Health And Wellness
Have you ever heard of the term "silent thief of sight"? This is a term often used to describe glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that can damage your vision if left untreated. But what exactly is glaucoma, and how does it affect your eyes?
Cancer has emerged as a significant global health concern affecting millions of individuals worldwide. It is a complex disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) cancer is the second leading cause of death globally responsible for approximately 9.6 million deaths in 2018 alone (WHO 2019). The prevalence and impact of cancer necessitate a deeper understanding of its causes, risk factors and early detection methods to improve patient outcomes.
A. Genetic Factors
Certain genetic mutations and inherited gene abnormalities can increase an individual's susceptibility to developing cancer. For example mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers according to National Cancer Institute in 2021
B. Environmental Factors
Exposure to environmental factors such as tobacco smoke, air pollution radiation and certain chemicals can significantly contribute to the development of cancer. Tobacco use in particular is a leading cause of preventable cancer deaths worldwide.
Breast cancer is a complex disease characterized by the abnormal growth of cells in breast tissues. There are several different types of breast cancer including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) and inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)
Causes
The exact causes of breast cancer are not fully understood; however various risk factors have been identified. These include advancing age, family history of breast cancer certain gene mutations (e.g. BRCA1 and BRCA2) , early onset of menstruation, late menopause, hormonal factors, obesity alcohol consumption and exposure to ionizing radiation.
Early signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm changes in breast size or shape nipple discharge nipple inversion skin dimpling or puckering and redness or scaliness of the breast skin.
Diagnostic procedures (mammogram biopsy)
To diagnose breast cancer various diagnostic procedures are employed. Mammography is a commonly used screening tool that uses low-dose X-rays to detect abnormalities. If an abnormality is found a biopsy is performed to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Biopsy techniques include fine-needle aspiration core needle biopsy and surgical biopsy
Treatment options (surgery chemotherapy radiotherapy)
Treatment for breast cancer depends on various factors including the stage and type of cancer. Common treatment options include surgery (breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy) chemotherapy, radiation therapy targeted therapy and hormone therapy. Treatment decisions are made collaboratively between the patient and their healthcare team.
To read more about breast cancer, click here to read our article on it.
Prostate cancer is a prevalent and potentially life-threatening disease that affects men worldwide. The prostate gland is a small walnut-shaped organ located below the bladder in men. Its primary function is to produce seminal fluid which nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation. The prostate gland is an important part of the male reproductive system.
Prostate cancer is generally classified into two main types: localized and advanced prostate cancer. Localized prostate cancer refers to cancer that is confined to the prostate gland and has not spread to other parts of the body. Advanced prostate cancer on the other hand has spread beyond the prostate gland to nearby tissues or distant organs.
Prostate cancer is further categorized into stages based on the extent of the disease. The most commonly used staging system is the TNM system which classifies cancer based on tumor size (T) lymph node involvement (N) and the presence of distant metastasis (M).
The exact causes of prostate cancer are still unknown but several risk factors have been identified. Age is a significant risk factor with the majority of cases occurring in men over the age of 65. Family history and genetics also play a role as men with a close relative (such as a father or brother) who has had prostate cancer are at a higher risk. Other risk factors include race (African-American men have a higher incidence) obesity and certain lifestyle factors such as a high-fat diet and lack of physical activity.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate is a common condition that affects many men as they age. Although an enlarged prostate does not necessarily lead to prostate cancer it can cause bothersome urinary symptoms. Treatment options for an enlarged prostate include medication, minimally invasive procedures and surgery.
The treatment of prostate cancer depends on various factors such as the stage of the disease, the individual's overall health and personal preferences. Treatment options may include active surveillance (regular monitoring without immediate treatment) surgery radiation therapy hormone therapy chemotherapy immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
To read more about this type of cancer, click here to read the full article.
Leukemia, a form of blood cancer, is a complex and devastating disease. It arises from the abnormal growth of white blood cells which hinders the body's ability to fight infections and leads to various health complications.
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow where blood cells are produced. It occurs when the body produces an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells known as leukemia cells. These cells do not mature properly and overcrowd the bone marrow impairing the production of healthy blood cells (American Cancer Society 2021).
Leukemia can be classified into four main types: acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The acute forms progress rapidly and require immediate treatment while the chronic forms progress more slowly and may not require immediate intervention.
a. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): This type of leukemia primarily affects children but it can also occur in adults. It starts in the lymphoid cells and progresses rapidly if left untreated
b. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): AML is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults but can also affect children. It originates in the myeloid cells and can rapidly spread to other organs if not promptly treated
c. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): CLL is more common in older adults and progresses slowly. It affects the lymphoid cells and often does not require immediate treatment.
d. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): CML is a rare form of leukemia that affects both adults and children. It originates in the myeloid cells and progresses slowly in its initial phase but it can transform into an acute form if not treated
The exact causes of leukemia are still unknown but several risk factors have been identified. These include exposure to high levels of radiation, certain chemical substances such as benzene, certain genetic disorders, a family history of leukemia and a weakened immune system.
