Demystifying cancer

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Cancer is a general term for group of disorders caused by abnormal and uncoordinated growth of cells in the human body. Its a very fatal abnormality that originate at the level of the cell.

The human body is composed of trillions of cells, each with it's specific structure, size and function. A group of similar cells make up the tissue (e.g the blood tissue which is the composition of the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets). Combination of some tissues then forms what is known as the organ( e.g liver is composed of parenchymal tissue and connectives tissues). Two or more organs then forms the system(e.g cardiovascular system, which comprises of the heart and the blood vessels).

Hence, whenever there is an abnormality in the growth pattern of the cells, it tends to affect all facets of the body's function.

Classification of cancer

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Clinically, there are two main classes of cancers, they include;

• Benign cancer

• Malignant cancer

Benign cancers are literally innocent, microscopic and remain localise in a particular location without necessarily spreading to adjacent sites(metastasis). They can remain in a particular location for years without really causing life threatening situation to the host since the cells can't metastasis. A typical Example is hematoma. They can be effectively removed by surgical operation.

Malignant cancers on the other hand are life threatening, destructive and deadly. They have the capacity of spreading to adjacent tissues and distorting the body's normal function. They are invasive, irregular and erratic in nature. Its always difficult to manage, even with antineoplastic agents and most times results in dead. However, If diagnosed early, 100% remission can still be possible, depending on the type.

Types of cancers

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Clinically, there are more than 100 types of cancers, each type named in respect to the tissue or organ they invade. Common type includes;
• Adenocarcinoma
• Sarcomas
• Leukaemia
• Squamous cell carinoma
• Osteosarcoma
• Hodgkin lymphoma
• Non hodgkin lymphoma
• Lymphoblastic leukamia
• leiomyomas
• Teratomas etc.

These names are given based on the organ or tissue they invade.

causes of cancers

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Clinically, there is no single known cause of cancer. However, there are some risk factors associated with its aetiology. Some of these risk factors are listed below;

Environmental factors some of the agents in the environment that can trigger cell proliferation include;

1. Smoking: this is the leading risk factor of cancer. This explains why lungs cancer is the most common cancer in the world. Smokers have 60% chance of coming down with this type.
2. Frequent consumption of high fatty diets like cheese, butter, red meat, eggs, dairy products, chicken, coconut oil, etc
3. Consumption of smoked food items like roasted plantain, smoked fish, smoked meat, etc.
4. Excessive alcohol consumption.

Genetic factors
Carcinogenic genes can be passed down from parent to offspring, same way morphological attributes like height, complexion etc are pass down. Since DNA mutagens are inheritable, there is a probability that the cancer cells can also be inherited.

Radiation
Exposure to radiating sources like ionising or ultra violet ray are known to cause genetic damage to the cells. Medical appliance like x-ray can also be carcinogenic, since they can cause cell mutation.

Prevention and management

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Cancer can be prevented by simply staying away from the risk factors associated with it. Regularly exercise, period check ups and maintaining a good diet can play a huge role in making sure the cells does not proliferate.

If cancers are detected early, total remission is possible. Early diagnoses is the key to the effective management of cancers.

Young women can also take the HPV vaccine to help protect against cervical cancer.

Chemotherapy could also be introduced, if surgeries readily productive.

Some medications known as antineoplastic agents like vincristine and vinblastine can also be employed in the management process.

Conclusion

Cancer has been found to be one of the leading causes of increased rate of mortality in the world. Its origin is somewhat sketchy.
People with family history of the disease are always advised to stay away from the risk factors while also regularly going for check ups in the hospital.

According to the world health organisation(WHO), Australia has the highest rate of cancer in the world. This is closely followed by New Zealand, Ireland and the United states.