Cancer is group of more than 100 different diseases. Cancer occurs when cells become abnormal and begin dividing and forming more cells without any control or order. Signs of this malignancy include a loss in the cell's distinctive shape and boundaries.
A cancerous cell develops when it ceases to respond to growth-inhibiting signals and gains the ability to multiply uncontrollably. If the cells divide when new ones are not needed, they form a mass of excess tissue called a tumor. This tumor, in turn, can damage healthy tissue in its area. The cancerous cells from
this tumor also can break away and travel through the blood or the lymphatic system to form new tumors in other parts of the body. The spreading of the cancer in this fashion is called metastasia.
There are numerous forms of cancer that affect the human body. About 1,208,000 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in 1995. Of those diagnosed, about 538,000 will die of cancer. Some of the more common forms of cancer are listed below. Along with their listing is the yearly percentage of people within the United States who are afflicted with each particular cancer:
- Breast- an estimated 182,000 new cases in 1994
- Gastrointestinal- (including the colon and pancreas)
-an estimated 107,000 new cases in 1994, including an estimated 27,000 new cases of pancreas cancer
- Lung -an estimated 172,000 new cases in 1994
- Prostate-an estimated 200,000 new cases in 1994
Cancer statistics from the American Cancer Society
Cancers have many different causes and sources. One of these sources is a group of chemicals called carcinogens. These carcinogens have been found in industrial pollutants, pesticides, and food additives. People who are exposed to these carcinogens through their occupation or other activities have been known to be more susceptible to cancer. The development of cancer also has been closely linked to heredity. A genetic mutation (a change in the genetic code) could be passed to a child through the sperm or egg. A family history of cancer could be due to a dominant gene that makes cancer more likely to be passed down from generation to generation.
Some of the following are symptoms that can be associated with cancer. The acronym, C.A.U.T.I.O.N., can remind us of the most common warning signs of cancer.
- C - Change in bowel or bladder habits
- A - A sore that does not heal
- U - Unusual bleeding or discharge
- T - Thickening or lump in the breast or any part of the body
- I - Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
- O - Obvious change in a wart or mole
- N - Nagging cough or hoarseness
(From "Cancer Facts", National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health)
Although these symptoms are not always a definite indication of cancer, it is important to see a doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a proper diagnosis. DON'T WAIT to feel pain; early cancer usually does not cause pain.
Cancer is treatable through a number of options. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are some of the most common, however hormone and biological therapies
also exist. The doctor may use one of these methods or a combination of methods for treatment. Below is a description of what is involved in each process.
- SURGERY- taking out the cancer in an operation
- RADIATION THERAPY- using high doses of x-rays to kill the cancerous cells
- CHEMOTHERAPY- using powerful drugs to kill the cancerous cells.
- HORMONE THERAPY- using hormones to stop the cells from growing any larger.
- BIOLOGICAL THERAPY- using your body's immune system to fight cancer.
Currently, bone marrow transplantation is being tested in clinical trials.
Many cases of cancer can be prevented by not using tobacco products, avoiding the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun, and choosing foods with less fat and more fiber. In addition, regular checkups and self-examination often can reveal cancer at an early stage, when treatment is likely to be more effective.
Return to ELSI Home Page