Cancer, also known as malignant neoplasm, is defined as any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division; it may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream. Cancer can spread from its original site to other parts of the body and can be fatal if not treated adequately2.
Cancer begins in cells, the building blocks that form tissues. Tissues make up the organs of the body. Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old, they die, and new cells take their place. Sometimes, this orderly process goes wrong. New cells form when the body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor. Tumors can be benign or malignant: Benign tumors are not cancer while malignant tumors are cancer 3.
Risk Factors4
Cancer is a result of complex mix of factors related to heredity, diet, physical inactivity and prolonged, continuous exposure to certain chemicals and other substances. A number of factors that increase a person’s chance of developing cancer has been identified and are called “risk factors”.
Cigarette Smoking
Smoking accounts for more than 85% of lung cancer deaths. Smokers are more likely to develop lung cancer compared to non-smokers. Overall, smoking has been linked to cancers of the mouth, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, pancreas and bladder.
Excessive Alcohol Intake
Heavy drinkers have an increased risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, larynx and liver. Some studies suggest that even moderate drinking may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.
Unhealthy Diet
Diet plays an important role in the development of many cancers, particularly in the digestive and reproductive organs. Long-term habit of not eating a healthy diet has been linked that increases incidence of cancer. Likewise, being seriously overweight has been linked to breast cancer.
Chemicals and Other Substances
Exposure to substances such as chemicals, metals or pesticides can increase the risk of cancer. Asbestos, nickel, cadmium, uranium, radon, vinyl chloride and benzene are well-known cancer-causing agents (carcinogens). These may act alone or together with other carcinogens, like cigarette smoke, to increase the risk of cancer.
A weak or non-functioning immune system, poor health and an unhealthy environment can contribute to cancer. Factors which suppress immune functions are poor diet, stress, lack of proper exercise and lack of sufficient rest and sleep5.
Did You Know…
Based on the Philippine Health Statistics, Cancer is the 3rd leading cause of death in the Philippines, increasing at an annual rate of 6.6%. It accounts for almost 10% share from causes of total deaths in the Philippines.
According to Dr. Catherine Lisondra-Krings of the Philippine Cancer Society. Inc., despite breakthroughs in prevention, detection and cure geared towards lowering the incidence of cancer, 60 percent of cancer patients are unfortunate enough not to avail of cure and instead suffer through the illness painfully.
Five Leading Causes of Mortality in the Philippines*
Fast Fact6
People born in the 1940’s had double the rate of cancer as those born during the years 1888-1897.
The rise in cancer can be attributed to the fact that almost everything we come in contact with daily – free radicals, hormones, pesticides – is carcinogenic. Your body does its best to repair the damage caused by these foreign elements that it was never designed to handle. But in the process of cellular repair, the risk for error or mutations (i.e. cancerous cells) increases. A buildup of these mutations can cause cancer or birth defects.
1Phoenix5:< http://www.phoenix5.org/glossary/cancer.html>
2Talking Glossary. From National Human Genome Research Institute:< http://www.genome.gov/glossary.cfm?key=cancer>
3Understanding Cancer. From National Cancer Institute:< http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/overview/page3>
4Health Advisory. From National Center for Health Promotion: :
6Fighting Body Pollution.
2 comments:
Nice work. Very impormative.
It helps a lot
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