World Cancer Day, 4 February 2012

Kicking cancer to the curb

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It claims the lives of millions each year, impacting on their loved ones and caretakers as well as the global health system and economy. It is an illness that poses a threat to us all and develops for numerous reasons, some of which are not even known to us. Despite all of this there are measures we can take to help prevent cancer and it can be beaten.

What is cancer?

The word cancer is used to classify a certain group of illnesses that can all be described as having abnormal growth of cells in the body. When damaged cells begin to grow and multiply, tumours are formed. These tumours can impact on the functions of the body causing severe illness and sometimes death. The only type of cancer in which tumours do not form is leukaemia, or cancer of the blood, although this too has a negative effect on the functions of the blood and body.

Why are some tumours considered to be harmless?

Two kinds of tumour exist: those that are malignant and those that are benign. Benign tumours are considered to be harmless if they do not spread to other parts of the body and if they grow very little. Malignant tumours, on the other hand, continue to grow in the body affecting previously healthy areas. When this happens the tumour is said to have metastasised.

What causes cancer?

While we know that cancer is a result of abnormal cell multiplication, we do not always know what causes this to happen. However, there are a number of risk factors that are linked to cancer, including:

• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol (more than one drink a day for women and more than two for men)
• Too much time in the sun
• Unprotected sex
• High levels of stress
• Long-term exposure to harmful chemicals at home or at work
• A history of cancer in the family
• Other chronic health conditions

What are carcinogens?

Carcinogens are a group of substances that damage cells and encourage cancer to develop. Many people come into contact with carcinogens on a daily basis such as car exhaust fumes, the sun and tobacco smoke. Other examples of carcinogens are asbestos, arsenic and radiation such as x-rays. Over-exposure to carcinogens is directly related to cancer.

Can I catch cancer from someone who has it?

No, cancer is not contagious.

What are the different types of cancer?

There are over 100 types of cancer, although some are more common than others. The most recent figures from the South African Medical Research Council indicates that the cancers causing the highest number of deaths rank as follows:

What are the symptoms of cancer?

Different cancers have different symptoms. However, there are certain general symptoms that may signal cancer, such as:

o Severe tiredness
o Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
o Developing a lump or growth
o Persistent cough or hoarseness
o Noticeable changes in bowel movements or bladder activity
o Difficulty swallowing
o Continual indigestion
o Changes to the appearance of the skin and to existing moles or wounds that do not heal
o Constant unexplained pain in a particular area of the body

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms visit your doctor as urgently as possible. Cancer can spread very quickly and the sooner it is diagnosed the greater your chances of beating it.

How is cancer treated?

The cancer treatment you receive depends on a number of factors, such as the type of cancer, how far it has developed, how healthy you are and your age.

Cancer patients typically receive a combination of certain treatments so as to ensure that the cancer is eliminated as far as possible. Cancer treatments include:

 Surgery - removing the cancer from the body when it has not yet metastasised.
 Chemotherapy - putting chemicals into the body that cause the death of cancerous cells.
 Radiation - applying gamma-rays from metals or high energy X-rays to cause cancerous cells to die.
 Hormone therapy - changing the body's hormone production to stop cancer cells form growing or kill them. This is most commonly used for reproductive organ cancer.
 Immunotherapy - A fairly new type of therapy that encourages the body's immune system to strengthen and fight the cancer itself.

How can cancer be prevented?

There is no way to guarantee that you will not get cancer. However, there steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting cancer.

Lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle that includes a good diet low in fats and toxins and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Avoid alcohol and dangerous chemicals, and do not smoke.

Use a condom during sex.

Women should have the HPV vaccination, which protects against a certain virus that causes cervical cancer.

Have regular health check-ups on your reproductive organs, general health and any other areas of the body that are relevant to a family history of cancer.

Women should also do regular self-checks on their breasts for any unusual lumps.

Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat when you are outside, using sunscreen, and staying in the shade, particularly during the hours around midday.

For any GEMS member queries please phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or visit our website at www.gems.gov.za. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.

Sources:

Medical News Today - www.medicalnewstoday.com

The South African Medical Research Council - www.mrc.ac.za

The National Cancer Institute of America - www.cancer.gov

WebMD - www.webmd.com

The Mayo Clinic - www.mayoclinic.com