Cancer/Oncogenesis/Carcinogenesis 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.
Cancer may occur anywhere in the body. In women, breast cancer
is one of the most common. In men, it’s 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 cancers develop in the brain and spinal
cord.
- Anything that may cause a normal body cell to develop
abnormally potentially can cause cancer; general categories of
cancer-related or causative agents are as follows: chemical or
toxic compound exposures, ionizing radiation , some pathogens, and
human genetics.
- Cancer symptoms and signs depend on the specific type and grade
of cancer; although general signs and symptoms are not very
specific the following can be found in patients with different
cancers: fatigue, weight loss, pain, skin changes, change in bowel
or bladder function, unusual bleeding, persistent cough or voice
change,fever, lumps, or tissue masses.
- Although there are many tests to screen and presumptively
diagnose cancer, the definite diagnosis is made by examination of a
biopsy sample of suspected cancer tissue.
- Cancer staging is often determined by biopsy results and helps
determine the cancer type and the extent of cancer spread; staging
also helps caregivers determine treatment protocols. In general, in
most staging methods, the higher the number assigned (usually
between 0 to 4), the more aggressive the cancer type or more
widespread is the cancer in the body. Staging methods differ from
cancer to cancer and need to be individually discussed with your
health care provider.
- Treatment protocols vary according to the type and stage of the
cancer. Most treatment protocols are designed to fit the individual
patient's disease. However, most treatments include at least one of
the following and may include all:
- surgery : directly removing the tumor
- Chemotherapy : using chemicals to kill cancer cells
- Radiation therapy: using gamma-rays and x raysto kill cancer
cells.
- There are many listed home remedies and alternative treatments
for cancers but patients are strongly recommended to discuss these
before use with their cancer doctors.
- The prognosis of cancer can range from excellent to poor. The
prognosis depends on the cancer type and its staging with those
cancers known to be aggressive and those staged with higher numbers
(3 to 4) often have a prognosis that ranges more toward poor.
management of side effects of cancer treatment
:
Supportive care services describe a broad range of therapies
designed to combat side effects and maintain well-being. Treating
cancer requires focusing on more than the disease alone; it must
also address the pain, fatigue, depression and other side effects
that come with it.
Supportive care services include:
- Nutrition therapy to help prevent malnutrition and
reduce side effects
- Oncology rehabilitation to rebuild strength and overcome some
of the physical effects of treatment
- Mind body medicine to improve emotional well-being through
counseling, stress management techniques and support groups