CANCER A SOCIAL ISSUE

INTRODUCTION

Cancer is a group of diseases which involves abnormal cell growth with the capacity to invade or spread to other parts of the body.

There are basically 2 types of tumors - benign and malignant. Benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body.The possible signs and symptoms of cancer include a lump, abnormal bleeding, prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss etc. There are over 100 different types of cancer.Most cancers are named for where they start. For example, lung cancer starts in the lung, and breast cancer starts in the breast. The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another is called metastasis.

TYPES OF CANCER

Some of the most common types of cancer include:

• BREAST CANCER  is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts.
• PROSTRATE CANCER is a type of cancer in a man's prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland that produces seminal fluid.
• BASAL CELL CANCER is a type of skin cancer that begins in the basal cells.
• MELANOMA  is serious type of skin cancer.
• COLON CANCER is cancer found in the colon or rectum, located at the lower end of the digestive tract.
• LUNG CANCER  is the cancer that begins in the lungs and most often occurs in people who smoke.
• LEUKEMIA is  a cancer of blood-forming tissues, hindering the body's ability to fight infection.
• LYMPHOMA is a cancer of the lymphatic system.

CAUSES OF CANCER

The majority of cancers are due to environmental factors that is about 90- 95%. The remaining 5–10% are due to inherited genetics.Environmental, as used by cancer researchers, means any cause that is not inherited genetically, such as lifestyle, economic and behavioral factors and not merely pollution.Common environmental factors that contribute to cancer death include tobacco(25–30%), diet and obesity (30–35%), infections(15–20%), radiation (both ionizing and non-ionizing, up to 10%), stress, lack of physical activity and environmental pollution.

 Some cancers are caused due to infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human papilloma virus(HPV).These factors act, at least partly, by changing the genes of a cell.Typically many genetic changes are required before cancer develops. Approximately 5–10% of cancers are due to inherited genetic defects from a person's parents.

DETECTION OF CANCER

Cancer can be detected by certain signs and symptoms or with various  screening tests. It is then typically further investigated by medical imaging and confirmed by biopsy.People with suspected cancer are investigated with medical test. These commonly include blood tests, X- rays, CT scans and endoscopy.

Many cancers can be prevented by not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, not drinking too much alcohol, eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, vaccination against certain infectious diseases, not eating too much processed and red meat, and avoiding too much sunlight exposure.Early detection through screening is useful for cervical and colorectal cancer.The benefits of screening in breast cancer are controversial.Cancer is often treated with some combination of radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy and targeted pain.Pain and symptom management are an important part of care. Palliative care is particularly important in people with advanced disease.The chance of survival depends on the type of cancer and extent of disease at the start of treatment.In children under 15 at diagnosis the five year survival rate in the developed world is on average 80%.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Cancer risk can be reduced with following habits:

• avoiding tobacco, 
• limiting alcohol use, 
• protect skin from the sun and avoiding indoor tanning, 
• eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, 
• keeping a healthy weight, and being physically active.