Cancer

Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by abnormal growth in the cells of the body. The growth starts in one cell, and this growth process invades and destroys areas surrounding the cell. It may also spread to other areas in the body, a process called metastasis.

The video below provides a visual demonstration of how cancer is formed in the body.

Cancer is one of the main causes of death worldwide. The latest World Health Organization factsheet on cancer states that 7.4 million deaths, or around 13% of all deaths, were caused by cancer in 2004. The types of cancer leading to the most deaths were, in order, lung, stomach, colorectal, liver and breast. It is predicted that there will be 12 million deaths as a result of cancer in 2030.

An Australian Bureau of Statistics report found that trachea (the windpipe) and lung cancer was the third leading cause of death in Australia in 2007, with 7,626 people losing their lives. Colon and rectum cancer was the sixth leading cause of death that year, with 4,107 deaths recorded. The eighth leading cause was blood and lymph cancer, including leukemia, totaling 3,603 people. Prostate cancer claimed nearly 3,000 lives, as did breast cancer. Pancreatic cancer caused the death of over 2,000 people, while, skin cancer was the reason nearly 2,000 people died.

While there is still no known cure for cancer, the amount of extensive and intense research that has been carried out means we know how cancer is formed, what causes this formation and what we may do to avoid this happening. One cell that incorrectly divides and grows abnormally is the beginning of cancer, caused by an error, or mutation, of that cell. This error in a certain cell may have been passed on from parent to child, giving the child a genetic predisposition to cancer. Alternatively, the mutation of the cell may have been caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals or radiation (carcinogens) that either cause the mutation itself or speeds up the process of cell division, which increases the chance of a mutation occurring.

While we cannot change the genes we inherit, we can still do things to lessen the chance of developing cancer. The following advice is often provided to help us achieve this goal:

quit smoking, and stay away tobacco – smoking cigarettes or cigars, or inhaling the smoke from them, introduces carcinogens into your body that increases the chances of cancer occurring
moderate your alcohol intake – studies have found alcohol acts as a carcinogen in your body, and the risks of developing cancer increase the more that you drink
watch your diet – many organizations and government agencies have recommended avoiding processed meats and refined grains, eating less red meat and eating more whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables so that you may avoid and reduce possible carcinogens entering your body
cover up outside – make sure that you wear sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses and protective clothing when you are under the sun to reduce the possibility of developing skin cancer
undergo genetic testing – identifying genetic abnormalities in your DNA could alert you to the increased likelihood of developing certain cancers, and you can then more closely monitor certain areas of your body or have preventative surgery to reduce the chances of cancer occurring
examine your body – get in the habit of knowing what your body looks and feels like by undertaking regular self-checks so that you are more likely to notice any changes that may indicate the beginning of cancer
see a medical practitioner – do not be afraid or ashamed to speak to a doctor if you have any questions or concerns, and make sure you have regular screenings for those cancers we have tests for, such as bowel cancer and breast cancer
know your family history – relatives that have developed cancers may indicate family genetic dispositions towards them, especially if they were young or if many relatives have developed the same type of cancer

Has cancer affected you or someone you know? Do you need help, or are you able to provide advice? If so, please join the SeniorSpace community discussing cancer on our forum here.

Useful Links

Health Insite, an Australian Government website, has a good index of resources relating to cancer here.

Cancer Australia is an Australian Government agency aimed at securing better outcomes for poor and disadvantaged Australians who have cancer.

Bowel Cancer and Digestive Research Institute Australia is a national charity that provides research and education into bowel cancer and digestive health.

Cancer Council Australia is the peak national non-government organization offering information, advice and support for Australians with cancer, as well as governments and other organizations.

Children’s Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research is an independent medical institute focused on preventing, treating and ultimately curing cancer in children.

National Breast Cancer Foundation is a community-funded organization focused on raising money for research into breast cancer.

National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre is funded by the Australian Government and works with different stakeholders to improve the situation with these cancers.

Ovarian Cancer Australia provides awareness of the disease, support for those who have developed it, and fundraising activities for their programs.

Peter Mac is a public hospital dedicated to the treatment, research and education of cancer in Australia.

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia aims to raise awareness of the disease, secure funding for research, and to provide support, information and advice to those who have developed prostate cancer.

Cancer

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