Cancer of the skin
Cancer of the skin is an abnormal growth of skin
cells which most often develops on skin exposed to the sun. However, there are
cases when this common form of cancer can also occur on areas of the skin not
ordinarily exposed to sunlight. There are three major types of skin cancer
which are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
cells which most often develops on skin exposed to the sun. However, there are
cases when this common form of cancer can also occur on areas of the skin not
ordinarily exposed to sunlight. There are three major types of skin cancer
which are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
Signs and symptoms of cancer of the skin
The signs and symptoms of
skin cancer depend on the type of skin cancer present in a patient.
skin cancer depend on the type of skin cancer present in a patient.
Basal
cell carcinoma signs and symptoms
cell carcinoma signs and symptoms
Basal cell carcinoma
usually occurs in sun-exposed areas of the body, such as your neck or face. Basal
cell carcinoma may appear as:
usually occurs in sun-exposed areas of the body, such as your neck or face. Basal
cell carcinoma may appear as:
·
A pearly
or waxy bump
A pearly
or waxy bump
·
A flat,
flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion
A flat,
flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion
Squamous cell carcinoma
signs and symptoms
signs and symptoms
Most often, squamous cell
carcinoma occurs on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, ears and
hands. People with darker skin are more likely to develop squamous cell
carcinoma on areas that are not often exposed to the sun. Squamous cell
carcinoma may appear as:
carcinoma occurs on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, ears and
hands. People with darker skin are more likely to develop squamous cell
carcinoma on areas that are not often exposed to the sun. Squamous cell
carcinoma may appear as:
·
A firm,
red nodule
A firm,
red nodule
·
A flat
lesion with a scaly, crusted surface
A flat
lesion with a scaly, crusted surface
Melanoma signs and symptoms
Melanoma can develop anywhere
on your body, in otherwise normal skin or in an existing mole that becomes
cancerous. Melanoma most often appears on the face or the trunk of affected
men. In women, this type of cancer most often develops on the lower legs. In
both men and women, melanoma can occur on skin that has not been exposed to the
sun. Melanoma can affect people of any skin tone. In people with darker skin
tones, melanoma tends to occur on the palms or soles, or under the fingernails
or toenails.
on your body, in otherwise normal skin or in an existing mole that becomes
cancerous. Melanoma most often appears on the face or the trunk of affected
men. In women, this type of cancer most often develops on the lower legs. In
both men and women, melanoma can occur on skin that has not been exposed to the
sun. Melanoma can affect people of any skin tone. In people with darker skin
tones, melanoma tends to occur on the palms or soles, or under the fingernails
or toenails.
Melanoma signs include:
·
A large
brownish spot with darker speckles
A large
brownish spot with darker speckles
·
A mole
that changes in color, size or feel or that bleeds
A mole
that changes in color, size or feel or that bleeds
·
A small
lesion with an irregular border and portions that appear red, white, blue or
blue-black
A small
lesion with an irregular border and portions that appear red, white, blue or
blue-black
·
Dark
lesions on your palms, soles, fingertips or toes, or on mucous membranes lining
your mouth, nose, vagina or anus
Dark
lesions on your palms, soles, fingertips or toes, or on mucous membranes lining
your mouth, nose, vagina or anus
Causes of
cancer of the skin
cancer of the skin
Skin cancer occurs when
errors (mutations) occur in the DNA of skin cells. The mutations cause the
cells to grow out of control and form a mass of cancer cells. Much of the
damage to DNA in skin cells results from ultraviolet (UV) radiation found in
sunlight. But sun exposure does not explain skin cancers that develop on skin
not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. This indicates that other factors may
contribute to the risk of skin cancer, such as being exposed to toxic
substances or having a condition that weakens the immune system.
errors (mutations) occur in the DNA of skin cells. The mutations cause the
cells to grow out of control and form a mass of cancer cells. Much of the
damage to DNA in skin cells results from ultraviolet (UV) radiation found in
sunlight. But sun exposure does not explain skin cancers that develop on skin
not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. This indicates that other factors may
contribute to the risk of skin cancer, such as being exposed to toxic
substances or having a condition that weakens the immune system.
