February 23: Cancer caused by uncontrolled proliferation of cells in an organ that may lead to grave consequences. To diagnose cancer, its type and stage, a systematic approach known as cancer screening is followed before the onset of the symptoms. This screening process is beneficial for people as it helps find the cancerous cells at an early stage, thereby, making it easier to treat or cure cancer from the roots. Reports suggest that every year about 20 million new cancer cases are detected, and close to 10 million people die of cancer.
Upon consultation, clinicians go through various procedures, in addition to the clinical treatments, to decipher the reason behind the formation of cancer. Some of the common causes that lead to cancer include smoking or chewable tobacco and consumption of alcohol, hormonal factors, diet and physical inactiveness, radiations of the sun, viruses and other infections, genetic causes, familial predisposition and many more.
It is important for individuals to stay aware of the changes in their health conditions and the transformation in their everyday lifestyle. There are several observed signs and symptoms associated with cancer, namely lump or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin, weight changes, including unintended loss or gain, skin changes, such as darkening or redness of the skin, sores that would not heal, or changes to existing moles, changes in bowel or bladder habits, continuous cough or trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, Hoarseness, persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating, persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain, persistent, unexplained fevers or night sweats, unexplained bleeding or bruising.
Types of Cancer Screening Methods:
Diagnosis of cancer is another crucial element for an individual to detect the variants in their body. With misdiagnosis, individuals may ignore other serious complications and factors such as denied, timely effective therapy or being administered potentially toxic, incorrect medications and many more. Diagnosis of cancer can be made by physical exams, signs and symptoms. Each cancer type has its own set of screening tests. While some cancers do not currently have an efficient screening approach, new cancer screening assays are being developed as part of ongoing research. Some of these common cancer screening methods include:
- Laboratory Tests: Tests, such as urine and blood tests, might help clinicians identify abnormalities that can be caused by cancer.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests help examine your bones and internal organs in a non-invasive way. The tests used in diagnosing cancer may include a computerized tomography (CT) scan, mammography, bone scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) scan, ultrasound and X-ray, among others.
- Cytology or Biopsy: During a biopsy, clinicians collect a sample of cells for testing in the laboratory. There are several ways of collecting a sample. In most situations, a biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose cancer.
- Physical exam and history: An examination of the body to determine general signs of health, including the appearance of lumps or anything else that appears strange. A history of the patient’s health habits, as well as previous diseases and treatments, are also considered.
- Genetic tests: A laboratory test in which cells or tissue are analyzed for changes in genes or chromosomes. These changes may be a sign that the individual is at risk of having a specific disease or condition.
Based on these screenings, clinicians initiate treatments in eradicating cancer cells through various methods such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and others. Treatments occur in three different phases, namely, Primary, Adjuvant and Palliative treatment.
The goal of a primary treatment is to completely remove or kill the cancer-causing cells. Any cancer treatment can be used as a primary treatment, but the most common primary cancer treatment for the most of the common types of cancers is surgery. If an individual’s cancer is particularly sensitive to radiation therapy or chemotherapy, they might undergo therapies as a primary treatment.
The purpose of adjuvant therapy is to eliminate any cancer cells that may remain after primary treatment in order to lessen the likelihood of recurrence. Common adjuvant therapies include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy.
Palliative treatments may help relieve side effects of treatment or signs and symptoms caused by cancer itself. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy can all be used to relieve symptoms and control the spread of cancer when a cure is not possible. Medications may relieve symptoms such as pain and shortness of breath.
Observing the condition and the treatments, patients might slip into various psychological problems, but the perseverance and the capability to overcome this lies in their hands.
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