Cancer is a disease caused by changes in cells that lead to uncontrolled growth and the formation of tumors. If left untreated, tumors can grow and spread through the body. There are many known causes of cancer including carcinogens, genetics, age, lifestyle factors like smoking, diet, and infections. Early detection and prevention efforts like vaccination programs and screening can help reduce cancer rates globally. However, cancer remains a major public health challenge worldwide with rates expected to continue rising due to factors such as aging populations and increases in risk factors. Unless urgent action is taken, millions more people will die prematurely from cancer each year.
Cancer and its types, all tumours are not cancer, cancer, diagnosis of cancer, how cancer differ, how cancer spread, how cancer start, how normal cells act
Oncology - For nursing students - tumors classification, cancer, differences between benign and malignant neoplasm,spread of cancer, pathophysiology with cancer cells, carcinogenesis, etiology, cancer screening, cancer prevention, management of cancer, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, oncologic emergencies
Cancer and its types, all tumours are not cancer, cancer, diagnosis of cancer, how cancer differ, how cancer spread, how cancer start, how normal cells act
Oncology - For nursing students - tumors classification, cancer, differences between benign and malignant neoplasm,spread of cancer, pathophysiology with cancer cells, carcinogenesis, etiology, cancer screening, cancer prevention, management of cancer, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, oncologic emergencies
Various Forms Of Cancer Of Which You Should Be Aware.pdfPrudentRx Program
The various forms of cancer should be on your radar. Until a later stage of development, many cancers show no symptoms. If you notice any symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor right away.
11Cancer is the uncontrollable growth of abnormal cellsBenitoSumpter862
1
1
Cancer is the uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells in the human body. It is defined by a malfunction in cellular mechanisms that control cell growth. Cells evade checkpoint controls and begin growing uncontrollably which resulting in an increase in abnormal cells, cancer cells. These cancer cells form a mass tissue known as a tumor. In the United States of America, cancer has been determined to be among the leading causes of mortality rates after cardiovascular conditions, where one in every four deaths is caused by cancer. The most common types of cancer include prostate cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer. Risk factors for cancer include excess smoking, radiation exposure, genetics, and environmental pollution. Colon cancer, or colorectal cancer, affects the distal third of the large intestine, the colon, as well as the rectum, chamber in which feces is stored for elimination. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death in cancer-related issues in the United States in both males and females (Beadnell et al., 2018). This essay explores the physiology and pathophysiology of colon cancer.
Polyps are tissue growths that generally look like small, flat bumps and are generally less than half an inch wide. They are generally non-cancerous growths that can develop with age on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. There are several types of polyps, such as hyperplastic. They are common and have a low risk of turning cancerous. Hyperplastic polyps found in the colon will be removed and biopsied. Pseudo polyps also referred to as inflammatory polyps, usually occur in people suffering from inflammatory bowel disease and are unlike other polyps. This type of polyp occurs due to chronic inflammation as seen in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. However, a polyp cells which can turn out to be malignant. Villous adenoma or tubulovillous adenoma polyps carry a high risk of turning cancerous. They are sessile and develop flat on the tissue lining the organs. They might blend within the organ, making polyps not easily identifiable and difficult to locate for treatment. Adenomatous or tubular adenoma polyps have a high chance of being cancerous. When a polyp is found, it must be biopsied, and then will regular screenings and polyp removal will follow.
An adenocarcinoma is a cancer formed in a gland that lines an organ. This cancer impacts the epithelial cells, which are spread throughout the human body. Adenocarcinomas of the colon and rectum make up ninety-five percent of all colon cancers (Chang, 2020). Colon adenocarcinomas usually begin in the mucous lining the spread to different layers. Two subtypes of adenocarcinomas are mucinous adenocarcinoma and signet ring cells. Mucinous adenocarcinomas contain about sixty percent mucus which can cause cancer cells to spread faster and become more hostile than typical adenocarcinomas. Signet ring cell adenocarcinoma is responsible for less than one percent of all colon cancer. It is g ...
