Health Spotlight: Cancer

Cancer is a disease where some of the body's cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells as needed. When cells grow old or become damaged, they die, and new cells take their place. However, in cancer, this orderly process breaks down. Abnormal or damaged cells grow and multiply when they shouldn't, forming lumps of tissue called tumours.

Tumours can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumours can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems, a process known as metastasis.⁶

Shared Characteristics

All cancers share several common characteristics, despite originating in different parts of the body and having various causes. Here are some key features common to all cancers:

1. Uncontrolled Cell Growth: Cancer cells grow and divide uncontrollably, bypassing the normal regulatory mechanisms that control cell growth and division.
2. Evading Growth Suppressors: Cancer cells can evade the signals that normally inhibit cell growth, allowing them to continue proliferating.
3. Resisting Cell Death: Cancer cells can avoid programmed cell death (apoptosis), which allows them to survive longer than normal cells.
4. Enabling Replicative Immortality: Cancer cells can maintain their ability to divide indefinitely, unlike normal cells that have a limited number of divisions.
5. Inducing Angiogenesis: Cancer cells can stimulate the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) to supply the growing tumour with nutrients and oxygen.
6. Activating Invasion and Metastasis: Cancer cells can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).⁷

There are many types of cancer, each classified by the type of cell that is initially affected. These include⁸:

• Carcinomas: These cancers begin in epithelial cells, which are the cells that line the inside and outside surfaces of the body.
• Sarcomas: These cancers start in connective or supportive tissues such as bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, or blood vessels.
• Leukemias: These cancers begin in the blood-forming tissues of the bone marrow and result in large numbers of abnormal blood cells entering the bloodstream.
• Lymphomas: These cancers start in the cells of the immune system, particularly in the lymphatic system.
• Central Nervous System (CNS) Cancers: These cancers begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.

Each type of cancer is named based on the specific cells and tissues where it originates, which helps in understanding its behaviour, treatment, and prognosis.

Cancer treatment options are diverse and commonly used across various types of cancer, but the specific approach can vary depending on the type, stage, and individual characteristics of the cancer. Here's a quick summary:

• Surgery: Used to remove tumours and surrounding tissue.
• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.
• Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy radiation to target and kill cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Helps the body's immune system fight cancer.
• Hormone Therapy: Blocks or removes hormones that fuel certain cancers.
• Targeted Therapy: Uses drugs to target specific molecules involved in cancer growth.
• Ablation Therapy: Destroys tumors using heat, cold, or other methods.
• Palliative Care: Focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.
• Clinical Trials: Research studies that test new treatments or approaches.

Each cancer type may require a tailored treatment plan based on its unique characteristics.⁹

General Cancer Prevention

Preventing cancer involves adopting a healthy lifestyle and taking proactive measures. Here are some general cancer prevention tips to help reduce your risk:

• Avoid Tobacco: Major risk factor for cancers like lung, mouth, throat, and bladder.
• Eat a Healthy Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit red and processed meats.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reduces risk of cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, colon, and kidney.
• Stay Physically Active: Helps maintain weight and lowers risk of breast and colon cancer. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.
• Protect Yourself from the Sun: Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid excessive sun exposure to prevent skin cancer.
• Get Vaccinated: HPV and hepatitis B vaccines can prevent certain cancers.
• Avoid Risky Behaviours: Practice safe sex and avoid sharing needles to reduce infection-related cancers.
• Regular Screenings: Early detection through screenings for cancers like breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate.
• Genetic Counselling: For individuals with a family history of certain cancers, genetic counseling can help assess risk and guide preventive measures.
• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol increases the risk of several types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancers. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation. For women, this means up to one drink per day, and for men, up to two drinks per day.¹⁰

By incorporating these cancer prevention tips into your daily routine, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing cancer. Remember, early detection through regular screenings and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are key components in the fight against cancer. Stay informed, make healthy choices, and consult with healthcare professionals to tailor a prevention plan that works best for you.

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