Colon cancer

 It's in the top 3 for the most common types of cancer developed, as well as cancer-related deaths. It is a malignancy that arises from the inner lining of the colon. Most, if not all, of these cancers develop from colonic polyps. Removal of these precancerous polyps can prevent colon cancer.. It is, in most cases, slow-growing cancer, and early-stage colon cancers that are found by routine screening prior to the development of symptoms have an improved prognosis, are easier to treat, and have a lower death rate than those that are detected after symptoms develop. Also, through routine screening, detecting and removing precancerous polyps can prevent their transformation into cancer later in life.

 Screening is recommended for colon cancer beginning at age 50 and continuing until age 75. Screening after age 75 should be determined through shared decision-making with your provider. There are also indications for screening prior to age 50, primarily due to family history with the disease, so make sure that your primary care provider has an updated, thorough family history to the best of your knowledge at each visit.

Knowing if you are at an average risk vs. higher risk for colon cancer helps develop an individualized screening strategy. Some questions that can determine your risk category are, but not limited to:
1. Have you ever had colon cancer or an abnormal polyp?
2. Have any family members had colon cancer or abnormal polyps?
3. Do you have family members with any genetic syndromes that can cause colon cancer?
4. Do you have inflammatory bowel disease?
5. Did you receive abdominal radiation for childhood cancer?

Do you know your options when it comes to preventive screenings? Many are aware of colonoscopy, but there are several options ranging from invasive to noninvasive techniques. Each method has its own risks/benefits, as well as the recommended screening frequency. For example, the gold standard colonoscopy is the most invasive screening test, but a normal result could prevent additional screenings for up to 10 years. There are several excellent options and it is a matter of personal preference that should be discussed with your provider after determining your risk category.
 Keep in mind that any abnormal result with a noninvasive screening method requires a colonoscopy for direct visualization and possible biopsy.
Your annual physical is an excellent time to discuss all of your recommended health screenings and to ensure all new family history is added to your medical record. If you have been experiencing any abnormal symptoms or would like to discuss your risk for colon cancer, please schedule an appointment with your provider for a full, personalized evaluation.
If you have any general questions regarding this disease process or would like more information about any potential alternative screening tests, please leave a comment below.

cancer des os

Différents types de cancer proviennent généralement des os.
La plupart des os commencent comme cartilage. Le corps dépose du calcium sur le cartilage pour former l'os. Chez l'adulte, le cartilage se trouve principalement à l'extrémité de certains os qui font partie d'une articulation. Le cancer des os est très rare chez l'adulte. Cela commence dans les cellules qui composent l'os.

Le cancer commence alors lorsque les cellules commencent à se développer de façon incontrôlée. L'os est composé de deux types de cellules: l'ostéoblaste; la cellule qui dépose de l'os nouveau et l'ostéoclaste; la cellule qui dissout les vieux os. Dans certains os, la moelle n'est que du tissu adipeux.

Dans d'autres os, c'est un mélange de cellules adipeuses et hématopoïétiques. Les cellules hématopoïétiques produisent des globules rouges, des globules blancs et des plaquettes sanguines. Nous avons également les plasmocytes et les fibroblastes trouvés dans la moelle osseuse, et n'importe laquelle de ces cellules osseuses peut se transformer en cancer. Les facteurs de risque comprennent: (NB: Un facteur de risque est tout ce qui affecte vos chances de contracter une maladie) - Les troubles génétiques - Maladie de Paget - Radiation - Greffe de moelle osseuse et, etc. La cause exacte de la plupart des cancers osseux n'est pas encore connue. Il a été constaté que les cancers osseux sont liés à plusieurs autres conditions (facteurs de risque). Aucun test spécial n'est disponible pour détecter précocement les cancers osseux. La seule meilleure façon est de consulter un professionnel de la santé si vous en remarquez des signes et des symptômes. Les signes et symptômes comprennent: - Douleur - Gonflement - Fractures - Engourdissement, picotements, faiblesse due à une pression sur les nerfs si son cancer dans les os de la colonne vertébrale. Les approches de traitement courantes comprennent: - Chirurgie - Radiothérapie - Chimiothérapie - Thérapie ciblée, etc. Le traitement du cancer des os peut éliminer ou détruire le cancer, mais il est difficile de ne pas s'inquiéter de son retour. Dans certains cas, il peut ne jamais disparaître complètement et pour d'autres, c'est le cas.
Construisons des os sains en mangeant beaucoup de légumes, en faisant des exercices réguliers, en consommant suffisamment de protéines, en mangeant des aliments riches en calcium, en évitant les régimes hypocaloriques, en maintenant un poids stable et en consommant des aliments riches en vitamine D, vitamine K, magnésium et zinc.

Bone Cancer

Different cancer types usually originate in the bones. 
Most bones start as cartilage. The body lays calcium down onto the cartilage to form bone. In adults, cartilage is mainly found at the end of some bones that are part of a joint. 

Bone cancer is very rare in adults. It starts in the cells that make up the bone. Cancer then begins when the cells start growing out of control. The bone is made up of two kinds of cells: The osteoblast; the cell that lays down new bone, and the osteoclast; the cell that dissolves old bone. 

In some bones, the marrow is only fatty tissue. In other bones, it is a mixture of fat and blood-forming cells. The blood-forming cells make red blood cells, white blood cells and blood platelets. We also have the plasma cells and fibroblasts found in the bone marrow, and any of these bone cells can develop into cancer.

Risk factors include: (NB: A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease)

- Genetic disorders

- Paget disease

- Radiation

- Bone marrow transplantation and, etc.

The exact cause of most bone cancers is still not known. It has been found that bone cancers are linked to several other conditions ( risk factors). 
No special tests are available to find bone cancers early. The only best way is to see a health care provider if you notice signs and symptoms of it.

Signs and symptoms include:

- Pain

- Swelling

- Fractures

- Numbness, tingling, weakness due to pressure on the nerves if its cancer in the bones of the spine.


Common treatment approaches include:

- Surgery

- Radiation therapy

- Chemotherapy

- Targeted therapy, etc.

Bone cancer treatment may remove or destroy cancer, but it is hard not to worry about it coming back. In some cases, it might never go away completely and for others it does.

Let us build healthy bones by eating lots of vegetables, doing regular exercises, consuming enough proteins, eating high-calcium foods, avoiding low-calorie diets, maintaining a stable weight, and consuming foods high in vitamin D, vitamin K, magnesium, and zinc.

World cancer day.

The world cancer day is an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control(UICC). The world cancer day was written into the charter of Paris against cancer. The document was signed in the French capital by the country's president at the time ( February 4th, 2000 ), Jacques Chirac and the then Unesco general director, Koichiro Matsuura.

Twenty years after and at the start of a new decade, the 20th anniversary of the world cancer day offers an opportunity for the international cancer community to reflect and take stock of the achievements that have been made over recent years.

Data, science, knowledge, policy, and understanding of cancer have come a long way since the turn of the millennium. Today in 2020, we know more about cancer than we have ever before. This increased level of awareness, knowledge, and understanding is being translated into greater prevention of the disease, earlier diagnosis, more effective treatment.

Today, more than half of cancer deaths are happening in the least developed parts of the world. Even if you live in a higher income country, inequities still exist among lower-income, indigenous, and rural communities. Equal access to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care will save lives. By raising the public understanding of cancer, we constantly reduce fear, increase understandings and forge positive attitudes.

 Over the past twenty years, the scientific community has built a growing body of evidence on cancer risk factors. In 2015 the International agency for research on cancer (IARC) established convincing evidence of the link between the consumption of red meat and cancer and much more. A research study on "Unleashing the immune system to attack cancer cells" by the immunotherapy researchers James P. Allison and Dr. Tasuku Honjo promises "life-changing possibilities" for those diagnosed at an advanced stage where the chances of survival are typically lower. 

There is always hope. Let our concern keep driving us into action. We should continue learning, small steps every day. The primary purpose of celebrating this day is to reduce the number of cancer patients and death rates by 2020.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer affecting women worldwide. It can be successfully treated if detected in the early stages and women must be aware of its signs and symptoms including what is normal for their bodies. If detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers. Cervical cancer tends to appear during midlife. Over half of the women diagnosed are between the ages of 35 and 55. It rarely occurs in women under 20 and only 20% of the infected women are over 65 years of age.

Cervical cancer is a disease in which cells in the cervix become malignant (cancerous). The two main types of cells covering the cervix are squamous cells (on the exocervix) and glandular cells (on the endocervix). The place where these two cell types meet is called the transformation zone. Cervical cancer is slow-growing and does not have immediate symptoms but with regular Pap smear tests (a procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix and looked at under a microscope) it can be found. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Cervical cancer starts as a pre-cancerous condition called dysplasia. This pre-cancerous condition can be detected by a Pap smear and is 100% treatable. That is why it is so important for women to get regular Pap smears done. Most women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer today have not had regular Pap smears or they have not followed up on abnormal Pap smear results. Undetected pre-cancerous changes can develop into cervical cancer. From there it can spread to the bladder, intestines, lungs, and liver. Patients usually start experiencing problems when the cancer is already advanced and has spread.

Risk factors for cervical cancer include:

- HPV infection: Cervical cancer is mainly caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a common virus spread through skin to skin contact, body fluids, and sexual intercourse, which increases risk.

-Women living with HIV are at increased risk of developing cervical cancer and experience a much more rapid progression of the disease.

- Having sex at an early age.

-Having many sexual partners.

-Smoking tobacco products increases one’s risk.

- Using oral contraceptives. 

- Having a weakened immune system. 

- Poor economic status (may not be able to afford regular Pap smears or have limited access to 

screening services).

- Sexual partners who have multiple partners or who participate in high-risk sexual activity. 

-Parity: HPV is less common among women with decreased parity .

- Ineffective management and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STI’s).

Furthermore, being overweight, inactive, consuming alcohol, poor dietary habits, smoking and exposure to chemicals increases risk. 

The above risks can be lowered by:

• Having regular pap smears that can detect abnormal cells in the cervix (lower part or mouth of the womb), that could develop into cervical cancer. Screening involves taking a swab of the cervical cells. It is uncomfortable but painless.

Who should have a pap smear?

-All women sexually active should start having Pap smears.

-Every eligible woman should preferably have a Pap smear at least every 3 years.

• Reduce risks by educating the community about the importance of vaccination of all girls against HPV.

-The primary underlying cause of cervical cancer is the Human Papilloma Virus which is transmitted through skin to skin contact and is a very common virus infecting most people at some point in their lives. So getting the HPV vaccine before becoming sexually active is an important thing to do. The human papilloma virus vaccination should be offered to all girls and boys aged 11 to 12 years, and can also be given as early as age 9 and through 26 years of age.

 HIV positive people are at higher risk of HPV infection and persistence. Research shows that they are infected with a broader range of HPV strains. Research has also found that those who are treated with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), have a longer lifespan and are at a significantly higher risk to develop cancer of the cervix.

High -risk HPV is estimated to cause 70% of cervical cancers, 50% of vaginal & vulvar cancers and 20% of head and neck cancers. Medical male circumcision helps to reduce Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) acquisition and transmission, and is protective for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in males, thus reducing the risk of initial or re-infection of HPV among women.

Early signs and symptoms of cervical cancer In women include:

•  Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause.
• Any bleeding after menopause. 
• Continuous vaginal discharge, which may be pale, watery, pink, brown, bloody or foul-smelling.
•  Periods becoming heavier and lasting longer than usual (Signs and symptoms of progressed cervical cancer).
•  Some of the common symptoms observed during the later stages of cervical cancer are Vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse.
• Pelvic pain: Pain during sexual intercourse.
•  Offensive vaginal discharge may occur (pink, pale, brown, blood-streaked, and foul-smelling).
•  Abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods.
• Heavy bleeding during the menstrual period.
• Increased urinary frequency.
•  Bleeding after menopause.
• Painful urination.
• Pelvic pain that is not related to the normal menstrual cycle.
• Low back pain.
• Leg pain.
•  Single swollen leg.
•  Bone fractures.
•  Weight loss.
•  Urethritis or urinary infection can be a sign of cervical cancer.

Treatment of cervical cancer depends on:

- The stage of the cancer.

- The size and shape of the tumor.

- The woman’s age and general health and,etc.

- Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).

-Internal Radiation Therapy.

Radiation Therapy may be used to treat cancer that has spread beyond the pelvis, or cancer that has returned.

 Follow-up checks will continue for some years after treatment. At first, follow-up checks may be conducted every few months, becoming gradually less and less frequent. Follow-up checks may include:

• Having a physical examination by the medical practitioner. 
• Pap smear.
• Colposcopy.
• Blood tests for tumor markers 

  

Men and Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men, but it can be treated successfully. It is the second most common cancer occurring worldwide among men and still showing a significant increase. It's of great concern that the number of men being diagnosed with prostate cancer is on the rise.

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland of the male reproductive system, located just below the bladder. Prostate cancer often grows very slowly and may not cause significant harm, but some types are more aggressive and can quickly spread without treatment. In the early stages, men may have no symptoms. During the later stages, symptoms may include frequent passing of urine especially at night, difficulty starting or stopping urination, painful or burning sensations during urination or ejaculation, blood in semen or urine, etc.

Knowledge is power and can change the lives of men so drastically if they are aware of early warning signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. Men ought to encourage one another to invest in their health and ask their doctor for advice on specific cancer screening tests relevant to their age, medical and family history. 

International and local research indicates that the risk for aggressive prostate cancer is higher in black men. Men need to be pro-active about their health and should recognize warning signs. Monthly testicular self-examinations should be encouraged, annual medical check-ups and cancer screening for early detection as symptoms don't always manifest until the cancer has spread. Men also need to lead a healthy balanced lifestyle, cutting out lifestyle factors that increase their cancer risk. Risk factors for prostate cancer include:

-Age 

-Ethnicity

-Family history

-Being obese or overweight, etc.

Simple screening tests to detect prostate cancer whose results will aid early detection, enabling more effective treatment and a better chance of recovery include routine prostate-specific antigen testing.

Although most enlargements of the prostate are not cancerous, regular screening is essential. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by both cancerous (malignant) and non-cancerous (benign) prostate tissue. High PSA levels may indicate inflammation of the prostate or even cancer. PSA levels can also be established by conducting a blood test.

Cancer patients Caregivers

Becoming a caregiver can be intimidating. 

The role of a caregiver can become so exhausting if you don't find time to care for yourself. Taking time for yourself and learning how you can help your friend or family member will enable you to provide compassionate care and learn more about yourself along the way. Whether newly diagnosed with cancer or a person who has had cancer before, a cancer patient should know that his caregiver or family member might experience some form of emotional stress as part of the natural human response. A caregiver should:

• Try maintaining part of his/her lifestyle: Whether it's having dinner with friends, going to a workout class, or just getting a good book to read will help you reduce stress and be an even stronger support system to the person you are helping fight cancer.
• Find support: Try to talk to others who are in a similar situation. This can help you to cope with feelings of anger, guilt, isolation, fear, sadness, etc.
• Don't be too hard on yourself: Be kind and patient with yourself. It's normal to experience occasional bouts of anger or frustration, alongside the guilt for having those feelings. Try to find a positive way to deal with these feelings.
• Take care of yourself: Make sure you exercise, eat healthy foods, stay hydrated and get enough rest.
• Stay positive: Having a positive attitude can help you set the tone for everything you do and take on.
• Know when you are stressed: Know the signs of stress, for example, sleeplessness, impatience, irritability, etc.
• Take time out: Make time for yourself. Spend time doing something you enjoy with loved ones.
• Be informed: Take time to learn about the cancer diagnosis your loved one has received. Understanding the stages, treatment options, and possible side effects of medications make caring for someone with cancer easier and help you feel more in control.

There are many times with cancer patients, the pressure of dealing with cancer becomes a heavy emotional and mental burden. Cancer affects beyond just the physical effects of a tumor. 

A caregiver should make sure the patient feels he or she is not alone by giving the patient emotional support, physical support, motivating, inspiring and giving the patient hope that they will go through.

What other effective ways can we put in place to avert cancer development.

 The portion of time in an individual's life span that most affect their subsequent risk of developing cancer arises early in life. We do have a restricted ability to prevent cancer. It can happen in spite of an individual's best efforts to follow screening recommendations, eat well, and stay at a healthy weight.

 Cancer prevention should: 

#1: Start early as possible and continue forever. 

Cancer can result from (get more information through these links) http://www.canceradvocacymovement.com/2019/11/behavioural-circumstances-that-favours.html    and  http://www.canceradvocacymovement.com/2019/11/environmental-carcinogens.html

A starting point of healthy eating starts with eating home-made meals. Parents and elderly ones should educate their children and younger ones on how healthy it is consuming organic foods and further show their responsibility to keeping them safe by limiting the availability of processed foods, fried foods, etc.

#2: Know if screening is right for you.

As a healthy individual, cancer is likely not a structured concern for you. But regular screening exams can be used to find cancer early, and it increases the chances of successful treatment. Screening principles tend to be fairly clear on who should be screened and when to start, but they are not always clear on when screening should stop. Cancer screening is a decision that must be made between an individual and their doctor, based on their general health, personal cancer risk, and personal choices. Not all types of cancer have effective screening methods.

Cancer screening has some risks associated with it. Screening tests help doctors find cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage and it may help improve survival. But cancer screening also has several risks, which includes;

•  False positives: Sometimes a screening test will suggest that a person has cancer when they do not.

• Doctors Increased testing: They may run additional tests that a person may not need because of overdiagnosis and false positives. These tests can be physically invasive, costly, and can cause unnecessary stress and worries.

• False reassurance: Sometimes a screening test will suggest that a person does not have cancer when they do. As a result, a person may not get the treatment he or she is supposed to have. 

• Overdiagnosis: Some tests may find slow-growing cancers that would not have caused any harm during an individual's lifetime. As a result, some people may receive potentially harmful, painful, stressful, and/or expensive treatments that they did not need. 

For individuals diagnosed with cancer, they will begin experiencing pain. Treated pains help the patients and give them relieve but untreated pain makes other aspects of cancer symptoms worse. For example; Fatigue, Weakness, Shortness of breath, Nausea, Constipation, Sleep disturbances, Depression, Anxiety, etc.

The pain comes about from the tumor itself, the cancer treatment, or causes unrelated to cancer. A good pain treatment scheme will take care of pain from all causes.

 People with cancer can still have pain from other causes. These include migraines, arthritis, or chronic low back pain. The treatment plan a health care team develops with the individual should include these kinds of pain. Any pain decreases the individual's quality of life. 

Screening practices are also based on certain aspects such as :

-Which type of cancer people should be screened for?

-Which tests should be used to screen for a particular type of cancer?

-What age screening should begin and end?

-How often screening tests should be done?

-What happens if the screening shows positive results?

#3: Daily choices.

We make choices every day that can affect our risks of developing cancer. It is important we get regular exercise, avoid/put an end to tobacco use, limit alcohol consumption and protect ourselves from ultraviolet rays.

#4: Support cancer prevention programs.

In addition to doing what we can to lower our risk of developing cancer, we need to work together to support programs so as to help reduce exposures to carcinogens. Public awareness campaigns are crucial to teaching people worldwide about the various ways to reduce the global risks of developing cancer.