What is Cancer?

In a number of my previous posts I discussed the various types of cancer.  However, one thing I failed to do in these posts was to actually define cancer and explain what it is.  That’s why today I am going to discuss exactly what cancer is and explain the various types, causes, signs & symptoms, tests and the treatments available.

WHAT IS CANCER?

Cancer is a disease that affects the body’s cells.  Every cell contains deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), a substance that contains coded instructions called genes.  These genes tell the body’s cells when to divide and reproduce and when to die.  This leads to a controlled process where old cells die and existing cells divide to create new cells that replace them.  However, when DNA becomes disrupted or damaged in a cell it may start to divide uncontrollably or not die when it should.  Every time that cell divides the disrupted or damaged DNA is reproduced leading to an increased number of cells that are dividing uncontrollably and not dying when they should.  These rapidly multiplying cells eventually cause a lump to develop which is referred to as a tumour.

Tumours can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).  Benign tumour cells do not spread to and affect other areas of the body.  However, they can still cause problems if they grow continuously and start to press against surrounding organs.  Malignant tumour cells can spread to and affect other areas of the body making them much more dangerous.  If a benign tumour is identified and removed it will not cause any further problems.  If a malignant tumour is identified and removed it can still cause problems if the cancerous cells spread to other areas of the body and further malignant tumours develop.

WHAT TYPES OF CANCER ARE THERE?

There are four main types of cancer:

1) CARCINOMAS:- Carcinomas are cancers that develop in the lining of the body (the skin) and the organs.  They are the most common type of cancer representing around 85% of cancer cases.  There are four main types of carcinoma;
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cancer that develops in the lining of the mouth, gullet and airways).
- Adenocarcinoma (cancer that develops in the lining of glands in the body).
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma (cancer that develops in the lining of the bladder and the urinary system).
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (cancer that develops in the skin).

2) LEUKAEMIAS & LYMPHOMAS:- Leukaemias and lymphomas are cancers that develop in the tissues where white blood cells are created.  They represent around 7% of cancer cases.

3) SARCOMAS:- Sarcomas are very rare cancers that develop in the connective tissues of the body.  They represent less than 1% of all cancer cases but can be split into two types:
- Bone Sarcomas (cancer that develops in the bones).
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas (cancer that develops in other connective tissues e.g. muscle, fatty tissue).

4) OTHER CANCERS:- Brain tumours and other rare tumours make up the remaining types of cancer.

WHAT CAUSES CANCER?

As I already mentioned, anything that damages or disrupts the genes can eventually cause cancer.  However, there are a number of further factors that can influence your chances of developing cancer and I have discussed these below:

1) AGE:- The normal process of cell division is not 100% perfect.  Every time our cells reproduce tiny errors may occur.  On top of this many of the chemical reactions that occur in our body’s cells release DNA damaging by products.  As we get older our cells have replicated more times and more chemical reactions have occurred.  Therefore, the chances of these tiny errors being replicated and our DNA becoming damaged is increased.

2) CARCINOGENS:- There are numerous substances that can damage our DNA.  These include; asbestos, car exhaust fumes, tobacco smoke, radiation and ultraviolet light.  The greater our exposure to these substances the greater the risk of our DNA becoming damaged.

3) POOR DIET:- Diet is believed to influence your overall cancer risk although it is not fully understood which elements of diet have an impact.  Research has suggested that fresh fruit and vegetables can help prevent cancer (possibly because they contain anti-oxidants which help protect from and repair cellular damage) whilst fatty, processed foods can increase your risk of developing this disease.

4) LACK OF EXERCISE:- Regular physical activity is believed to protect you against multiple types of cancer whilst a lack of exercise can increase your chances of developing certain types.  However, it is not known why exercise affects your likelihood of developing cancer in this way.

5) INHERITED GENETIC CONDITIONS:- There are a number of inherited genetic conditions that increase your chances of getting cancer.  For example, women who are born with a mutated BRCA gene are more likely to develop breast cancer and ovarian cancer than women who do not have this mutation.

6) VIRUSES:- Certain viruses increase your cancer risk.  For example, the human papilloma virus (HPV) can make you more likely to develop cervical cancer.

7) WEAK IMMUNE SYSTEM:- People who have a weak immune system are more likely to develop cancer.  It is not fully understood why this is the case but it is thought to be because people with a weak immune system cannot combat viruses that are linked to cancer.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF CANCER?

