicians wishes to acknowledge the following for their invaluable efforts in the preparation of this module Denky dela Rosa, MD Philippine Society of Medical Oncology
