Cancer

What is Cancer? 

 Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancer develops when the body's normal control mechanism stops working. Old cells do not die and instead grow out of control, forming new, abnormal cells. These extra cells may form a mass of tissue, called a tumor. Some cancers, such as leukemia, do not form tumors. Each one of us is born with a potential for cancer. One can not "catch" it is one would an infection or a cold. When the programming of a cell or a group of cells is affected, growth may become uncontrolled. Some of the factors that can alter the code are chronic irritation, tobacco, smoke and dust, radioactive substances, age, sex, race and heredity. While one cannot control many of these factors, need to be aware of the ones we can control of Prevention is definitively better than treatment of cancer. What is the difference between normal and malignant cells? Normal cells grow in a well regulated pattern. When, cancer sets in, a group of cells suddenly multiplying in a hapazard and uncontrolled way forming lumps or tumor a malignent tumor never stops growing and can spread to other parts of the body. What are the most common forms of cancer? Cancer may occur any where in the body. In women, breast cancer is one of the most common. In men, its prostate cancer. Lung cancer and colorectal cancer affect both men and women in high numbers. There are five main categories of cancer :-

 * Carcinomas :- Begin in the skin or tissues that line the internal organs. 

 * Sarcomas :- Develop in the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle or other connective tissues. 

 * Leukemia :- Begins in the blood and bone marrow. 

 * Lymphomas :- Start in the immune system. 

 * Central nervous system :- Central nervous system cancers develop in the brain and spinal cord. 

 Symptoms of cancer:- Signs and symptoms caused by cancer will vary depending on what part of the body is affected. Some general signs and symptoms associated with, but not specific to, cancer, include:- 

 * Fatigue 

 * Lumps or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin. 

 * Weight changes, such as yellowing, darkening or redness of the skin, sores that won't heal, or changes to existing moles.

 * Changes in bowel or bladder habits . 

 * Persistent cough or trouble breathing 

 * Difficulty swallowing 

 * Hoarseness 

 * Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating 

 * Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain

 * Persistent, unexplained fevers or night sweats 

 * Unexplained bleeding or bruising When to see a Doctor? Make an appointment with your Doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that concern you. If you don't have any signs or symptoms, but are worried about your risk of cancer, discuss your concerns with your doctor. Ask about which cancer screening tests and procedures are appropriate for you. 

 How is cancer treated ? Treatment options depend on the type of cancer, its stages, if the cancer has spread and your general health. The goal of treatment is to kill as many cancerous cells while reducing damage to normal cells nearby. Advances in technology make this possible. 

 The three main treatments are:- 

 * Surgery :- Directly removing the tumor. * Chemotherapy:- Using chemicals to kill cancer cells.

 * Radiation therapy:- Using X-rays to kill cancer cells. 

 The same cancer type in one individual is very different from that cancer in another individual. Within a single type of cancer, such as breast cancer , researchers are discovering subtypes that each requires a different treatment approach. What can you do to manage to side effects of cancer treatment? supportive care services include:- 

 * Nutrition therapy:- to help prevent malnutrition and reduce side effects.

 * Naturopathic support :-Naturopathic support to use natural remedies to boost energy and reduce side effects. 

 * Oncology rehabilitation:- Oncology rehabilitation to rebuild strength and overcome some of the physical effects of treatment. 

 * Mild-body medicine:-Mild-body medicine to improve emotional well-being through counselling, stress management techniques and support groups.