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Get the answers to those common questions on cancer.
For most people, the word “cancer” has frightening connotations. But the good news is that with early detection, cancer is definitely not the death sentence it used to be. What's more, you can be proactive in prevention.
Is cancer a death sentence?
Certainly not. Many cancer patients survive, especially if the cancer is treated in the early stages. And with new treatments, the chances of survival are dramatically higher than they were 30 years ago.
Is cancer hereditary?
Certain types of cancer, like breast cancer, do seem to run in families. It is important to have yourself checked regularly if a family member was diagnosed with cancer.
Why do cells grow?
Cells divide and replicate themselves all the time. These cells contain our genes. About one in a million cells develops abnormally, but this usually isn't a problem as the body sorts out the problem by itself. When these corrective mechanisms fail, tumours develop. In certain cases, symptoms will only show after 10 to 30 years.
What are the early warning signs of cancer?
There are many different types of cancer, of which quite a few have almost no warning signs. Growths or tumours are often early warning signs and should be checked out immediately. Internal tumours can cause a variety of symptoms, including exhaustion and localised pain. An unexplained change in how your body functions could also be a warning sign. Have it checked out before the cancer becomes invasive.
Types of cancer
- Carcinomas are formed in the tissues that cover a surface or line internal organs of the body.
- Sarcomas develop in connective tissue and affect bones and soft tissue.
- Leukaemias are found in the blood and the blood-forming tissues.
- Lymphomas affect the lymphatic system that normally acts as a filter of impurities on the body.
- Myelomas are tumours that arise in plasma cells in the bone marrow.
What are survival chances?
Depending on the type of cancer and the stage in which it is found, chances of survival are generally very high. Today, the vast majority of cancer patients beat the disease.
Help at hand
Cancer can be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery.
Chemotherapy is a chemical treatment with drugs and hormones that are in the body's system. Many normal cells are also damaged in this process, and it can cause the patient to feel quite ill for a while, but can, and often does, lead to remission of the cancer.
Radiation therapy. External X-rays at high levels are directed towards the tumour to damage or destroy the cancer cells.
Surgery. This is still the most obvious response if the tumour is small and limited to a single area of the body.
What can I do to prevent cancer?
Stop smoking, stay out of the sun, eat lots of fruit and vegetables, limit your intake of animal fats, get lots of exercise, and go for regular medical check-ups.
