It should be noted that not all tumors are cancers. As mentioned by the Cancer Council NSW in 2021, the non-cancerous tumors are known as benign tumors as they are usually not known to spread to other parts of the body and slowly grows. The cancerous tumors are known as malignant tumors which potentially spreads rapidly to other parts of the body and disrupts normal organ or body working mechanisms.
What are the Risk Factors of Cancer?
The risk factors, or also known as the things that increases the risk of developing cancer, or in laymen terms, the causes of cancer, may differ according to the type of cancer itself.
     The risk factors can be categorized into two; risk factors that can be controlled and risk factors that cannot be controlled. The risk factors that can be controlled may be related to one’s lifestyle choices, for instance, not being active, unhealthy eating, smoking tobacco and also spending too much time in the sun without necessary protection. The later, however, are related to genetics, such as getting older, or even having a family history of cancer.
     Despite that, having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean that it is guaranteed for one to get cancer, but it does mean that they have higher chances of developing cancer than those without the said risk factors. Most importantly, one should to stop the risky lifestyle and maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce the likeliness of having cancer. Furthermore, it is crucial to recognize your risk factors and talk with your doctor regarding the best way to manage them – Cancer Council NSW, 2021.
Early Detection of Cancer
As per WHO in 2022, early detection can greatly decrease the chances of mortality due to cancer. Early identification of cancer will help increase the response of the cancer to the treatment given and enhance the probability of survival with less morbidity, including less expensive treatment. The quality of life of cancer patients can be improved by early detection of cancer and helps to avoid any delays in care. Delays in care may cause the cancer to worsen. Early detection can be done through early diagnosis and early screening. For instance, screening that can be done for early detection of breast cancer is by conducting mammogram.
Can Cancer be cured?
There is no one cure for cancer and not all cancer can be cured. The likeliness of the cancer to be cured depends on the type and stage of the cancer, the type of treatment available, and also other factors. Each cancer responds to different treatment and some are more likely to be cured than others. Treatments given to cancer patient have different goals; to cure the cancer or to stop it from spreading further. Other than that, palliative care, is a treatment which is given to reduce side effects of other treatments and helps to make cancer patients feel more comfortable. As per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2022, some examples of treatment methods that are most commonly used for cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant).
All in all, support from people around the cancer patients, be it family or friends or caregivers are greatly needed and will make a significant difference to their quality of life; especially emotional and psychological support, other than financial support. According to the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), every year, on the 4th of February, World Cancer Day is celebrated with the aim to prevent millions of deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer, and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease. And thus, let's bring awareness to the public regarding cancer. Together, we can make a difference.Â
References
Breast Cancer. (2021). Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved on 24th June 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/what-is-breast-cancer.htm
Cancer Risk Factors. (2021). Cancer Council NSW. Retrieved on 24th June 2022, from https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/understanding-cancer/cancer-risk-factors/
Cancer Treatment. (2022). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Retrieved on 24th June 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/survivors/patients/treatments.htm
Cancer. (2022). World Health Organization. Retrieved on 24th of June 2022, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