The treatment for leukemia depends on various factors including the type and stage of the disease, the patient's age and overall health and the presence of specific genetic mutations. Common treatment options include chemotherapy targeted therapy immunotherapy radiation therapy and bone marrow transplant (American Cancer Society 2021).
Bone marrow transplant also known as a stem cell transplant is a potential treatment option for certain types of leukemia. It involves replacing the unhealthy bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor or the patient's own healthy bone marrow.
This procedure aims to restore the production of normal blood cells and eliminate the leukemia cells. Bone marrow transplant can be an intensive and challenging treatment option but it offers the possibility of long-term remission or cure for some individuals with leukemia.
Cervical cancer is a significant public health issue affecting women worldwide. It is the fourth most common cancer in women with approximately 570 000 new cases and 311 000 deaths reported annually.
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It helps with childbirth and menstruation. Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the cervix grow uncontrollably forming a tumor. If left untreated these cells can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.
The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can be contracted through sexual contact with an infected individual. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing cervical cancer including early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners smoking, a weakened immune system and long-term use of oral contraceptives.
The HPV vaccine can help in preventing cervical cancer. It protects against the most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. Vaccination is typically recommended for girls and boys aged 11 or 12 but it can be given as early as age 9 and up to age 26 for those who haven't been vaccinated before.
The Pap smear, also known as a Pap test, is a vital screening tool for detecting cervical cancer and precancerous changes in the cervix. During a Pap smear cells from the cervix are collected and examined under a microscope to identify any abnormalities. Regular Pap smears can detect early signs of cervical cancer allowing for prompt treatment and improved outcomes. It is recommended that individuals with a cervix start regular Pap smears at age 25 and continue until at least age 65.
To read more about cervical cancer, click here
Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs leading to the formation of tumors. There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC is the most common type accounting for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases. It can be further classified into three subtypes: adenocarcinoma squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma. SCLC on the other hand is a more aggressive form of lung cancer that tends to spread quickly to other parts of the body.
Several factors contribute to the development of lung cancer. Smoking is the leading cause responsible for about 85% of all cases. Exposure to secondhand smoke radon gas asbestos and other carcinogens also increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Certain genetic mutations such as those in the EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) gene have been linked to an increased susceptibility to lung cancer.
The treatment of lung cancer depends on several factors including the type and stage of the disease and the overall health of the patient. The primary treatment modalities include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.
Chemotherapy involves the use of powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells. It can be administered orally or intravenously and may be used alone or in combination with other treatments. Radiotherapy on the other hand utilizes high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can be delivered externally or internally depending on the specific case.
Surgery is often recommended for early-stage lung cancer where the tumor is localized and has not spread to other parts of the body. It involves the removal of the tumor and nearby lymph nodes. In some cases a lung transplant may be considered as a treatment option.
Lung cancer not only affects the lungs but also has significant implications for respiratory health. The presence of tumors can obstruct the airways leading to symptoms such as persistent cough shortness of breath and wheezing. As the disease progresses lung function may deteriorate causing difficulty in breathing and reduced exercise tolerance. Lung cancer can also lead to the development of other respiratory conditions such as pneumonia and respiratory failure.
Pancreatic cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the pancreas, a vital organ responsible for producing enzymes and hormones that aid in digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. In recent years there has been a growing interest in understanding the intricacies of pancreatic cancer.
Several risk factors contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer. Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors with studies suggesting that smokers are twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer compared to non-smokers. Age also plays a role as the risk increases with advancing age. Additionally individuals with a family history of pancreatic cancer or certain genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 are at a higher risk. Other risk factors include obesity, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis and certain dietary factors.
The pancreas is located deep within the abdomen making it difficult to detect tumors in its early stages. Symptoms often do not appear until the cancer has advanced leading to a poor prognosis. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice and digestive problems. Due to the lack of specific symptoms pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage limiting treatment options and reducing survival rates.
Treatment options for pancreatic cancer vary depending on the stage of the disease. Surgery is often the preferred option for localized tumors that have not spread beyond the pancreas. The Whipple procedure, a complex surgical procedure involves the removal of the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine gallbladder and sometimes a portion of the stomach.
Chemotherapy can help treat both localized and advanced pancreatic cancer. It involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells and prevent their growth. However the effectiveness of chemotherapy is limited and it often comes with significant side effects.