11Cancer is the uncontrollable growth of abnormal cellsSantosConleyha
1
1
Cancer is the uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells in the human body. It is defined by a malfunction in cellular mechanisms that control cell growth. Cells evade checkpoint controls and begin growing uncontrollably which resulting in an increase in abnormal cells, cancer cells. These cancer cells form a mass tissue known as a tumor. In the United States of America, cancer has been determined to be among the leading causes of mortality rates after cardiovascular conditions, where one in every four deaths is caused by cancer. The most common types of cancer include prostate cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer. Risk factors for cancer include excess smoking, radiation exposure, genetics, and environmental pollution. Colon cancer, or colorectal cancer, affects the distal third of the large intestine, the colon, as well as the rectum, chamber in which feces is stored for elimination. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death in cancer-related issues in the United States in both males and females (Beadnell et al., 2018). This essay explores the physiology and pathophysiology of colon cancer.
Polyps are tissue growths that generally look like small, flat bumps and are generally less than half an inch wide. They are generally non-cancerous growths that can develop with age on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. There are several types of polyps, such as hyperplastic. They are common and have a low risk of turning cancerous. Hyperplastic polyps found in the colon will be removed and biopsied. Pseudo polyps also referred to as inflammatory polyps, usually occur in people suffering from inflammatory bowel disease and are unlike other polyps. This type of polyp occurs due to chronic inflammation as seen in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. However, a polyp cells which can turn out to be malignant. Villous adenoma or tubulovillous adenoma polyps carry a high risk of turning cancerous. They are sessile and develop flat on the tissue lining the organs. They might blend within the organ, making polyps not easily identifiable and difficult to locate for treatment. Adenomatous or tubular adenoma polyps have a high chance of being cancerous. When a polyp is found, it must be biopsied, and then will regular screenings and polyp removal will follow.
An adenocarcinoma is a cancer formed in a gland that lines an organ. This cancer impacts the epithelial cells, which are spread throughout the human body. Adenocarcinomas of the colon and rectum make up ninety-five percent of all colon cancers (Chang, 2020). Colon adenocarcinomas usually begin in the mucous lining the spread to different layers. Two subtypes of adenocarcinomas are mucinous adenocarcinoma and signet ring cells. Mucinous adenocarcinomas contain about sixty percent mucus which can cause cancer cells to spread faster and become more hostile than typical adenocarcinomas. Signet ring cell adenocarcinoma is responsible for less than one percent of all colon cancer. It is g ...
Gallbladder Cancer - Risks and Treatment.pdfMeghaSingh194
Gallbladder cancer is uncommon and can be challenging to diagnose and cure. Even though it is not as common as other types of cancer, it is still crucial to know the risks and symptoms connected with it. Let's explore more: https://www.southlakegeneralsurgery.com/gallbladder-cancer-risks-and-treatment/
Understanding Cancer: How Genetics Plays a Rolekinsleyaniston
Genetic testing looks at your DNA to identify changes that cause or may put you at risk for certain diseases or disorders. The results from genetic tests provide information that may help you and your doctor recognize and manage these health conditions. Visit: https://www.genomesmart.com/geno-blog/understanding-cancer--how-genetics-plays-a-role
Every year, nearly five million Americans need blood transfusions. An estimated 43,000 pints (or units) of donated blood are used each day in the United States, and one in seven people entering the hospital needs blood. Women are critical to the country’s blood supply, since their role as caregivers sends a message that donating blood is the right thing to do. However, they are also more likely than men to be temporarily restricted from donating because of low hematocrit, or red blood cell levels if they are still menstruating.
Food hygiene is more than cleanliness ......
Protecting food from risk of contamination, including harmful bacteria, poison and other foreign bodies.
Preventing any bacteria present multiplying to an extent which would result in the illness of consumers or the early spoilage of the food.
Destroying any harmful bacteria in the food by thorough cooking
or processing.
Discarding unfit or contaminated food.
T-Cell Activation
• Concept of immune response
• T cell-mediated immune response
• B cell-mediated immune response
I. Concept of immune response
• A collective and coordinated response to the introduction of foreign substances in an individual mediated by the cells and molecules in the immune system.
II. T cell-mediated immune response
• Cell-mediated immunity is the arm of the adaptive immune response whose role is to combat infection of intracellular pathogens, such as intracellular bacteria (mycobacteria, listeria monocytogens), viruses, protozoa, etc.
