Cancer

Cancer is caused by an increase in growth of abnormal cells that do not die. The body normally regenerates their own cells after cells die; however in cancer, the cells grow to fast, with big or multiple nucleus odd shapes and the cells do not perform normal cell functions and die on their own. It is an uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells with rapid reproduction and may cause spread or transfer from one organ to another.

Some of the types of cancer are based on where they develop. Carcinomas develop in epithelial cells. Sarcomas develop in mesenchymal cells or connective tissues. Lymphomas are found in the lymph nodes of the body's immune system. Germ cell tumors are derived from totipotent cells. Blastomas are usually malignant and resemble an immature tissue.

There are various causes identified that are thought to contribute to cancer:

• Viruses - seem to overwhelm the immune system;
• Chemicals - e.g. Vinyl Chloride, Fertilizers;
• Stressors - Radiation, cigarette irritation;
• Hormones - Diethylstilbesterol;
• Genetic and Heredity - Oncogene, or defects in certain genes causing certain cancers

Warning signals for Cancer:

• Change in bowel or bladder habits
• A sore that does not heal
• Unusual Bleeding or Discharge
• Thickening of lump in Breast or elsewhere
• Indigestion
• Obvious change in wart or mole
• Nagging cough or hoarseness
• Unexplained anemia
• Sudden weight loss

Cancer Management:

• Surgery
• Radiation Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Bone Marrow Peripheral Stem Cell Transplant
• Immunotherapy
• Biologic Response Modifiers
• Gene Therapy

Cancer can be prevented by:

• Decreasing Fat intake
• Increasing High Fiber intake
• Eating more cruciferous vegetables and fruits rich in Vitamin A and C
• Avoid Smoking
• Avoid Alcoholic Beverages
• Avoid Excessive exposure to Sunlight
• Having frequent Check-ups with your doctors