Are you a cancer survivor?

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. There are over 200 types of cancer. Anything that may cause a normal body cell to develop abnormally potentially can cause cancer;

There are over 200 types of cancer; here’s a few:

• Carcinoma: Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs — “skin, lung, colon, pancreatic, ovarian cancers,” epithelial, squamous and basal cell carcinomas, melanomas, papillomas, and adenomas
• Sarcoma: Cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue — “bone, soft tissue cancers,” osteosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, liposarcoma, angiosarcoma, rhabdosarcoma, and fibrosarcoma
• Leukemia: Cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood — “leukemia,” lymphoblastic leukemias (ALL and CLL), myelogenous leukemias (AML and CML), T-cell leukemia, and hairy-cell leukemia
• Lymphoma and myeloma: Cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system — “lymphoma,” T-cell lymphomas, B-cell lymphomas, Hodgkin lymphomas, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and lymphoproliferative lymphomas
• Central nervous system cancers: Cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord — “brain and spinal cord tumors,” gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, vestibular schwannomas, primary CNS lymphomas, and primitive neuroectodermal tumors

There are many causes of cancer, and some are preventable.

In addition to smoking, risk factors for cancer include:

• heavy alcohol consumption
• excess body weight
• physical inactivity
• poor nutrition

Other causes of cancer are not preventable. Currently, the most significant unpreventable risk factor is age.

Treatments 

Innovative research has fuelled the development of new medications and treatment technologies. Doctors usually prescribe treatments based on the type of cancer, its stage at diagnosis, and the person’s overall health.

Below are examples of approaches to cancer treatment:

1. Chemotherapy
2. Radiation  Therapy
3. Hormone Therapy
4. Precision Medication
5. Stem Cell Transplants
6. Surgery

5 KEY FACTS ABOUT CANCER

1. It has a staggering death toll rate

   It has a staggering death toll rate Every year, 9.6 million die from cancer.

2. It can be prevented.

   About one-third of common cancers are preventable and treatable.

3. It is a major cause of death

   Cancer is the second most common cause of death around the world.

4. Income is a factor

   70% of deaths by cancer occur in lower-income countries.

   WHY WORLD CANCER DAY IS IMPORTANT

1. One-Third of the Most Common Cancers Can Be Prevented

   There is a lot that can be done at an individual, community and policy level with the right strategies for cancer prevention. Taking the time to understand what you, your family and community can do to make a difference can have a huge impact on just one person.

2. Cancer Does Have Warning Signs

   For many cancers, there are warning signs and symptoms and the benefits of early detection are indisputable. As busy as you may be, taking time to get that check-up and speak with your doctor can help create awareness and peace of mind.

3. Talking About Cancer Can Actually Help Everyone Heal

   While cancer can be a difficult topic to address, particularly in some cultures and settings, dealing with the disease openly can improve outcomes at an individual, community and policy level. Knowing where to go for help and being part of a larger support network can help everyone feel part of the solution.

    

[picture credit: sheknows.com]