Overview of Cancer

Cancer is a broad term for a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If these cells are not controlled, they can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body (metastasize), which can be life-threatening.

Types of Cancer

Cancer can develop in almost any tissue or organ. Some of the most common types include:

  • Carcinomas: Cancer that begins in the skin or tissues that line internal organs.
  • Sarcomas: Cancer that starts in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissues.
  • Leukaemia: Cancers that begin in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, leading to large numbers of abnormal blood cells.
  • Lymphomas: Cancers that start in the cells of the immune system.
  • Melanomas: Cancers that begin in the cells that produce pigment in the skin.

Early Diagnosis

Early diagnosis significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and survival. Key strategies for early diagnosis include:

  1. Screening: Regular screenings can detect cancer at an early stage before symptoms appear. Examples include mammograms for breast cancer, Pap smears for cervical cancer, and colonoscopies for colorectal cancer.
  2. Awareness of Symptoms: Early symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of cancer but may include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, lumps or swelling, persistent pain, changes in bowel or bladder habits, and unusual bleeding or discharge.
  3. Genetic Testing: For individuals with a family history of certain cancers, genetic testing can identify inherited mutations that may increase cancer risk, allowing for closer monitoring and preventive measures.
  4. Imaging and Biopsies: Advanced imaging techniques (like CT, MRI, and PET scans) and biopsies (sampling of tissue) are used to confirm the presence of cancer.

Treatment

Treatment options for cancer depend on the type, stage, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences. Common treatments include:

  1. Surgery: The physical removal of the tumour is often the first line of treatment, especially for localized cancers.
  2. Radiation Therapy: Uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumours.
  3. Chemotherapy: Involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy can target cancer throughout the body but often has significant side effects.
  4. Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer. This approach includes treatments like checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines.
  5. Targeted Therapy: Focuses on specific molecules and pathways that are involved in cancer growth and survival, often with fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy.
  6. Hormone Therapy: Used for cancers that are sensitive to hormones, such as breast and prostate cancer. It works by blocking the body’s ability to produce hormones or interfering with their effects.
  7. Precision Medicine: Tailors treatment based on the genetic makeup of the patient’s cancer, leading to more personalized and effective approaches.
  8. Palliative Care: Focuses on improving quality of life and relieving symptoms, especially for advanced cancer cases.

Prevention

Preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer:

  • Healthy Lifestyle: Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a balanced diet.
  • Vaccinations: Vaccines like HPV and hepatitis B can prevent infections that lead to cancer.
  • Regular Screenings: Early detection of precancerous conditions can prevent the development of cancer.

Early diagnosis and tailored treatments continue to improve outcomes for many cancer patients, making it a rapidly evolving field with ongoing research and innovations.

At Precious Medical Group (PMG), we are here to assist you further. Please feel free to contact us for any enquiry.