Major Histocompatibility Complex
MHC:
• Major Histocompatibility Complex
– Cluster of genes found in all mammals
– Its products play role in discriminating self/non-self
– Participant in both humoral and cell-mediated immunity
• MHC Act As Antigen Presenting Structures
• In Human MHC Is Found On Chromosome 6
– Referred to as HLA complex
• In Mice MHC Is Found On Chromosome 17
– Referred to as H-2 complex
• Genes Of MHC Organized In 3 Classes
– Class I MHC genes
• Glycoproteins expressed on all nucleated cells
• Major function to present processed Ags to TC
– Class II MHC genes
• Glycoproteins expressed on macrophages, B-cells, DCs
• Major function to present processed Ags to TH
– Class III MHC genes
• Products that include secreted proteins that have immune functions. Ex. Complement system, inflammatory molecules
Antigen Processing and Presentation MID
Antigens and “foreignness”
• Antigens (or, more properly, immunogens) have a series of features which confer immunogenicity.
• One of these features is “foreignness.”
• So, we can infer that – most often – antigens – ultimately – originate externally.
• (There are exceptions, of course. Some cells become transformed by disease [e. g., cancer] or by aging. In such instances, the antigens have an internal origin.)
Extinction of a particular animal or plant species occurs when there are no more individuals of that species alive anywhere in the world - the species has died out. This is a natural part of evolution. But sometimes extinctions happen at a much faster rate than usual. Natural Causes of Extinction.
Difference between In-Situ and Ex-Situ conservation
Conservation of biodiversity and genetic resources helps protect, maintain and recover endangered animal and plant species. There are mainly two strategies for the conservation of wildlife: In-situ conservation and Ex-situ conservation. Although, both the strategies aim to maintain and recover endangered species, they are different from each other. Let us see how they differ from each other!
Evolution Of Bacteria
Bacteria have existed from very early in the history of life on Earth. Bacteria fossils discovered in rocks date from at least the Devonian Period (419.2 million to 358.9 million years ago), and there are convincing arguments that bacteria have been present since early Precambrian time, about 3.5 billion years ago. Bacteria were widespread on Earth at least since the latter part of the Paleoproterozoic, roughly 1.8 billion years ago, when oxygen appeared in the atmosphere as a result of the action of the cyanobacteria. Bacteria have thus had plenty of time to adapt to their environments and to have given rise to numerous descendant forms.
Impact of Environment on Loss of Genetic Diversity and Speciation
Genetic variation describes naturally occurring genetic differences among individuals of the same species. This variation permits flexibility and survival of a population in the face of changing environmental circumstances. Consequently, genetic variation is often considered an advantage, as it is a form of preparation for the unexpected. But how does genetic variation increase or decrease? And what effect do fluctuations in genetic variation have on populations over time?
GENE ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION
Subtle differences in one person’s genes can cause them to respond differently to the same environmental exposure as another person. As a result, some people may develop a disease after being exposed to something in the environment while others may not.
As scientists learn more about the connection between genes and the environment, they pursue new approaches for preventing and treating disease that consider individual genetic codes.
How to store food in hot
The Good News
To maximize benefit of preservation, keep your food as fresh as possible for as long as possible. You can do this, even in the heat, by creating a “cooler” made from two basic terra cotta pots, one larger than the other. Put the smaller pot in the larger one, fill the gap with sand, and saturate the sand with water. Then cover it with a cloth. To add additional insulation from the heat, bury the pot up to its rim. The evaporation of moisture from the wet sand will cool the air around the food and help keep it fresh.
What is IUPAC naming?
In order to give compounds a name, certain rules must be followed. When naming organic compounds, the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) nomenclature (naming scheme) is used. This is to give consistency to the names. It also enables every compound to have a unique name, which is not possible with the common names used (for example in industry). We will first look at some of the steps that need to be followed when naming a compound, and then try to apply these rules to some specific examples.
IUPAC Nomenclature
IUPAC nomenclature uses the longest continuous chain of carbon atoms to determine the basic root name of the compound. The root name is then modified due to the presence of different functional groups which replace hydrogen or carbon atoms in the parent structure.
Hybridization describes the bonding atoms from an atom's point of view. For a tetrahedral coordinated carbon (e.g. methane CH4), the carbon should have 4 orbitals with the correct symmetry to bond to the 4 hydrogen atoms.
INTRODUCTION:
Hybrid Orbitals
Developed by Linus Pauling, the concept of hybrid orbitals was a theory created to explain the structures of molecules in space. The theory consists of combining atomic orbitals (ex: s,p,d,f) into new hybrid orbitals (ex: sp, sp2, sp3).
