Cancer Is An Abnormal Disorganised Growth of Cells in The: Print

John Murtagh, Patient Education, Third edition, McGraw-Hill Book Company
Cancer
What is cancer?
Cancer is an abnormal disorganised growth of cells in the
tissues of a person. The cells multiply out of control and drain
vital nutrition from the normal cells. A foetus growing in a
mother's womb is a rapid growth of cells, but unlike cancer it
is beautifully organised. Cancer is often referred to as a
growth. There are two types of growth: benign and malignant.
The benign type is more organised and not generally
dangerous as opposed to malignant growth (cancer), which can
spread from its original site to other areas of the body.
Is cancer a singIe disease?
No. Cancer is a group or class of diseases that share the
main feature of uncontrolled cell growth.
What causes cancer?
Although we are able to identify several triggering factors
(such as smoking for lung cancer, sunlight for skin cancer, and
nuclear radiation for blood and other cancers), we still do not
understand the how and why of what causes some cells to
become malignant.
There is no hard evidence that cancer is contagious or is
inherited, except for some rare cancers.
How IethaI is cancer?
Cancer is still a leading cause of death, accounting for about
1 in 8 deaths of people under 35 and 1 in every 4 deaths of
those over 45.
What are the common sites of cancer?
In men: skin, lungs, prostate, bowel, kidneys, testes,
bladder, stomach, pancreas.
In women: skin, breast, bowel, lungs, reproductive organs,
kidneys, bladder, stomach, pancreas.
The 6 commonest causes of death from cancer in Australia
are cancer of the bowel, lung, breast, prostate, lymphoma
and pancreas.
What are the main warning signs (common
symptoms)?
unusual bleeding or discharge
a lump or thickening in the breast or elsewhere
a sore that does not heal
a change in bowel or bladder habits
a persistent hoarseness or coughing
persistent indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
loss of weight
a change in a wart or mole
Do these symptoms or signs aIways mean cancer?
No, not always, but it is dangerous to ignore them because
the earlier the treatment (if cancer is the cause) the greater the
chance of recovery. Unusual bleeding should always be treated
very seriously. If you have any of these listed symptoms or any
trouble that persists longer than a month, see your doctorto
be on the safe side. It probably will not be cancerbut
whatever it is should be cured!
Is pain an earIy sign of cancer?
No, not usually. Pain is usually a very late symptom of
cancer, when it has grown into the nerves. People often think
that persistent pain such as headache and back pain means
cancer, but this is rarely the case. However, pain should not be
ignored.
Can cancer be cured?
Once cancer has spread, cures are very exceptional, but
many cancers if detected and treated early (before the
malignant cells have spread) can usually be completely cured.
The cure rate for many cancers is steadily improving,
particularly cancer of the cervix, testes, skin, large bowel,
lymph glands (lymphoma) and blood (leukaemia).
What are the methods used to treat cancer?
There are many methods used to treat cancer, including
surgery, chemotherapy (special drugs to destroy fast-growing
cells), radiotherapy, laser therapy, cryotherapy and hormone
therapy. The specialist will choose the most effective treatment
for the particular cancer. It is best not to delay treatment while
you try 'quack cures', but there is certainly a place for 'whole
person' treatment. Some patients find benefit from meditation,
good nutrition and vitamin therapy in addition to specialised
treatment.
How may cancer be prevented?
Some areas worth considering (based on studies of
communities where cancer is rare) are:
Do not smoke.
Have a healthy diet including fruit, vegetables, cereal
products and fish.
Avoid exposure to harmful sun. (Use a hat, long sleeves and
'block out' lotion.)
Be relaxedavoid stress and anxiety; practise meditation.
Avoid exposure to radioactivity and asbestos.
Other than this, screening measures for early detection
include:
2-yearly Pap smears up to the age of 70
regular mammography for women over 50
regular breast or testicular self-examination
bowel examination for those at risk
regular inspection of the skin
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John Murtagh, Patient Education, Third edition, McGraw-Hill Book Company

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