Cancer is often difficult to detect and the symptoms are often related to specific types of cancer.  For example, coughing often indicates lung cancer whilst problems urinating are more likely to suggest prostate cancer.  However, there are a number of general symptoms that you can look out for and I have listed these below:

1) LUMPS:- Tumours can sometimes lead to the formation of lumps on the skin.  If you notice any bumps or lumps that were not there before you should go see your doctor right away.  Most lumps turn out to be non-cancerous but they should still be treated with suspicion.  Your doctor will be able to perform a proper diagnosis and do further tests if necessary to determine whether any lumps are cancerous.

2) CHANGES IN BOWEL HABITS:- If you notice any unusual bowel habits this is a possible sign that a tumour has developed.  Rectal bleeding, problems urinating, constipation and diarrhoea are all potential signs of cancer.  If you notice any changes to your regular bowel habits you should inform your doctor immediately.

3) BLEEDING:- Unexplained bleeding is almost always a sign that something is wrong.  Coughing up blood is a potential sign of lung cancer whilst rectal bleeding can indicate prostate cancer and ovarian cancer.  If your skin starts to bleed this could be a sign of skin cancer whilst nosebleeds are a potential sign of leukaemia.  Bleeding may not necessarily be linked to cancer but it could be linked to organ damage or another disease.  Any unnatural bleeding should be treated with suspicion and you should see your doctor right away.

4) UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT LOSS:- Weight loss that cannot be explained is another sign that something is wrong.  If a tumour has developed in the digestive tract it could cause blockages and stop you digesting food properly.  Certain tumours also release chemicals that increase your metabolism meaning that you burn more calories than usual.  If you notice you have lost weight and cannot think of any rational reason then go and see your doctor and explain your concerns.

WHAT ARE THE TESTS FOR CANCER?

There are a variety of cancer tests available.  Some of these test are tailored to specific types of cancer.  For example, a mammogram is used to test for breast cancer.  However, other tests can be used to universally test for a wide range of cancers and I have outlined these below:

1) PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:- A physical examination is the first test used for a variety of cancers and will be performed by your doctor.  For cancers where there are obvious physical symptoms your doctor will often inspect your body for these signs.  For example a physical exam for prostate cancer will involve your doctor using a gloved finger to feel for any abnormalities in the prostate.  Even cancers that do not have any immediately obvious physical symptoms may involve a physical examination.  For example the first test for lung cancer will often involve your doctor assessing your overall health, measuring how much you smoke and listening to any coughs you might have.

2) X-RAY:- An x-ray allows your doctor to see any abnormalities or lumps that may turn out to be cancerous.  These abnormalities may turn out to be non-cancerous but they can also be an early warning sign for cancer.

3) COMPUTERISED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) SCAN:- A CT scan uses multiple x-rays to build a 3D picture of the inside of your body.  This will then provide your doctor with a more detailed 3D view of any potential abnormalities.

4) ULTRASOUND:- An ultrasound involves using sound waves to build up an internal picture of your body.  For some types of cancer an ultrasound is more useful than an x-ray or CT scan because it reveals whether any lumps are fluid (and therefore non-cancerous) or solid (and potentially cancerous).

5) ENDOSCOPY:- This involves your doctor using a small, thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end to inspect the inside of your body and look at any abnormalities in more detail.  There are many different types of endoscopy.  For example, a bronchoscopy involves inserting a small, thin, flexible tube down your throat to look at the inside of your airways whilst other types involve making a small incision in a part of the body to insert the endoscope.

6) BIOPSY:- This involves your doctor using a special type of needle to take a tissue sample which can then be analysed under a microscope for the presence of cancerous cells.  Certain types of endoscope can also be used to perform a biopsy.  Although this is one of the best cancer tests available it is not 100% accurate with some biopsies coming back negative despite cancerous cells being present.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR CANCER?

Just like the tests for cancer there are also a variety of treatments for cancer available.  However, the three main types are surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

1) SURGERY:- Surgery attempts to remove the cancerous tumour from the body.  The effectiveness of surgery will generally depend upon how far the cancer has spread.  With early stage cancers surgery is usually very effective and the whole tumour can be removed.  However, with more advanced cancers surgery may not be possible.

2) RADIOTHERAPY:- Radiotherapy involves using high energy radiation rays to kill cancer cells.  It can sometimes be used as an effective cancer treatment but it is mostly used either pre-surgery (to shrink the cancerous cells and make the surgery easier to perform) or post surgery (to kill off any remaining cancerous cells).  Radiotherapy is also used to improve the quality of life in cancer patients when the cancer is no longer treatable.  This type of cancer treatment can sometimes lead to nausea and vomiting depending upon the strength of the radiation used

3) CHEMOTHERAPY:- Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medications to kill or shrink cancerous cells.  Like radiotherapy it can treat some cancers effectively but it is generally used to make surgeries easier to perform and kill off any cancer cells after surgery.  Chemotherapy treatment is not perfect because it often kills non-cancerous cells too.  As a result chemotherapy patients often suffer from a number of unwanted side effects including hair loss, nausea and diarrhoea.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT CANCER?