1. Why Firefly give light during night?
2. Why atomic mass and Atomic numbers are given to elements ?
3. Why elements have been characterized and classified into different groups?
4. What is the transition of elements and what they play their role in elements stability?
One of the most developed cities of India, the city of Chennai is the capital of Tamilnadu and many people from different parts of India come here to earn their bread and butter. Being a metropolitan, the city is filled with towering building and beaches but the sad part as with almost every Indian city
CHAPTER 1 SEMESTER V PREVENTIVE-PEDIATRICS.pdfSachin Sharma
This content provides an overview of preventive pediatrics. It defines preventive pediatrics as preventing disease and promoting children's physical, mental, and social well-being to achieve positive health. It discusses antenatal, postnatal, and social preventive pediatrics. It also covers various child health programs like immunization, breastfeeding, ICDS, and the roles of organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and nurses in preventive pediatrics.
How many patients does case series should have In comparison to case reports.pdfpubrica101
Pubrica’s team of researchers and writers create scientific and medical research articles, which may be important resources for authors and practitioners. Pubrica medical writers assist you in creating and revising the introduction by alerting the reader to gaps in the chosen study subject. Our professionals understand the order in which the hypothesis topic is followed by the broad subject, the issue, and the backdrop.
https://pubrica.com/academy/case-study-or-series/how-many-patients-does-case-series-should-have-in-comparison-to-case-reports/
Deep Leg Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Mor...The Lifesciences Magazine
Deep Leg Vein Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in the legs. These clots can impede blood flow, leading to severe complications.
Leading the Way in Nephrology: Dr. David Greene's Work with Stem Cells for Ki...Dr. David Greene Arizona
As we watch Dr. Greene's continued efforts and research in Arizona, it's clear that stem cell therapy holds a promising key to unlocking new doors in the treatment of kidney disease. With each study and trial, we step closer to a world where kidney disease is no longer a life sentence but a treatable condition, thanks to pioneers like Dr. David Greene.
India Clinical Trials Market: Industry Size and Growth Trends [2030] Analyzed...Kumar Satyam
According to TechSci Research report, "India Clinical Trials Market- By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2030F," the India Clinical Trials Market was valued at USD 2.05 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.64% through 2030. The market is driven by a variety of factors, making India an attractive destination for pharmaceutical companies and researchers. India's vast and diverse patient population, cost-effective operational environment, and a large pool of skilled medical professionals contribute significantly to the market's growth. Additionally, increasing government support in streamlining regulations and the growing prevalence of lifestyle diseases further propel the clinical trials market.
Growing Prevalence of Lifestyle Diseases
The rising incidence of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer is a major trend driving the clinical trials market in India. These conditions necessitate the development and testing of new treatment methods, creating a robust demand for clinical trials. The increasing burden of these diseases highlights the need for innovative therapies and underscores the importance of India as a key player in global clinical research.
CHAPTER 1 SEMESTER V - ROLE OF PEADIATRIC NURSE.pdfSachin Sharma
Pediatric nurses play a vital role in the health and well-being of children. Their responsibilities are wide-ranging, and their objectives can be categorized into several key areas:
1. Direct Patient Care:
Objective: Provide comprehensive and compassionate care to infants, children, and adolescents in various healthcare settings (hospitals, clinics, etc.).
This includes tasks like:
Monitoring vital signs and physical condition.
Administering medications and treatments.
Performing procedures as directed by doctors.
Assisting with daily living activities (bathing, feeding).
Providing emotional support and pain management.
2. Health Promotion and Education:
Objective: Promote healthy behaviors and educate children, families, and communities about preventive healthcare.
This includes tasks like:
Administering vaccinations.
Providing education on nutrition, hygiene, and development.
Offering breastfeeding and childbirth support.
Counseling families on safety and injury prevention.
3. Collaboration and Advocacy:
Objective: Collaborate effectively with doctors, social workers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care for children.
Objective: Advocate for the rights and best interests of their patients, especially when children cannot speak for themselves.
This includes tasks like:
Communicating effectively with healthcare teams.
Identifying and addressing potential risks to child welfare.
Educating families about their child's condition and treatment options.
4. Professional Development and Research:
Objective: Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in pediatric healthcare through continuing education and research.
Objective: Contribute to improving the quality of care for children by participating in research initiatives.
This includes tasks like:
Attending workshops and conferences on pediatric nursing.
Participating in clinical trials related to child health.
Implementing evidence-based practices into their daily routines.
By fulfilling these objectives, pediatric nurses play a crucial role in ensuring the optimal health and well-being of children throughout all stages of their development.
