What Is Cancer
Cancer also called malignancy is an abnormal growth of
cells. There are more than 100 types of cancer including breast cancer, skin
cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer and lymphoma.
cells. There are more than 100 types of cancer including breast cancer, skin
cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer and lymphoma.
The frequency of a particular cancer may depend on
gender. While skin cancer is the most common types of malignancy for both men
and women, the second most common type in men is prostrate cancer and in women breast
cancer.
gender. While skin cancer is the most common types of malignancy for both men
and women, the second most common type in men is prostrate cancer and in women breast
cancer.
Causes of cancer
Cancer is ultimately the result of cells that
uncontrollably grow and do not die. Normal cells in the body follow an orderly
path of growth, division and death. Cancer occurs when a cell’s gene mutations
make the cell unable to correct DNA damage and unable to commit suicide. Cancer
is a result of mutations that inhibit oncogene (that is, a gene cancer) and tumour
suppressor gene function, leading to uncontrollable cell growth.
uncontrollably grow and do not die. Normal cells in the body follow an orderly
path of growth, division and death. Cancer occurs when a cell’s gene mutations
make the cell unable to correct DNA damage and unable to commit suicide. Cancer
is a result of mutations that inhibit oncogene (that is, a gene cancer) and tumour
suppressor gene function, leading to uncontrollable cell growth.
Carcinogens: Are a class of substance
that are directly responsible for damaging DNA promoting or aiding cancer.
Tobacco, asbestos, arsenic, radiation such as gamma and x-rays, the sun, and
compounds in car exhaust fumes are examples of carcinogens.
that are directly responsible for damaging DNA promoting or aiding cancer.
Tobacco, asbestos, arsenic, radiation such as gamma and x-rays, the sun, and
compounds in car exhaust fumes are examples of carcinogens.
Genes: The family type cancer can
be the result of a genetic predisposition that is inherited from family
members. It is possible to be born with certain genetic mutations or a fault in
a gene that makes one statistically more likely to develop cancer later in
life.
be the result of a genetic predisposition that is inherited from family
members. It is possible to be born with certain genetic mutations or a fault in
a gene that makes one statistically more likely to develop cancer later in
life.
Signs and symptoms of cancer
The signs and symptoms of cancer depend on the type of
cancer, where it is located, and/or where the cancer cells have spread. For example,
breast cancer may be present as a lump in the breast or as nipple discharge.
While metastatic breast cancer may present with symptoms of pain (it spreads to
bones), extreme fatigue (lungs) or seizures (brain). A few patients show no
signs or symptoms until the cancer is far advance. The American Cancer Society describes
seven (7) warning signs that a cancer may be present and which should prompt a
person to seek medical attention. The word “CAUTION” can help you remember the
signs.
cancer, where it is located, and/or where the cancer cells have spread. For example,
breast cancer may be present as a lump in the breast or as nipple discharge.
While metastatic breast cancer may present with symptoms of pain (it spreads to
bones), extreme fatigue (lungs) or seizures (brain). A few patients show no
signs or symptoms until the cancer is far advance. The American Cancer Society describes
seven (7) warning signs that a cancer may be present and which should prompt a
person to seek medical attention. The word “CAUTION” can help you remember the
signs.
·
Change in bowel or bladder habits.
Change in bowel or bladder habits.
·
A sore throat that does not heal.
A sore throat that does not heal.
·
Unusual bleeding or discharge (for egg, nipple
secretions or a sort that will not heal that oozes material).
Unusual bleeding or discharge (for egg, nipple
secretions or a sort that will not heal that oozes material).
·
Thickening or lump in the breast, testicles or
elsewhere.
Thickening or lump in the breast, testicles or
elsewhere.
·
Indigestion (usually chronic) or difficulty in
swallowing.
Indigestion (usually chronic) or difficulty in
swallowing.
·
Obvious change in the size, colour, shape or
thickness of wart, or mole.
Obvious change in the size, colour, shape or
thickness of wart, or mole.
·
Nagging cough or hoarseness.
Nagging cough or hoarseness.
Other signs or symptoms may also alert you or your
doctor to the possibility of you having some form of cancer. These include the
following.
doctor to the possibility of you having some form of cancer. These include the
following.
·
Unexpected loss of weight or loss of appetite.
Unexpected loss of weight or loss of appetite.
·
A new type of pain in the bones or other parts
of the body that may be steadily worsening or come and go, but is unlike
previous pains one has before.
A new type of pain in the bones or other parts
of the body that may be steadily worsening or come and go, but is unlike
previous pains one has before.
·
Persistent fatigue, nausea or vomiting.
Persistent fatigue, nausea or vomiting.
·
Unexplained low-grade fevers which may be either
persistent or come and go.
Unexplained low-grade fevers which may be either
persistent or come and go.
Types of cancer
1.
