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.
of 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 onco gene (that is; a gene cancer) and
tumor 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 onco gene (that is; a gene cancer) and
tumor suppressor gene function, leading to uncontrollable cell growth.
Carcinogens: These 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.
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.
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.
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.
Signs and symptoms of cancer
The signs and symptoms 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.
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, color, shape or thickness of wart, or mole.
Obvious
change in the size, color, 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.
·
Recurring
infections which will a clear with usual treatment.
Recurring
infections which will a clear with usual treatment.
·
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.
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)
cancer: This is cancer that
begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels or other connective or
supportive tissue (bone soft tissue cancers)
3. Leukemia: 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-leukemia, lymphoblastic leukemia.
the bone marrow and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced
and enter the blood-leukemia, lymphoblastic leukemia.
4. Lymphoma
and myeloma: Cancers that
begin in the cells of immune system.-lymphoma T- cell lymphomas, B-cell
lymphomas.
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
tumors “
nervous system cancers: Cancers
that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. “brain and spinal cord
tumors “
Other types of cancer include;
1.
Bladder
cancer
Bladder
cancer
2.
Breast
cancer
Breast
cancer
3.
Colorectal
cancer
Colorectal
cancer
4.
Kidney
cancer
Kidney
cancer
5.
Lung
cancer
Lung
cancer
6.
Oral and
oropharyngeal cancer.
Oral and
oropharyngeal cancer.
7.
Pancreatic
cancer
Pancreatic
cancer
8.
Thyroid
cancer.
Thyroid
cancer.
9.
Uterine
cancer
Uterine
cancer
10. Prostrate cancer.
Diagnoses of Cancer
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 measles before the symptoms become serious. Most
cases of cancer are detected and diagnosed after a tumor 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. Laboratory
studied of blood, urine and stool can detect abnormalities that may indicate
cancer when a tumor is suspected, imaging tests such as x-rays, computed
tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and fiber- 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 tumor 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.
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 measles before the symptoms become serious. Most
cases of cancer are detected and diagnosed after a tumor 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. Laboratory
studied of blood, urine and stool can detect abnormalities that may indicate
cancer when a tumor is suspected, imaging tests such as x-rays, computed
tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and fiber- 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 tumor 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 of cancer
The first use surgery to treat the caner, the
second, radiation therapy, the third 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, when the removed the tissue to the biopsy. 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.
second, radiation therapy, the third 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, when the removed the tissue to the biopsy. 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.
Palliative therapy ( medical care or treatment used
to reduce disease symptoms but unable to cure the patient) ultilises the same
treatment described above.
to reduce disease symptoms but unable to cure the patient) ultilises 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.
wound 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 or a longer period of times. E.g.
vegetables, fruits, pulses such as beans, whole grain like rice, oats.
Lower
energy – dense foods should be encouraged as these types of foods release their
energy slowly and help to feel full or a longer period of times. E.g.
vegetables, fruits, pulses such as beans, whole grain like rice, oats.
2.
Some
energy foods which are nutritious and contain healthy fat s are allowed such as
nuts, seeds and vegetable oil but to be eaten in smaller amount.
Some
energy foods which are nutritious and contain healthy fat s 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 contain all the fiber and nutrients of the whole
grain.
Foods
that are close to the natural state that are processed should be eaten E.g.
whole grain, brown rice which contain all the fiber and nutrients of the whole
grain.
4.
The oil
used should be minimal, poly saturated fat (sunflower, corn oil) or mono
saturated fat (olive oil, groundnut) are to be used.
The oil
used should be minimal, poly saturated fat (sunflower, corn oil) or mono
saturated 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 e.t.c. )
The
leanest (without fat) parts of a meat and low fat poultry should be eaten. Red
meat consumption should be reduced (beef, pork e.t.c. )
6.
Scaly
fish should be taken and consumption of fatty fish E g.. Cat fish should be
reduced.
Scaly
fish should be taken and consumption of fatty fish E g.. Cat fish should be
reduced.
7.
Salt
intake should be reduced.
Salt
intake should be reduced.
Higher salt intake has been found to increase the risk of stomach
cancer.
cancer.
Foods to avoid
·
Scegarly
/fizzy drinks such as soft drink, juice drinks which contribute to weight gain
should be avoided.
Scegarly
/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, miticed 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, miticed 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 TRY
Instead of white bread whole meat
White rice brown
rice
rice
Corn flakes whole
grain cereals
grain cereals
Skimmed potatoes potatoes with skin
Fried potatoes boiled potatoes
Hen, bacon, sausage grilled fish.