Kemi Busari
Every 4th of February of each year is set aside by the United Nations (UN) to observe the World Cancer Day. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about 14 million people learn they have cancer yearly, and the disease account for 8 million deaths. CSBS News joins people, organizations, and government agencies around the world in exploring how everyone can help prevent and control cancer. Just before you go about your next chore, take a few minutes to educate yourself on the disease.
What is cancer?
Cancer is the name given to a collection of related diseases. In all types of cancer, some of the body’s cells begin to divide without stopping and spread into surrounding tissues.
Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body. Normally, human cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old or become damaged, they die, and new cells take their place.
When cancer develops, however, this orderly process breaks down. As cells become more and more abnormal, old or damaged cells survive when they should die, and new cells form when they are not needed. These extra cells can divide without stopping and may form growths called tumors.
Cancer can start anywhere in the body.
What causes cancer?
The great majority of cancers, some 90–95% of cases, are due to environmental factors. The remaining 5–10% is due to inherited genetics. Environmental, as used by cancer researchers, means any cause that is not inherited genetically. Common environmental factors that contribute to cancer death include tobacco, diet and obesity, infections, radiation, stress, lack of physical activity, and environmental pollutants.
However, is nearly impossible to prove what caused a cancer in any individual, because most cancers have multiple possible causes
Does it show any sign to make me know I have it?
Cancer is a group of diseases that can cause almost any sign or symptom. The signs and symptoms will depend on where the cancer is, how big it is. Unexplained weight loss,fever fatigue, joint and body pains and Skin changes are some of the symptoms.
How can I treat or manage it?
Cancer treatment depends on individuals. Some cancers respond better to surgery; others respond better to chemo or radiation. Knowing the type of cancer you have is the first step toward knowing which treatments will work best for you.
The stage of the cancer will also help the doctor decide on the best treatment.
Can I prevent cancer?
Cancer is considered a largely preventable disease. Between 70% and 90% of common cancers are due to environmental factors and therefore possibly preventable.
Cancer deaths could be prevented by avoiding risk factors including: tobacco, overweight, obesity, an insufficient diet, physical inactivity, alcohol, sexually transmitted infections, and air pollution. Natural causes remain unpreventable.
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