MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- A cell becomes cancerous when it becomes abnormal, according to http://www.nia.nih.gov. These abnormal cells will then make more cells eventually forming a mass of tissue called a tumor. If the tumor grows in size it can damage tissue and organs nearby. Most cancers begin in one part of the body but sometimes cells will break off and spread to other parts of the body.
Cancer can affect anyone of any age, cancer development chances increase with age.
More than 200 different types of cancer can develop in more than 60 organs in the body. With 78 organs in one’s body, this means more than 75 percent of a person’s body is susceptible to cancer.
There are many preventative measures one can take to lower their risk of developing cancer.
Tobacco is the cause of one third of cancer deaths in America, according to http://www.nia.nih.gov. Using smokeless tobacco and passive smoking, or breathing tobacco smoke, are just as dangerous as using smoking tobacco. Tobacco is the biggest cause of lung cancer and by not smoking a person can almost eliminate their chance at lung cancer, according to http://www.cancer.org.
“Extreme alcohol use and tobacco use don’t just increase the risk of lung cancer,” said Army Lt. Col. Mark Carmichael, chief of Medical Oncology at Tripler Army Medical Center. “Using both together increases head and neck cancers, stomach and esophagus cancers and tongue and mouth cancers.”
Ultraviolet radiation is another cancer causing factor. The sun, as well as sunlamps and tanning booths each contain skin damaging ultraviolet radiation. The best way to avoid harsh radiation is to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., wearing sunscreen (doesn’t completely protect from radiation) and avoiding tanning beds and lamps. The most common cancer cause by ultraviolet radiation is basal and squamous cell skin cancer.
“Obesity raises a persons chances of getting breast cancer,” Carmichael said. “Exercise and diet can help reduce the risk.”
Cancer can develop from a variety of factors. Limiting fatty foods, eating fiber and eating five servings of fruit and vegetables a day can help lower a persons chances of developing multiple types of cancer, according to http://www.nia.nih.gov. Being overweight raises a person’s chance at developing prostate, pancreas, uterus, colon and ovary cancer and raises a postmenopausal woman’s risk at developing breast cancer.
“Some cancers can be prevented by limited alcohol and tobacco use and limiting sun exposure and maintaining a healthy weight,” Carmichael said.
These tips can help lower a person’s risk at developing cancer but they don’t prevent it 100 percent. Some cancers can be hereditary. Everyone should be aware of changes in their bodies and receive routine checks.
There are many different tests and exams that doctors can do to check for multiple types of cancer.
Clinical breast exams and mammograms are both used to detect breast cancer in both men and women.
Women are tested for cervical and other women related cancers through pap tests and pelvic exams.
A few tests and exams available for detection of cancers are mammograms, pap test, colonoscopy, oral exams, prostate specific antigen test and skin exams. Each test and exam is used to determine different types of cancers in different parts of the body. Some of the exams are specifically for men and some for women.
If the test does detect a growth or abnormal change, the doctor will usually request more tests and a biopsy to clarify if the growth is cancerous.
There are many different methods for treating cancer, depending on the type and severity of the cancer. Treatments used are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and biological therapy. Sometimes doctors will suggest using two or more treatments at a time.
The best way to prevent cancer is to take care of oneself. Going to the doctors and asking questions to help stay informed and aware of risks. Limit tobacco and alcohol use, maintain a healthy weight and body mass index and limit sun exposure.