The role of the family in the control of cancer of the
skin
skin
·
Family members should ensure that in planning their
activities, they should avoid the sun during the middle of the day by
scheduling outdoor
activities for other times of the day.
Family members should ensure that in planning their
activities, they should avoid the sun during the middle of the day by
scheduling outdoor
activities for other times of the day.
·
They should be advised to wear sunscreen year-round. Sunscreens do not filter out all harmful UV
radiation, especially the radiation that can lead to melanoma. But they play a
major role in an overall sun protection program.
They should be advised to wear sunscreen year-round. Sunscreens do not filter out all harmful UV
radiation, especially the radiation that can lead to melanoma. But they play a
major role in an overall sun protection program.
·
They should be encouraged to wear protective
clothing to cover the skin such as dark,
tightly woven clothing that covers your arms and legs, and a broad-brimmed hat,
which provides more protection.
They should be encouraged to wear protective
clothing to cover the skin such as dark,
tightly woven clothing that covers your arms and legs, and a broad-brimmed hat,
which provides more protection.
The role
of the community on the prevention of cancer of the skin
of the community on the prevention of cancer of the skin
·
Community
member should be encouraged to plant trees that can create shade for people to avoid
direct sun ray which can lead to cancer of the skin.
Community
member should be encouraged to plant trees that can create shade for people to avoid
direct sun ray which can lead to cancer of the skin.
·
Community
members should be educated on the need to protect themselves from direct sun
rays to prevent cancer of the skin.
Community
members should be educated on the need to protect themselves from direct sun
rays to prevent cancer of the skin.
The role
of government in the control of cancer of the skin
of government in the control of cancer of the skin
·
The government should embark on a sensitizing
programme to educate the general public to be aware of sun-sensitizing medications
such as some common prescription
and over-the-counter drugs, including antibiotics, can make their skin more
sensitive to sunlight.
The government should embark on a sensitizing
programme to educate the general public to be aware of sun-sensitizing medications
such as some common prescription
and over-the-counter drugs, including antibiotics, can make their skin more
sensitive to sunlight.
·
The
general public should be sensitized on the side effects of any medications you
take. If they increase your sensitivity to sunlight, they should be advised to take
extra precautions to stay out of the sun in order to protect your skin.
The
general public should be sensitized on the side effects of any medications you
take. If they increase your sensitivity to sunlight, they should be advised to take
extra precautions to stay out of the sun in order to protect your skin.
·
The
general public should be informed on how to examine their skin often for new
skin growths or changes in existing moles, freckles, bumps and birthmarks with
the help of mirrors to check their face, neck, ears and scalp.
The
general public should be informed on how to examine their skin often for new
skin growths or changes in existing moles, freckles, bumps and birthmarks with
the help of mirrors to check their face, neck, ears and scalp.
Cancer of
the breast
the breast
Cancer of the breast is a cancer that forms in
the cells of the breasts. Cancer of the breast is most common cancer in women,
however it can occur in men.
the cells of the breasts. Cancer of the breast is most common cancer in women,
however it can occur in men.
Signs and symptoms of cancer of the breast
Signs and symptoms of
breast cancer may include:
breast cancer may include:
·
A breast
lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
A breast
lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
·
Change in
the size, shape or appearance of a breast
Change in
the size, shape or appearance of a breast
·
Changes
to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
Changes
to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
·
A newly
inverted nipple
A newly
inverted nipple
·
Peeling,
scaling or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple or
breast skin
Peeling,
scaling or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple or
breast skin
·
Redness
or pitting of the skin over the breast, like the skin of an orange
Redness
or pitting of the skin over the breast, like the skin of an orange
Causes of cancer of the skin
It is not clear what causes
cancer of the breast. But in general, it is discovered that cancer of the
breast occurs when some breast cells begin growing abnormally. These cells
divide more rapidly than healthy cells do and continue to accumulate, forming a
lump or mass. The cells may spread through the breast to the lymph nodes or to
other parts of your body.
cancer of the breast. But in general, it is discovered that cancer of the
breast occurs when some breast cells begin growing abnormally. These cells
divide more rapidly than healthy cells do and continue to accumulate, forming a
lump or mass. The cells may spread through the breast to the lymph nodes or to
other parts of your body.