1. CANCER EXPLAINED
What is cancer?
Cancer isa disease whichoccurswhenchangesinagroup of normal cellswithinthe bodyleadto
uncontrolledgrowthcausingalumpcalledatumour;thisis true of all cancers exceptleukaemia(cancer
of the blood).If leftuntreated,tumourscangrow and spreadintothe surroundingnormal tissue,orto
otherparts of the bodyviathe bloodstreamandlymphaticsystems,andcanaffectthe digestive,
nervousandcirculatorysystems.
Tumours (lumps) can be benignor malignant
Benigntumours are notcancerousand rarelythreatenlife.2Theytendtogrow quite slowly,donot
spreadto otherparts of the bodyandare usuallymade upof cellsquite similartonormal /healthy
cells.3Theywill onlycause aproblemif theygrow verylarge,becominguncomfortableorpressonother
organs - for example abraintumourinside the skull .
Malignant tumours are fastergrowingthanbenigntumoursandhave the abilitytospreadand
destroyneighbouringtissue.Cellsof malignanttumourscanbreakoff fromthe main (primary) tumour
and spreadto otherparts of the bodythrough a processknownas metastasis.Uponinvadinghealthy
tissue atthe newsite theycontinue todivideandgrow.These secondarysitesare knownasmetastases
and the conditionisreferredtoasmetastaticcancer.
Cancer can be classifiedaccordingto the followingcategories:
Carcinoma – A cancer that arisesfromthe epithelial cells(the lining of cellsthathelpsprotector
enclose organs).Carcinomasmayinvade the surroundingtissuesandorgansandmetastasise tothe
lymphnodesandotherareasof the body.The most commonformsof cancer inthisgroup are breast,
prostate,lungandcoloncancer •
Sarcoma – A type of malignanttumourof the bone or softtissue (fat,muscle,bloodvessels,nerves
and otherconnective tissuesthatsupportandsurroundorgans).The mostcommonformsof sarcoma
are leiomyosarcoma,liposarcomaandosteosarcoma•
Lymphoma – Lymphomaisa cancer of the lymphaticsystem, whichrunsall throughthe body,and
can therefore occuranywhere.The twomainformsare non-Hodgkin’swhichbeginswithuncontrolled
growthof the - white bloodcells -lymphocytes - of the immune system) andHodgkin’slymphomain
whichcellsof the lymphnodesbecome cancerous•
Leukaemia- Leukaemiaisacancer of the white bloodcellsandbone marrow,the tissue thatforms
bloodcells.There are several subtypes;commonare lymphocyticleukaemiaandchroniclymphocytic
leukaemia.
2. Causes
There are about200 knowntypesof cancer.As withmostillnessescancerismultifactorial,meaning
there isno single cause foranyone type of cancer.
A. Cancer-causingsubstances(carcinogens) - Genesare codedmessagesinsideacell thattell it
howto behave (i.e.whichproteinstomake).Mutationorchangestothe gene,suchas damage
or loss,can alterhowthat cell behaves.Forexample,amutationmaymeanthattoo much
proteinismade,or thatproteinisnot made at all.Significantly,thereneedstobe a numberof
geneticmutations3withinacell before itbecomescancerous.Somethingthatdamagesacell,
changingitsbehaviourandmakesitmore likelytobe cancerousiscalleda 'carcinogen'•
B. Age – Many typesof cancerbecome more prevalentwithage.The longerpeople live,the more
exposure there istocarcinogensandthe more time there isforgeneticchangesormutationsto
occur withintheircells•
C. Genetics– Some people are unfortunatelybornwithageneticallyinheritedhighriskfora
specificcancer('geneticpredisposition).Thisdoesnotmeandevelopingcancerisguaranteed,
but a geneticpredispositionmakesthe disease more likely.
o For example, womenthatcarry the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 breastcancer geneshave a higher
predispositiontodevelopingthisformof cancerthan womenwitha normal breastcancer
risk.2However,lessthan5%of all breastcancer isknownto be due to genes.Soalthough
womenwithone of these genesare individuallymore likelytodevelopbreastcancer,most
casesare not causedbya highriskinheritedgenefault.Thisistrue of othercommon
cancers where some people have ageneticpredisposition - forexample,colon(large bowel)
cancer
D. The immune system- People whohave weakenedimmune systemsare more atriskof
developingsome typesof cancer.Thisincludespeople whohave hadorgantransplantsandtake
drugsto suppresstheirimmune systemstostoporganrejection,pluspeople whohave HIV or
AIDS, or othermedical conditionswhichreduce theirimmunitytodisease.