Carcinoma cancer: This is cancer that begins
in the skin or in tissue that line or cover internal organs skin, lung, colon,
pancreatic, ovarian cancer.
Carcinoma cancer: This is cancer that begins
in the skin or in tissue that line or cover internal organs skin, lung, colon,
pancreatic, ovarian cancer.
2.
Sarcoma cancer: This is cancer that begins
in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels or other connective or supportive
tissue (bone soft tissue cancers)
Sarcoma cancer: This is cancer that begins
in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels or other connective or supportive
tissue (bone soft tissue cancers)
3.
Leukaemia: Cancers that start in
blood forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of
abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood-leukaemia,
lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Leukaemia: Cancers that start in
blood forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of
abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood-leukaemia,
lymphoblastic leukaemia.
4.
Lymphoma and myeloma: Cancers that begin in the
cells of immune system.-lymphoma T- cell lymphomas, B-cell lymphomas.
Lymphoma and myeloma: Cancers that begin in the
cells of immune system.-lymphoma T- cell lymphomas, B-cell lymphomas.
5.
Central nervous system
cancers: Cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and
spinal cord. “brain and spinal cord tumours
Central nervous system
cancers: Cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and
spinal cord. “brain and spinal cord tumours
Other types of cancer
include:
include:
i.
Bladder cancer
ii.
Breast cancer
iii.
Colorectal cancer
iv.
Kidney cancer
v.
Lung cancer
vi.
Oral and oropharyngeal cancer.
vii.
Pancreatic cancer
viii.
Thyroid cancer.
Thyroid cancer.
ix.
Uterine cancer
x.
Prostrate cancer.
How is cancer diagnosed
The earlier cancer is diagnosed and treated, the
better the chance of its being cured. Some types of cancer such as those of the
skin, breast, mouth, testicles, prostrate and rectum may be detected by routine
self- exam or other screening measures before the symptoms become serious. Most
cases of cancer are detected and diagnosed after a tumour can be felt or when
other symptoms develop.
better the chance of its being cured. Some types of cancer such as those of the
skin, breast, mouth, testicles, prostrate and rectum may be detected by routine
self- exam or other screening measures before the symptoms become serious. Most
cases of cancer are detected and diagnosed after a tumour can be felt or when
other symptoms develop.
In a few cases, cancer is diagnosed incidentally as a
result of evaluating or treating other medical conditions. Cancer diagnosed
begins with a thorough physical exam and a complete medical history.
result of evaluating or treating other medical conditions. Cancer diagnosed
begins with a thorough physical exam and a complete medical history.
Laboratory studied of blood, urine and stool can
detect abnormalities that may indicate cancer when a tumour is suspected,
imaging tests such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI), ultrasound and fibre-optic endoscopy examinations helps doctors
determine the cancer’s location and size. To confirm the biopsy needs to be
performed in which a tissue sample is removed from the suspected tumour and
studied under a microscope to check for cancer cells. If the diagnosis is
positive (cancer is present) other tests are performed to provide specific
information about the cancer. This essential follow–up phase of diagnosis is
called staging. The most important thing doctors need to know is whether cancer
has spread from one area of the body to another. If the initial diagnosis is
negative for cancer and symptoms persist further tests may be needed.
detect abnormalities that may indicate cancer when a tumour is suspected,
imaging tests such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI), ultrasound and fibre-optic endoscopy examinations helps doctors
determine the cancer’s location and size. To confirm the biopsy needs to be
performed in which a tissue sample is removed from the suspected tumour and
studied under a microscope to check for cancer cells. If the diagnosis is
positive (cancer is present) other tests are performed to provide specific
information about the cancer. This essential follow–up phase of diagnosis is
called staging. The most important thing doctors need to know is whether cancer
has spread from one area of the body to another. If the initial diagnosis is
negative for cancer and symptoms persist further tests may be needed.
Treatment
Firstly use surgery to treat the cancer, then secondly
radiation therapy, thirdly chemotherapy and related treatment. The treatment is
based on the type of cancer and the stage of the cancer. In some people,
diagnosis and treatment may occur at the same time if the cancer is entirely
surgically removed.
radiation therapy, thirdly chemotherapy and related treatment. The treatment is
based on the type of cancer and the stage of the cancer. In some people,
diagnosis and treatment may occur at the same time if the cancer is entirely
surgically removed.
Although patients may receive a unique sequence
treatment on protocol for their cancer, most treatments have one or more of the
following components surgery; chemotherapy, radiation therapy or combination
treatment (a combination of two or all three treatment). Patients with cancers
that cannot be cured (completely removed) by surgery usually will get
combination therapy, the composition determined by the cancer type and stage.
treatment on protocol for their cancer, most treatments have one or more of the
following components surgery; chemotherapy, radiation therapy or combination
treatment (a combination of two or all three treatment). Patients with cancers
that cannot be cured (completely removed) by surgery usually will get
combination therapy, the composition determined by the cancer type and stage.