There is no sure fire way to prevent cancer.  Someone who is very healthy may develop this disease early in their life whilst another person who smokes and drinks heavily and leads a sedentary lifestyle may never suffer from this disease.  However, there are are a number of lifestyle changes you can make that greatly reduce your chances of developing this disease.

1) QUIT SMOKING:- Cigarette smoke contains over 70 carcinogens (chemicals that damage the DNA and cause cancer to develop).  Every time you smoke a cigarette these carcinogens are transported to your lungs greatly increasing your chances of developing lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.  However, from the lungs these carcinogens can also pass to other areas of your body via the blood and the lymphatic system greatly increasing your risk for other types of cancer.  Quitting smoking cuts out these carcinogens and is therefore one of the best ways to prevent cancer from developing.

2) EAT HEALTHY:- The links between diet and cancer are still not fully understood.  However, eating a healthy diet does seem to help prevent a number of types of cancer.  Diets that are rich in fruits and vegetables, high in fibre and full of vitamins are believed to help reduce your cancer risk possibly because vitamins contain anti-oxidants that help protect your cells and DNA from damage whilst fibre can help your body fully absorb these vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat.

3) EXERCISE REGULARLY:- Like with diet it is not known why regular physical activity can help prevent certain types of cancer.  However, your risk of developing colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and ovarian cancer (to name a few) are all thought to be lowered if you participate in regular physical activity.

4) REDUCING YOUR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION:- Alcohol consumption is another factor that has an influence on your chances of developing cancer.  It is not known exactly why but this article suggests it could be down to acetaldehyde (the hangover chemical), the effect alcohol has on your hormones, the effect alcohol has on your folate levels and the damage alcohol causes to your body’s cells.  The more alcohol you consume the greater your cancer risk is thought to be.

However, the way in which you consume this alcohol is not thought to affect your chances of developing cancer.  For example, if you consume 10 units of alcohol per week you are more likely to develop cancer than someone who consumes 5 units per week but the way you drink these units has little to no impact.  Whether you drink 2 units a day Monday to Friday or all 10 units on Friday night your cancer risk will be the same.

I hope this article has helped you understand what exactly cancer is and given you a brief overview of the topic.  Although there is plenty more research to be done on cancer there are definite links between cancer and lifestyle.  Although it is not the only factor, by leading a healthy, fit, active lifestyle and eating nutritious whole foods you can seriously reduce your risk of contracting cancer.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Sources:
How does Alcohol cause Cancer? (Cancer Research UK)
What is Cancer? (BBC)
What is Cancer? (Cancer Backup)
What is Cancer? (Cancer Research UK)

Can Improving your Fitness Help Prevent Cancer?

In my last few articles I have discussed the main types of cancer in some depth.  Whilst some of the articles did go a little outside this blog’s topic area there was a reason for this.  I had heard from a number of people that a lot of modern health ailments including diabetes and cancer were largely due to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle and an increasingly poor diet, particularly in the developed Western world.  After identifying strong links between diabetes and fitness I wanted to determine whether this was also true for cancer.  So what are my conclusion on the topic?  Read on to find out.

1) DIET:- According to this study you can reduce your risk of colon cancer by eating less red meat and consuming more fibre.  This study also suggests that a fibre rich diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

Apart from the direct links between diet and cancer mentioned above, there are also some less direct links between diet and other types of cancer.  This article suggests that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables can help prevent lung cancer and the associated small cell lung cancer because of the antioxidants and vitamins they contain.  Diet is also believed to influence your risk of contracting breast cancer and ovarian cancer with this article and this article suggesting that what we eat could affect our chances of developing these two types of cancer.

Although it is difficult to correlate diet and cancer risk (due to the huge variances in what individuals eat every day e.g. two people with a healthy diet may still eat completely different foods), there does seem to be some kind of link between the two.  In particular, a diet rich in fibre (particularly if that fibre is sourced from fruits and vegetables) looks like it can help prevent a variety of cancers.  Adding a little fibre to your diet is not hard.  Eat a couple of pieces of fruit each day and add some extra vegetables to your evening meal and not only could you be protecting yourself from cancer but you will feel a lot better too.  Ever since I made a concious effort to get more fibre into my diet I have felt more alert and less tired.  If it helps me reduce my risk of cancer too then that’s a fantastic bonus.