Certainlifestylesandenvironmental factorsare alsoknowntocause mutationsthatcan cause cancer.
Lifestyle andenvironmentalcausesare toa large extentcontrollableoravoidable.Examplesinclude:
1. Bodyweight,dietandphysical activity - Cancerexpertsestimatethatmaintainingahealthy
bodyweight,makingchangestoourdietandtakingregularphysical activitycouldpreventabout
one inthree deathsfromcancer. Many people eattoomuchred and processedmeatandnot
enoughfreshfruitandvegetables.Thistype of dietisknowntoincrease the riskof cancer.
2. Overweightor obesity- 'Obese'meansbeingmore thanabout25% overweight.Overweightor
obese people have anincreasedriskof bowel andpancreaticcancer,probablydue toa
tendencytowardshigherinsulinlevels.Obesitycanalsoincrease the riskof cancerof the
foodpipe (oesophagealcancer),kidneyandgallbladdercancer,aswell asbreastor womb
(uterine) cancerinwomen.
3. Alcohol - The evidence thatall typesof alcoholicdrinksare acause of a numberof cancersis
nowstrongerthan everbefore. Alcohol canincrease the riskof a numberof cancers,including
3. mouth,throat (whichincludespharyngeal cancer),laryngeal andcancerof the food pipe,plus
liver,breastandbowel cancer(inmen).Evenmoderate alcoholintake increasesthe riskof
cancer .
4. Tobacco – Tobacco smoke containsat least80 differentcancer-causingsubstances(carcinogenic
agents).Whensmoke isinhaledthe chemicalsenterthe lungs,passintothe bloodstreamand
are transportedthroughoutthe body.6Thisiswhysmokingorchewingtobacconot onlycauses
lungcancer and mouthcancers,but isalsorelatedtomany othercancers.The more a person
smokes,the youngertheystart,andthe longertheykeepsmoking,all furtherincreasethe risk
of cancer.
5. Ionisingradiation – Manmade sourcesof radiationcan cause cancer and are a riskfor workers.
The main riskishowever,prolongedandunprotectedexposure toultravioletradiationsfrom
the sun whichcan leadtomelanomaandskinmalignancies.7Fairskinnedpeople,those withlot
of molesorwhohave a relative whohashad melanomaornonmelanomaskincancer,are at
highestrisk.
6. Work place hazards - Some people riskbeingexposedtoacancer causingsubstance because of
the work thattheydo. For example,workersinthe chemical dye industryhave beenfoundto
have a higherincidence thannormal of bladdercancer.Asbestosisawellknownworkplace
cause of cancer - particularlyacancer calledmesothelioma,3whichmostcommonlyaffectsthe
coveringof the lungs(pleura) .
7. Infection– A proportionof cancerscan be causedby infectionwithavirus.However,thisdoes
not meanthat these cancerscan be caught like aninfection;ratherthe viruscancause changes3
incellsthat make themmore likelytobecome cancerous
o Examplesincludecervical cancer,linkedtothe HumanPapillomaVirus,primaryliver
cancer whichcan be causedby the HepatitisBand C virusand lymphomaslinkedtothe
Epstein-Barrvirus8.
o Bacterial infectionshave notbeenthoughtof ascancer causingagentsinthe past. But
studieshave shownthatpeople whohave helicobacterpylori infectionof theirstomach
developinflammationof the stomachlining,whichincreasesthe riskof stomachcancer.
Signsand symptomsAsthere are so manydifferenttypesof cancerthe symptomsare varied
and dependonwhere the diseaseislocated.However,thereare some keysignsandsymptoms9
, including:
Lumps – some cancerscan be feltthroughthe skin.Cancerouslumpsare oftenpainlessandmay
increase insize asthe cancer progresses.
Coughing, breathlessness–persistentcoughingepisodesandbreathlessnesscanbe associated
withlungcancer.
Changesin bowel habit – symptomsof bowel cancermayinclude bloodinthe stoolsanda
change in bowel habitssuchasconstipationanddiarrhea.