Cancer of the breast most
often begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts. Cancer of the breast may
also begin in the glandular tissue called lobules or in other cells or tissue
within the breast. Researchers have identified hormonal, lifestyle and environmental
factors that may increase your risk of cancer of the breast. But it is not
clear why some people who have no risk factors develop cancer, yet other people
with risk factors never do. It is likely that breast cancer is caused by a
complex interaction of the genetic makeup and the environment of an individual.
often begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts. Cancer of the breast may
also begin in the glandular tissue called lobules or in other cells or tissue
within the breast. Researchers have identified hormonal, lifestyle and environmental
factors that may increase your risk of cancer of the breast. But it is not
clear why some people who have no risk factors develop cancer, yet other people
with risk factors never do. It is likely that breast cancer is caused by a
complex interaction of the genetic makeup and the environment of an individual.
The role of the family in the control of cancer of the
breast
breast
·
Women should be advised to become familiar with their breasts by occasionally
inspecting their breasts during a breast self-exam for breast awareness. If
there is a new change, lumps or other unusual signs in their breasts, they
should contact health care professionals immediately.
Women should be advised to become familiar with their breasts by occasionally
inspecting their breasts during a breast self-exam for breast awareness. If
there is a new change, lumps or other unusual signs in their breasts, they
should contact health care professionals immediately.
·
Family
member should be informed on the need to use drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. They should limit the
amount of alcohol they drink to less than one drink a day, if they choose to
drink.
Family
member should be informed on the need to use drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. They should limit the
amount of alcohol they drink to less than one drink a day, if they choose to
drink.
·
Plan exercise programmes in most days of the week. They should aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise
on most days of the week.
Plan exercise programmes in most days of the week. They should aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise
on most days of the week.
·
They
should endeavour to maintain a healthy
weight by reducing the number of calories they eat each day and slowly
increase the amount of exercise.
They
should endeavour to maintain a healthy
weight by reducing the number of calories they eat each day and slowly
increase the amount of exercise.
·
Family
should maintain a healthy diet.
Family
should maintain a healthy diet.
The role
of the community in the control of cancer of the breast
of the community in the control of cancer of the breast
·
Community leaders in collaboration with
non-governmental organisations should organise cancer of the breast screening examination and tests, such as clinical
breast examination.
Community leaders in collaboration with
non-governmental organisations should organise cancer of the breast screening examination and tests, such as clinical
breast examination.
·
Cancer of the breast support group should be
established in each community which will involve cancer of the breast survivor
to educate patients on how they were able to manage their conditions.
Cancer of the breast support group should be
established in each community which will involve cancer of the breast survivor
to educate patients on how they were able to manage their conditions.
·
Community
members should device ways to support cancer patients through a support network
during your cancer treatment.
Community
members should device ways to support cancer patients through a support network
during your cancer treatment.
The role of government in
the control of cancer of the breast
the control of cancer of the breast
Government
should make available cancer prevention medication for people at risk such as oestrogen-blocking medications that may help reduce
the risk of breast cancer.
should make available cancer prevention medication for people at risk such as oestrogen-blocking medications that may help reduce
the risk of breast cancer.