Palliative therapy (medical care or treatment used to
reduce disease symptoms but unable to cure the patient) utilises the same
treatment described above.
reduce disease symptoms but unable to cure the patient) utilises the same
treatment described above.
Dietary management of cancer
Good nutrition prevents loss in weight, helps in wound
and skin healing. In the management of cancer, there are certain foods to avoid
and those that can be freely eaten.
and skin healing. In the management of cancer, there are certain foods to avoid
and those that can be freely eaten.
Foods to eat
Diet in cancer management should be based mainly on
plant foods other nutrients and these can reduce the risk of cancer.
plant foods other nutrients and these can reduce the risk of cancer.
1. Lower energy-dense foods
should be encouraged as these types of foods release their energy slowly and
help to feel full for a longer period of time. e.g. vegetables, fruits, pulses
such as beans, whole grain like rice, oats.
should be encouraged as these types of foods release their energy slowly and
help to feel full for a longer period of time. e.g. vegetables, fruits, pulses
such as beans, whole grain like rice, oats.
2. Some energy foods which are
nutritious and contain healthy fats are allowed such as nuts, seeds and
vegetable oil but to be eaten in smaller amount.
nutritious and contain healthy fats are allowed such as nuts, seeds and
vegetable oil but to be eaten in smaller amount.
3. Foods that are close to the
natural state that are processed should be eaten e.g. whole grain, brown rice which
contains all the fibre and nutrients of the whole grain.
natural state that are processed should be eaten e.g. whole grain, brown rice which
contains all the fibre and nutrients of the whole grain.
4. The oil used should be
minimal, polysaturated fat (sunflower, corn oil) or monosaturated fat (olive
oil, groundnut) are to be used.
minimal, polysaturated fat (sunflower, corn oil) or monosaturated fat (olive
oil, groundnut) are to be used.
5. The leanest (without fat)
parts of a meat and low fat poultry should be eaten. Red meat consumption
should be reduced (beef, pork etc. )
parts of a meat and low fat poultry should be eaten. Red meat consumption
should be reduced (beef, pork etc. )
6. Scaly fish should be taken
and consumption of fatty fish e g. Cat fish should be reduced.
and consumption of fatty fish e g. Cat fish should be reduced.
7. Salt intake should be
reduced. Higher salt intake has been found to increase the risk of stomach
cancer.
reduced. Higher salt intake has been found to increase the risk of stomach
cancer.
Foods to avoid
·
Sugary/fizzy drinks such as soft drink, juice
drinks which contribute to weight gain should be avoided.
Sugary/fizzy drinks such as soft drink, juice
drinks which contribute to weight gain should be avoided.
·
Energy (calories) dense foods, processed foods
(high in sugar and fats) should be limited.
Energy (calories) dense foods, processed foods
(high in sugar and fats) should be limited.
·
Alcohol: Alcohol has been associated with an
increased risk to a number of cancer.
Alcohol: Alcohol has been associated with an
increased risk to a number of cancer.
·
Processed meat: meat preserved by smoking,
canning, salting or addition of preservatives E.g. hot dogs, minced meat ( if
processed with salt additives), internal organ such as liver, lungs, cow legs,
cow tongue and cow tail should be avoided.
Processed meat: meat preserved by smoking,
canning, salting or addition of preservatives E.g. hot dogs, minced meat ( if
processed with salt additives), internal organ such as liver, lungs, cow legs,
cow tongue and cow tail should be avoided.
·
Fried and fatty foods, cream, butter and cheese
should be avoided
Fried and fatty foods, cream, butter and cheese
should be avoided
·
Processed foods because they all contain high
level of salt (breakfast cereals, bread, sausage, sauces, corned beef and
sardine, dried salty fish and meat.
Processed foods because they all contain high
level of salt (breakfast cereals, bread, sausage, sauces, corned beef and
sardine, dried salty fish and meat.
NOTE
INSTEAD OF TRY
White bread whole meat
White rice brown
rice
rice
Corn flakes whole
grain cereals
grain cereals
Skimmed potatoes potatoes
with skin
with skin
Fried potatoes boiled
potatoes
potatoes
Hen, bacon, sausage grilled
fish.
fish.
References
Adebamowo, C. A., Ogundiran, T.O., Adenipeekun, A. A. et al. (2002). Waist-hip ratio and
breast cancer risk in urgabised Nigerian women. Breast Cancer Research, 5(2), R18-R24
breast cancer risk in urgabised Nigerian women. Breast Cancer Research, 5(2), R18-R24
Ojofeitimi, E.O. (2014). Nutrition and dietetics, a guided approach for professionals. Ibadan:
Nones Such House Publishers.
Nones Such House Publishers.