Philippine Cancer Society Forum: Cancer can be cured! Throughout history, doctors and scientists have extensively studied Their researchers have not only yielded a wealth of information on the disease, but also resulted in breakthrough medications that now give a cancer patient a new lease of life. Educate Yourself. The most powerful weapon to defeat an enemy like cancer is information. Learning more about what you fear will empower you to take control. Medical centers, public libraries, health institutions and groups, and the Internet are some of the resource centers where you can learn so much about cancer and the various innovative treatment options available. You don t have to be a cancer patient to be concerned about Cancer education is relevant to all since cancer can afflict anyone at any age. Understand Cancer. We all run the risk of having cancer because carcinogens, or cancer-causing elements, are prevalent in our environment. These carcinogens can be in the form of chemicals, radiation, pollutants, and viruses. These can be found in the food that we eat; the water we drink or the air that we breathe! Furthermore, living an unhealthy lifestyle consisting of a poor diet, lack of exercise, and cigarette smoking or alcohol-dependency, can increase cancer risks. Even hereditary factors could cause certain types of Contrary to common belief, cancer is not just one disease. The medical term cancer refers to a group of diseases that share two common traits: (1) the uncontrolled and abnormal cell growth, and (2) the ability of the abnormal cells to spread to other parts of the body. The abnormally growing cells usually form masses or tumors; which when malignant, can invade and destroy nearby tissues, and spread to other areas of the body. Tumors diagnosed as benign are easily treated unless their size or location endangers other organs. 1
Understanding cancer includes being familiar with the characteristics inherent in each type of cancer, such as how it grows, where it came from, where it spreads, and what treatment option is best for it. Majority of cancers can be cured if detected early. The only way you can have your cancer detected very early is to have regular well-body physical check-up. Early cancer does not usually present with a symptom but it can present with a physical sign meaning you will feel well even though you have a small movable painless cancer lump or mass elsewhere in your body. Cancer education helps you identify the disease s early warning symptoms. Common warning symptoms of invasive cancer can be remembered by the letters CAUTION US. Seek immediate medical advice if you notice any of the common cancer signals: Change in bowel or bladder habits. A sore that does not heal. Unusual bleeding or discharge. Abnormal growth of lumped tissue in cancer-prone parts of the body Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing. Obvious change in wart or mole. Nagging cough or hoarseness. Unexplained anemia. Sudden unexpected weight loss. Cancer is classified, or named, based on the site where it starts. In the Philippines, the top 10 cancer sites among men and women are breast, lung, liver, cervix, colon and rectum, leukemia (blood tissues), thyroid, stomach, the prostate gland, and the ovaries. 2
Table 2. Top 5 Cancer Types in the Philippines Cancer Type Risks/Possible Causes Warning Signals of Invasive Cancer Lung Cigarette smoking, exposure to tobacco smoke, and pollution are very strong risk factors. Warning signals include Persistent cough, blood streaked sputum, chest pains, recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis, hoarseness, arm or shoulder pain, weakness, and Breast Colon and Rectum Liver Cervix Estrogen can cause breast cancer; thus at risk are women who have early menstruation or late menopause, those who never had children, and those whose first pregnancy occurred after age 30. Family history of breast cancer is also a risk factor. Family history can be a reason behind the incidence of colon cancer,polyps in the colon, and rectal Inflammatory bowel diseases, diets high in fat and deficient in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, are also risks factors for both cancer types. Viral infections particularly Hepatitis B, heavy alcohol consumption,and prolonged intake of foods rich in aflatoxin and other chemical carcinogens are risk factors. Viral infections particularly those due to human papilloma virus (HPV) transmitted through sexual intercourse has been identified. weight loss. Breast changes that persist such as lump, thickening, swelling, or dimpling,soreness, discharge or retraction of the nipple can also be a warning. Colon and rectum cancer share similar symptomssuch as recurrent diarrhea and/or constipation accompanied by abdominal discomfort, weight loss, unexplained anemia, and blood in the stool. Fresh bleeding from the anal region may also be due to rectal Abdominal pain, weight loss, weakness, and loss of appetite are common signals.. Unusual vaginal discharge and irregular painless bleeding not associated with menstruation (intermenstrual, post-coital, post-douching or postmenopausal bleeding.) are warning signals 3
There remains a low level of cancer consciousness among Filipinos; and this, according to the Philippine Cancer Society is one of the main reasons why cancer continues to be a leading cause of death in the country. The PCS says a great number of Filipino cancer patients are already in their advanced stages when they come to clinics or hospitals for consultations. Know Your Body. Cancer prevention begins with a healthy lifestyle complemented by attentiveness to your body at all times. Listen to your body; be alert for anything that does not seem right; and then seek medical advice and assistance immediately. Simple self-examinations will enable you to detect certain cancers in their early stages. A thorough medical examination done on a regular basis can give you confidence that the threat of cancer would be dealt with early enough. There are many different types of tests to diagnose cancer and to find out how far the disease has spread. Diagnostic tests can involve simple laboratory tests, surgery, or radiologic imaging. Always go for a whole body physician physical examination prior any laboratory test. Many lumps can be seen or palpated by the expert oncologist particularly tumors in the skin, oral cavity, neck, breast, testes, prostate, and rectum. 1. Biopsy - This involves removing all or part of the tumor tissueand then examining the tissue sample if cancer cells are present. 2. Imaging Tests - These are used to determine if cancer has spread, and to evaluate size and location of tumor, including: o X-ray uses electromagnetic radiation to get image o Computerized tomography (CT or CAT) scan creates a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body using a series of x-ray pictures taken from many different angles. o Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses electromagnetic waves to create computergenerated pictures of the inside of the body. o Ultrasound creates pictures of the inside of body using high-frequency sound waves. o Positron emission tomography (PET) scan uses tracers like radioactive sugar molecules to detect cancer cells. o Bone scan uses a radioactive tracer to detect bone damage due to cancer or other disease. 3. Endoscopic Tests use of an Endoscope, a thin, flexible, lighted tube is used to look inside the lumen of body tube, including: o Bronchoscopy for examination of the respiratory tubes and the lungs. o Colonoscopy for examination of the colon and rectum. This can detect very early colon o Laparoscopy for examination of the abdominal area. 4
4. Laboratory tests - These involve testing a sample of blood, urine, and other body fluids to learn more on what is happening in the body with a tumor. Most important test to detect early cervix cancer for example is Pap smear every year particularly for sexually active women. Fecal occult blood in the stools can also detect early colon Live with Trust and Hope Today, cancer is no longer synonymous with death. With modern oncology medications and procedures, the number of cancer survivors has increased steadily over the years. Globally, the search for the best cancer cure continues passionately in order to guarantee that cancer would even be more manageable in the future. Thus, it is time that you rise above your fear of cancer, and proactively equip yourself with correct and adequate information, accompanied by professional medical advice./ C-Network 5