Cancer: A

Complex
Disease
What is Cancer?
• Imagine your body is like a bustling city. Cells are the tiny
building blocks that make up your tissues and organs.
Normally, these cells work together in harmony, like citizens in a
well-functioning city.
• But sometimes, some cells go "rogue." They start to grow and
divide too quickly and out of control. These rogue cells can
form a tumor, which is like a group of rebellious cells forming a
mass. If this tumor grows and spreads to other parts of the
body, it's called cancer.
• Think of cancer like a dangerous disease that can disrupt the
whole city. It's important to catch it early so we can stop it
Statistics of cancer
• Global burden: Worldwide, 19.3 million new cancer
cases and 10 million cancer deaths occurred in 2020.
• Common cancers: Breast, lung, colorectal, prostate,
and skin cancers are among the most common types
globally.
• Incidence: Incidence rates are higher in developed
countries but are rapidly increasing in developing ones,
due to factors like population growth, urbanization, and
Risk Factors of cANCER
• Risk factors are characteristics or conditions that
increase the likelihood of developing cancer but
do not directly cause it.
• Examples:
• Age: Older age is a risk factor for many cancers, as the
risk increases over time.
• Family History: A family history of cancer may indicate
a higher risk but doesn’t mean cancer will occur.
Common causes of cancer
• Common symptoms of cancer can vary depending on the type
and location, but some general signs to watch for include:
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying,
especially if it’s significant (more than 10% of body weight), can
be a warning sign.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest may
be a symptom.
• Pain: Ongoing pain, particularly in the bones or joints, can be
associated with some cancers.
• Skin Changes: This includes changes in moles (size, shape,
Diagnosis of cancer
• Diagnosing cancer typically involves a combination of methods to determine the
presence of cancerous cells. Here are the common steps and techniques used:
• 1. Medical History and Physical Exam
• Medical History: The doctor will ask about symptoms, family history of cancer,
and any risk factors.
• Physical Examination: A thorough physical exam may reveal lumps or
abnormalities.
• 2. Imaging Tests
• X-rays: Useful for detecting tumors in various parts of the body.
• CT Scans (Computed Tomography): Provide detailed cross-sectional images of
organs.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Offers detailed images of soft tissues and
organs.
Treatment Options for cancer
• Surgery is one of the primary treatments for cancer and can be used
in various ways depending on the type, location, and stage of cancer.
Here’s an overview of surgical options for cancer treatment:
• 1. Curative Surgery
• Purpose: To remove the tumor and surrounding tissue completely,
aiming for a cure.
• Example: Removing a localized breast tumor (lumpectomy) or a
tumor in the colon.
• 2. Preventive (Prophylactic) Surgery
• Purpose: To remove tissue that is not cancerous but has a high risk
 Treatment options for cancer
• Radiation Therapy
• Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill or damage cancer cells. It’s
a common treatment option that can be used alone or alongside other
treatments like surgery and chemotherapy.
• Types of Radiation Therapy
• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
• Purpose: Delivers targeted radiation from outside the body to the tumor.
• Process: A machine called a linear accelerator directs radiation precisely at the cancer
site.
• Common Use: Often used for localized tumors, such as those in the breast, prostate, or
lung.
• Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy)
• Purpose: Places a radioactive source directly inside or very close to the tumor.
Prevention of cancer
• Preventing cancer involves a combination of lifestyle choices, regular
screenings, and awareness of risk factors. Here are key strategies for
cancer prevention:
• Avoid Tobacco
• Smoking:
• Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Tobacco use is a leading
cause of cancer, especially lung cancer.
• Chewing Tobacco:
• Avoid all forms of tobacco, as they can increase the risk of cancers of the mouth,
throat, and pancreas.
• Vaccinations
• HPV Vaccine:
• Get vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical and
Prevention of cancer
• Regular Screenings
• Screening Tests:
• Participate in regular screenings for cancers like breast, cervical, colorectal,
and prostate, as early detection can significantly improve outcomes.
• Discuss with Healthcare Provider:
• Talk to your doctor about which screenings are appropriate for your age,
gender, and risk factors.
• 7. Know Your Family History
• Genetic Risk:
• Be aware of your family history regarding cancer. If you have a family history
of certain cancers, consider genetic counseling and testing for hereditary
cancer syndromes.
 The end
•"Cancer is a challenging disease,
but with early detection,
advancements in treatment, and
the support of loved ones, it is
possible to overcome. Let's work
together to raise awareness,