Cancer of
the cervix
the cervix
Cancer of the cervix is a type of cancer that
occurs in the cells of the cervix which is the lower part of the uterus that is
connected to the vagina. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a
sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer. When exposed to HPV, a woman’s immune system
typically prevents the virus from doing harm. In a small group of women,
however, the virus survives for years, contributing to the process that causes
some cells on the surface of the cervix to become cancer cells.
occurs in the cells of the cervix which is the lower part of the uterus that is
connected to the vagina. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a
sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer. When exposed to HPV, a woman’s immune system
typically prevents the virus from doing harm. In a small group of women,
however, the virus survives for years, contributing to the process that causes
some cells on the surface of the cervix to become cancer cells.
Signs and symptoms of
cancer of the cervix
cancer of the cervix
Early-stage cancer of the
cervix generally produces no signs or symptoms. Signs and symptoms of
more-advanced cancer of the cervix include:
cervix generally produces no signs or symptoms. Signs and symptoms of
more-advanced cancer of the cervix include:
·
Vaginal
bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause
Vaginal
bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause
·
Watery,
bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odour
Watery,
bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odour
·
Pelvic
pain or pain during intercourse
Pelvic
pain or pain during intercourse
Causes of cancer of the
cervix
cervix
Cancer of the cervix begins
when healthy cells acquire a genetic change (mutation) that causes them to turn
into abnormal cells.. The accumulating abnormal cells form a mass (tumour).
Cancer cells invade nearby tissues and can break off from a tumour to spread
elsewhere in the body.
when healthy cells acquire a genetic change (mutation) that causes them to turn
into abnormal cells.. The accumulating abnormal cells form a mass (tumour).
Cancer cells invade nearby tissues and can break off from a tumour to spread
elsewhere in the body.
It is not clear what causes
cancer of the cervix, but it is certain that HPV plays a role. However, most
women with the virus never develop cancer of the cervix. This means other
factors such as environment or lifestyle choices also determine whether an
individual will develop cancer of the cervix.
cancer of the cervix, but it is certain that HPV plays a role. However, most
women with the virus never develop cancer of the cervix. This means other
factors such as environment or lifestyle choices also determine whether an
individual will develop cancer of the cervix.
The role of the family in the control of cancer of the
cervix
cervix
·
Family members should learn more on cancer of the
cervix to be able to provide help to the patient.
Family members should learn more on cancer of the
cervix to be able to provide help to the patient.
·
Family
member should show adequate support to patients who have cancer of the cervix
to have someone to talk with concerning
their health condition.
Family
member should show adequate support to patients who have cancer of the cervix
to have someone to talk with concerning
their health condition.
·
Since
cancer treatments can be exhausting, family members should try to know what
types of help would be most useful for the patient.
Since
cancer treatments can be exhausting, family members should try to know what
types of help would be most useful for the patient.
The role
of the community in the control of cancer of the cervix
of the community in the control of cancer of the cervix
·
The importance of the practice of safe sexual
practices should be promoted by community members by advising people on the use
of condom, having fewer
sexual partners and delaying sexual intercourse.
The importance of the practice of safe sexual
practices should be promoted by community members by advising people on the use
of condom, having fewer
sexual partners and delaying sexual intercourse.
·
Support
groups on cancer of the cervix should be set up; which should include cancer of
the cervix survivors for them to talk to people who perfectly understand their
conditions.
Support
groups on cancer of the cervix should be set up; which should include cancer of
the cervix survivors for them to talk to people who perfectly understand their
conditions.
The role of government in
the control of cancer of the cervix
the control of cancer of the cervix
·
Government should ensure that women are vaccinated
against HPV. Vaccination should be made
available for girls and women ages 9 to 26.
Government should ensure that women are vaccinated
against HPV. Vaccination should be made
available for girls and women ages 9 to 26.
·
Government should set up centres for routine pap tests
to detect precancerous
conditions of the cervix, so they can be monitored or treated in order to
prevent cancer of the cervix.
Government should set up centres for routine pap tests
to detect precancerous
conditions of the cervix, so they can be monitored or treated in order to
prevent cancer of the cervix.