NATIONAL CANCER CONSCIOUSNESS WEEK January 2019

Cancer is a group of many related diseases that begins in cells. Cause:

Normally, cells grow and divide to produce more cells only when the A result of a complex mix of factors related to heredity, diet,
body needs them. This orderly process helps keep the body healthy. physical inactivity, and prolonged, continuous exposure to
Sometimes, however, cells keep dividing even if new cells are not certain chemicals and other substances. A number of factors
needed. These extra cells form a mass of tissue, usually called a lump, that increase a person’s chance of developing cancer has
swelling, or tumor. been identified and are called “risk factors”:
Tumors can be classified as: benign tumors, which are not cancerous, • Cigarette Smoking. Smoking causes lung cancer.
can often be removed, and in most cases, do not come back; and Smokers are more likely to develop lung cancer
malignant tumors which are cancerous. Cells in the latter tumors are compared with non-smokers. Smoking has also been
linked to cancers of the mouth, larynx, pharynx,
abnormal; these can divide without control, and invade and damage
esophagus, pancreas, and bladder.
nearby tissues and organs.
• Excessive Alcohol Intake. Heavy drinkers have an
increased risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus,
Signs and Symptoms Treatment is specific for each type of larynx, and liver. Some studies suggest that even
General signs of cancer cancer. moderate drinking may slightly increase the risk of breast
(Signs and symptoms are cancer.
specific for each type of Prevention: There is no 100% guarantee • Unhealthy Diet. Diet plays an important role in the
cancer.): that cancer can ever be prevented. development of many cancers, particularly in the digestive
• Fatigue However, being aware of the cancer risk and reproductive organs. Long-term habit of not eating a
• Unexplained weight loss factors will help reduce the possibility of healthy diet has been linked with increased incidence of
• Fever cancer. To lessen the risk of developing cancer. Likewise, being seriously overweight has been
• Weakness cancer: linked to breast cancer.
• Pain • Quit smoking. • Chemicals and Other Substances. Exposure to
• Skin changes (itching, • Limit drinking alcoholic beverages. substances, such as chemicals, metals, or pesticides can
excessive hair growth, • Watch your diet. increase the risk of cancer. Asbestos, nickel, cadmium,
redness, jaundice, and • Consult your doctor regularly uranium, radon, vinyl chloride, and benzene are well-
hyperpigmentation) • Do regular physical activity known cancer-causing agents (carcinogens). These may
• Have yourself immunized (Hepatitis B act alone or together with other carcinogens, like cigarette
vaccine at birth up to 6 months old for smoke, to increase the risk of cancer.
prevention of liver cancer, and human • Secondhand Smoke. Secondhand smoke is the smoke
papillomavirus vaccine for the emitted from the burning end of heated tobacco products
prevention of cervical cancer among usually in combination with the smoke exhaled by the
women). smoker.
Early detection and proper treatment play
a big role in controlling cancer.
https://www.doh.gov.ph/Health-Advisory/Cancer