"CANCER " - The World Problem

           Cancer is a disease caused by uncontrolled Cell growth . These abnormal cells can form tumors or spread in the body . It can affect any tissue or organ of the body.

Stages of cancer :

Stage 0 - carcinoma in situ - very early cancer - cells are abnormal but haven't spread . The cells are presented only in the layer of tissue where they started . They have not invaded deeper tissues or spread to other parts of body.

Treatment - often involves minor surgery to remove the abnormal cells . Sometimes radiation or monitoring is recommended . No chemotherapy  is usually needed at this stage.

       Very high cure rate.

Stage 01 - Localised cancer - The cancer is small and has just started to grow , but has not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Treatment - often treated with surgery to remove the tumor . Sometime followed by radiation or chemotherapy , depending on the cancer type.

      Very high survive rate - ( 90 to 100 % curable).

Stage 02 - Early Local Spread - the cancer has grown larger than in stage 01 and may have spread to nearby tissue or a few lymph nodes . But not to distant organs .

Treatment - Usually involves surgery , possibly followed by chemotherapy or radiation . Treatment depends on the type and location of the cancer.

       Very treatable but cure rate may be lower than stage 01.

Stage 03 - Regional spread - It is an advanced stage . In this stage the cancer has grown larger , has spread deeper into nearby tissues , or has spread to multiple or distant lymph nodes , but not to distant organ yet .

Treatment - Often requires combination therapy , Surgery , Chemotherapy , Radiation , Sometimes targeted or immunotherapy.

         More serious than stage 01 and stage 02 . Curable in some cases .

Stage 04 - Distant spread - Metastatic cancer - It is most advanced stage where cancer has spread to distant parts of the body beyond the original site . Cancer cells have travelled through blood or lymph to other organ like lungs , liver , brain , bones .

Treatment - Focuses on controlling cancer relieving symptoms and improving quality of the life . Treatment include chemotherapy , targeted therapy , immunotherapy or palliative care surgery is less common unless to relieve specific problems .

        Generally not curable , but treatment can extend life and reduce symptoms.

Common types of cancer :

1) Breast cancer 

2) Lung cancer 

3) Prostate cancer 

4) Colorectal cancer

5) Skin cancer

6) Leukemia

7) Lymphoma

8) Pancreatic cancer

9) Liver cancer

10) Bladder cancer 

11) Ovarian cancer

12) Cervical cancer 

13) Esophageal cancer 

14) Kidney cancer

15) Thyroid cancer 

Common signs of cancer -

1) Weight loss

2) Fatigue

3) Lumps

4) Persistent pain

5) Changes in skin or bowel habits

6) Unusual bleeding

7) Non-healing sores

Common reasons for cancer :

( Cancer can occur due to a mix of lifestyle, environmental , Genetic and Biological factors.)

1) Smoking or chewing tobacco

2) Unhealthy Diet

3) Lack of physical activity and obesity

4) Alcohol

5) Infections

6) Exposure to radiation 

7) Pollution and Chemicals

8) Genetics

9) Hormonal imbalance 

     

          In 2022 , China had the highest number of new cancer cases in the world.

How to prevent the cancer :

( While not all cancers are prevented , many cases can be avoided by making healthy life style choices and reducing exposure to risk factor.)

1) Don't smoke and avoid tobacco

2) Eat a healthy diet

3) Exercise regularly 

4) Maintain a healthy weight

5) Avoid alcohol or limit alcohol 

6) Protect your skin

7) Regular check ups

    " Health is the greatest gift,

          Contentment the greatest wealth,

                 Faithfulness the best relationship "

                                               ~ Gautam Budh