Ovarian cancer can be classified into three main types: epithelial tumors germ cell tumors and stromal tumors. Epithelial tumors are the most common and originate from the cells on the surface of the ovary. Germ cell tumors develop from the cells that produce eggs while stromal tumors arise from the connective tissue cells that hold the ovary together.
The exact causes of ovarian cancer are still unknown but certain risk factors have been identified. These include a family history of ovarian or breast cancer inherited gene mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2) increasing age obesity and hormone replacement therapy.
Early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and easily overlooked. They may include bloating pelvic or abdominal pain difficulty eating or feeling full quickly frequent urination and changes in bowel habits.
Treatment for ovarian cancer typically involves surgery to remove the tumor and affected tissue followed by chemotherapy. In advanced cases targeted therapy and radiation therapy may also be recommended.
Colorectal cancer refers to cancer that develops in the colon or rectum. It is the third most common cancer worldwide. The disease usually begins as noncancerous polyps on the inner lining of the colon or rectum which can eventually become cancerous if left untreated.
Colorectal cancer can be divided into two main types: colon cancer and rectal cancer. The stages of colorectal cancer range from 0 to IV with stage 0 being the earliest and stage IV being the most advanced.
Several factors contribute to the development of colorectal cancer including age (most cases occur in individuals over 50) personal or family history of the disease certain inherited gene mutations (e.g. Lynch syndrome) inflammatory bowel disease sedentary lifestyle obesity and a diet high in red and processed meats.
Colonoscopy is the way to test and prevent colorectal cancer. It allows for the identification and removal of precancerous polyps reducing the risk of developing the disease.
Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the stage and location of the tumor. It may involve surgery to remove the tumor and affected lymph nodes chemotherapy radiation therapy targeted therapy or a combination of these approaches.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer globally with melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma being the two main types. Melanoma originates in the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) of the skin while squamous cell carcinoma develops in the squamous cells that make up the outer layer of the skin.
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds is the primary cause of skin cancer. Other risk factors include fair skin, a history of sunburns, a weakened immune system, a family history of the disease and exposure to certain chemicals or radiation.
Treatment options for skin cancer depend on the type stage and location of the tumor. They may include surgical removal cryotherapy (freezing the cancer cells) radiation therapy topical medications or immunotherapy.
In order to prevent skin cancer, everyone should practice sun safety measures such as wearing sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) , seeking shade, wear protective clothing (e.g. wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves) and avoid tanning beds.
Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are two main types of blood cancer that affect the lymphatic system. Hodgkin's lymphoma is the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells while non-Hodgkin's lymphoma comprises a diverse group of lymphomas.
Multiple myeloma is a cancer that affects plasma cells which are responsible for producing antibodies. Its exact cause is unknown but certain risk factors such as age family history and exposure to radiation or certain chemicals have been identified. Treatment may include chemotherapy targeted therapy immunotherapy and stem cell transplant.
Burkitt lymphoma is a rare and aggressive type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is associated with a genetic alteration and is more prevalent in areas with a high prevalence of malaria. Treatment often involves a combination of chemotherapy immunotherapy and radiation therapy.
Carcinogens are substances or agents that can cause cancer. They can be found in tobacco products, certain chemicals, pesticides, industrial emissions and even some medications. Carcinogens can damage DNA and disrupt the normal functioning of cells leading to the development of cancer.
This article has provided an in-depth understanding of various types of cancer including ovarian cancer colorectal cancer skin cancer and blood cancer. It has discussed their causes risk factors diagnostic procedures treatment options and the importance of cancer awareness and early detection.
On February 4th, the global focus is on World Cancer Day with the theme "Close the care gap." In 2020, Nigeria witnessed 124,815 new cancer cases, with 51,398 affecting males, predominantly prostate cancer at 29.8%, and 73,417 affecting females, mainly breast cancer at 38.7%, followed by cervical cancer at 16.4%.
Given that Prostate, Breast, and Cervical Cancer stand as the leading causes of mortality in Nigeria, Pharmarun has invested significant efforts in disseminating resources and initiating campaigns to fight cancer worldwide. Our commitment to closing the care gap is evident through the development of a product that enables cancer patients to effortlessly manage their health. This includes setting up scheduled deliveries for recurring medications, accessing free consultations with pharmacists, and talking to a doctor whenever needed.
For prevention, we offer educational content on preventing and managing these conditions through our platforms. You can access informative resources on Prostate Cancer, Cervical Cancer, and Breast Cancer by clicking here.
If you know anyone managing cancer, kindly share this article to join in closing the care gap by actively supporting them in effectively managing this condition.
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