Bleeding–anyunexpectedbleedingcanbe a signof cancer:
Bleedingfromthe anal passage maybe a signof bowel cancero
Bleedingfromthe cervix maybe asignof cervical cancero Bloodpresentinthe urine
may be a signof kidneyorbladdercancer•
4. Unexplainedweightloss– a large amountof unexplainedweightlossoverashortperiodof
time (acouple of months) can be a signof cancer •
Fatigue - fatigue isextreme tirednessandasevere lackof energy.If fatigue isdue tocancer,
sufferers normallyalsohave othersymptoms.
The global cancer epidemicThe incidenceandburdenof canceris huge andis setto rise.Cancerkills
more people ona global scale thanAIDS,malariaand TB combined.Manyof the 600,000 deathseach
monthattributedto cancer can be preventedwithincreasedgovernmental supportandfundingfor
prevention,detectionandtreatmentprogrammes.
The incidence of canceris highestindevelopedcountries,particularlyinNorthernAmerica,Australia
and NewZealandandinNorthernandWesternEurope.However,the impactinthe developingworldis
growingat an alarmingrate.More than 70% of all cancer deathsalreadyoccurin low- andmiddle-
income countriesandthese regionsare projectedtoaccountfor twothirds of all cases of cancer
worldwide by2050 (an increase of 15% since 1975).
There are significantregional differencesincancerprevalence,butthe biggestcancerkillersworldwide
are lungcancer (1.4 milliondeathsin2008),stomach cancer (740,000 deathsin2008), livercancer
(700,000 deathsin2008), colorectal cancer (610,000 deathsin2008), and breastcancer (460,000 deaths
in2008).
In additiontothe impacton lossof life,the economicimpactof canceris huge.Currentlyitisestimated
that the disease costseconomiesacrossthe worldanestimated$290 billionin2010 - $154 billionof
whichwere medical costs.
The future cancer burden:
The global cancer epidemicissettocontinue rising,placingfurtherstrainsonbothindividualsandthe
families,andthe societiesinwhichtheylive.The numberof cancercasesand relateddeathsworldwide
isestimatedtodouble overthe next20-40 years.Withthe greatestincrease inlow- andmiddle-income
countries;those leastequippedtocope withboththe social and economicimpactof the disease
Worryingly,it isexpectedthat by 2030:
There will be 12 millioncancerdeathsperyear•
The global costs of cancer are estimatedtorise to458 billion.
The risingburdenof canceracross the worldcan be linkedtoa numberof factorsincluding:
Expandingandageingpopulations.
Increasesinmodifiable riskfactors(smoking,western dietandphysical inactivity) .
Higherincidencesof cancersrelatedto preventableortreatable infections(particularlyin
developingcountries)
5. Preventionand earlydetectionof cancer
More than a thirdof all cancers are preventable byreducingexposure toriskfactorsincludingtobacco,
obesity,physicalinactivityand sexuallytransmittedinfections.11Preventative measuressuchas
vaccinationprogrammesagainstHBV andHPV andpubliceducationcampaignsare vital now,andinthe
future,tomitigate the expectedincreaseof peopleaffectedbycancerinthe comingdecades.
Early detectioncanalsoplayitspart inreducingthe global cancerepidemic.Implementationof
screeningprogrammestoidentifypre-cancerorearlystage cancerare crucial in the fightagainstthe
disease inbothdevelopedanddevelopingcountries. Inorderforearlydetectionprogrammestobe
effective,stronghealthcare systemsmustbe inplace to provide equityof accesstodiagnosisand
treatmentforall cancer patients.Inaddition,publiceducationcampaignsare neededacrossthe world
to tackle the cancer epidemicbyhelpingpeoplerecognise the earlysignsof disease andencourage the
seekingof promptmedical attention.
Call to action : Unlessurgentactionistakento raise awarenessaboutcancerand encourage
governmentstodeveloppractical,multisectoral strategiestoaddressthe disease,millionsof people
aroundthe worldwill continuetodie prematurelyorsuffereveryyearbecauseof thisdevastating
disease.
REFERENCES:
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http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/cancer-oncology/whatiscancer.php.Lastaccessed
January2013
1. National CancerInstitute.Availablefrom:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA LastaccessedJanuary2013
2. Cancer ResearchUK.Available from:
http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/healthyliving/smokingandtobacco/.LastaccessedJanuary
2013
3. Cancer ReaserchUK. Availablefrom: http://cancerhelp.cancerresearchuk.org/about-
cancer/what-iscancer/cells/types-of-cells-and-cancer.LastaccessedJanuary2013
4. WorldCancer ResearchFund.Available from:
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PreparedBy Amjad Khan Afridi