Khees-xaws (Cancer)

Cancer is a disease where certain cells in the body grow uncontrollably and spread to other areas. To understand this, it’s important to know how normal cells work. In a healthy body, cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly way. Cancer happens when this process breaks down. Mutations in the DNA of a cell can cause it to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a mass called a tumor. Some cancers, like leukemia, don't form solid tumors but affect blood cells.

Symptoms of Cancer

Cancer symptoms can vary depending on the type and location. Common signs include (video):

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue

• Persistent pain or discomfort

• Changes in the skin, like yellowing, redness, or unusual moles

• Unusual bleeding or discharge

• Lumps or swelling

It’s important to know that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so seeing a doctor is crucial.

How Cancer is Evaluated

Doctors use various methods to diagnose cancer:

• Physical exams: Checking for lumps or abnormalities.

• Imaging tests: Such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, to view inside the body.

• Biopsies: Removing a small piece of tissue for testing to see if it contains cancer cells.

• Blood tests: Identifying markers that might suggest cancer.

Complications of Cancer

If untreated, cancer can spread to other parts of the body (metastasis), affecting major organs and causing severe health issues. It can weaken the immune system, cause extreme fatigue, and disrupt normal body functions, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.

Treatment Options

Cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer. Options include:

• Surgery: Removing the tumor.

• Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells.

• Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.

• Immunotherapy: Boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer.

• Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific changes in cancer cells, ie breast cancer with HER-2 protein.

Lifestyle Changes for Prevention and Management

While not all cancers are preventable, certain lifestyle changes can lower your risk:

• Healthy diet: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while avoiding processed foods.

• Regular exercise: Stay active to maintain a healthy weight.

• Avoid tobacco: Smoking and other tobacco products are linked to many cancers.

• Limit alcohol: Too much alcohol can increase your risk of certain cancers.

• Protect your skin: Use sunscreen to avoid skin cancer.

• Screenings: Regular check-ups and screenings can catch cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

• Adequate sleep: At least 7 hours per night. Without adequate sleep our immune system weakens, and this can lead to many diseases including cancer. In fact, the WHO has recognized that night shift workers are at a high risk of getting cancer.

Final Thoughts

Cancer can feel overwhelming, but advances in medicine and treatment give us hope. Knowing the symptoms, seeking early evaluation, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can make a huge difference. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

References:

American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Understanding cancer. Retrieved January 10, 2025, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/understanding-cancer/what-is-cancer.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.). Long working hours, shift work, and the risk of cancer. Retrieved January 10, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/work-hour-training-for-nurses/longhours/mod3/19.html#:~:text=In%202007%2C%20the%20International%20Agency,times%20of%20sleep%20and%20activity

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Cancer fact sheet. Retrieved January 10, 2025, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer