CANCER
CANCER is one of the most dreaded diseases of human beings
and is a major cause of death all over the globe.
In our body, cell growth and differentiation is highly controlled
and regulated. In cancer cells, there is a breakdown of these
regulatory mechanisms. Normal cells shows a property called
Contact Inhibition by virtue of which contact with other cells
inhibits their uncontrolled growth. Cancer cells appears to have
lost this property. As a result, this cancerous cells just continue
to divide giving rise to masses of cells called tumors.
TYPES OF TUMORS
There are two types of tumor. They are,
BENIGN TUMOR: These tumours are localized at a particular
location in the body. Moreover, it does not spread to the other
parts of the body and causes little damage.
MALIGNANT TUMOR: It is a mass of proliferating cells
called neoplastic or tumor cells. These cells grows very rapidly,
invading and damaging the surrounding normal tissues. As
these cells actively divide and grow they also starve the normal
cells by competing for vital nutrients. Cells sloughed from such
tumors reach distant sites through blood, and wherever they get
lodged in the body, they start new tumor there. This property is
called metastasis is the most feared of malignant tumors.
CAUSES OF CANCER
CARCINOGENS: Transformation of normal cells into
cancerous neoplastic cells may be induced by physical
chemical or biological agents.
Ionising Radiations: X‐rays and Gamma rays
Non Ionising Radiations: UV rays
Chemical carcinogens present in tobacco smoke has been
identified as a major cause of lung cancer.
ONCOGENIC VIRUSES:
It is a cancer causing viruses that have genes called viral
oncogenes. Furthermore, several genes called cellular
oncogenes or proto oncogenes have been identified in normal
cells which, when activated under certain conditions, could
lead to oncogenic transformation of the cells.
DIAGONIZING CANCER
Early detection of cancer is essential as it allows the disease to
be treated successfully in many cases.
BIOPSY AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY: A piece
of suspected tissue cut into thin sections is stained and
examined under microscope by a pathologist
CT SCAN: It uses X‐rays to generate a three dimensional
image of the internals of an object.
MRI SCAN: Pathological Physiological changes in a living
tissue are detected by using magnetic fields and non‐ionising
radiations
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY: It is used to detect genes in
individuals with inherited susceptibility to certain cancers.
Identification of such genes which makes an individual
susceptible to cancer, can help to prevent cancer.
Antibodies against cancer‐specific antigens are also used for
detection of certain cancers.
TREATMENT OF CANCER
The common approaches for treatment of cancer are
Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy and
Surgery
1. RADIOTHERAPY ‐ The tumor cells are irritated lethally,
taking proper care of the normal tissues surrounding the tumor
mass.
2. CHEMOTHERAPY ‐ Chemotherapeutic drugs is specific
for particular tumors are used to kill cancer cells.
3. IMMUNOTHERAPY ‐ Biological response modifiers such
as α ‐ interferons are used. They activate the immune system
of patient and helps in destroying the tumor
4. SURGICAL ‐ Cancerous tissues are surgically removed
SYMPTOMS OF CANCER
1. Weight Loss
2. Fever
3. Fatigue
4. Pain
5. Skin Colour Changes
6. Loss of Appetite
7. Nausea
PREVENTION OF CANCER
1. Don’t use tobacco
2. Eat a healthy diet
3. Get regular medical care
4. Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active