2) EXERCISE:- Like diet, there are a number of strong links between certain types of cancer and exercise.  This article suggests that regular exercise can reduce your risk of contracting colon cancer by up to 50%.  Breast cancer risk is also thought to be reduced through regular exercise, with this article indicating that moderate exercise five times per week can lower your chances of getting the disease.  Physical activity is also linked with a reduced risk of lung cancer according to this article.  For prostate cancer, the same study indicates that 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day can reduce your risk.  Exercise can help prevent ovarian cancer too according to this article.  This article even goes as far as suggesting that your risk of skin cancer can be reduced through exercise.

Again, it is difficult to establish a causal relationship between exercise and cancer because there are so many other factors at play.  Whilst some of the evidence is less than convincing (the skin cancer experiment was only performed on mice) and research into the links between cancer and exercise needs to be more conclusive, there does appear to be a connection.  We are still quite a way from understanding exactly why exercise can reduce the risk for certain cancer types but surely it is worth investing 30 minutes per day until that conclusive evidence materialises?  Doing more physical activity is not difficult.  You just have to make the commitment and set aside the time each day.  By doing this not only will you help potentially protect yourself against cancer but you will also realise many more fantastic benefits.

3) ALCOHOL:- According to this article, alcohol consumption can cause 7 types of cancer which are:

- Breast Cancer.
- Colon Cancer.
- Laryngeal Cancer (the voice box).
- Liver Cancer.
- Mouth Cancer.
- Oesophageal Cancer (the food pipe).
- Pharyngeal Cancer (the upper throat).

Drinking more alcohol increases your risk whilst cutting down reduces your risk.  It also does not matter what type of alcoholic beverage you consume (wine, beer or spirit) because it is the actual alcohol that does the damage, not the other ingredients in the drink.  There are however believed to be safe limits for alcohol consumption which are:

- 2 units/1 small drink per day for women.
- 3 or 4 units/2 small drinks per day for men.

Of the cancer types I have discussed in detail, alcohol affects breast cancer and colon cancer.  It appears that reducing your consumption could really reduce your risk for these two types of cancer.  Unlike the evidence on diet and exercise, the link between alcohol and cancer risk is much stronger as it is established that alcohol can damage your cells.

Cutting down on alcohol can be hard, especially when it has become part of your lifestyle.  For me personally, taking alcohol out of my life completely would be nearly impossible.  The key here is to make small changes.  If you are used to drinking alcohol with every meal then instead try and drink it with every other meal instead.  If you tend to drink a lot on nights out with friends then try and drink less next time or if you find this too difficult try and have fewer alcohol orientated nights out.  Simply do whatever you can to reduce your alcoholic intake from what it was previously and you will be taking steps towards preventing a number of cancers.

4) SMOKING:- As most people know smoking is strongly linked with lung cancer (and small cell lung cancer.  According to Cancer Research UK 90% of lung cancers are caused by smoking.  Smoking is also linked with an increased risk of mesothelioma (a form of lung cancer which develops as a result of asbestos exposure) when combined with exposure to asbestos according to the National Cancer Institute.

However, what most people do not know is that smoking is linked other non-lung related cancers too.  According to this article smoking increases your risk for colon cancer because the carcinogens in the tobacco are transported to the colon after smoking.  Cancer Research UK also suggest that smoking is responsible for the following cancers:

- Bladder Cancer.
- Cervix Cancer.
- Kidney Cancer.
- Laryngeal Cancer (the voice box).
- Liver Cancer.
- Mouth Cancer.
- Oesophageal Cancer (the food pipe).
- Pancreatic Cancer.
- Stomach Cancer.

According to the same article, from Cancer Research UK smoking is the biggest cause of cancer worldwide accounting for an astonishing 25% of UK cancer deaths.  The reason behind this is that cigarettes contain a huge 70 cancer causing substances which enter the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body, every time cigarette smoke is inhaled.

Whilst there are links between diet, exercise, alcohol and cancer, none of these are as strong as the link between smoking and cancer.  Smoking significantly increases your chances of developing certain types of cancer so if you do currently smoke I highly recommend that you quit.  If you do not smoke then don’t even think of starting.  I have never been a regular smoker so I am not going to try and imagine how difficult it can be for some people to quit.  However, I have written a series of articles on quitting smoking that may prove helpful.  Although quitting is unlikely to be easy, by giving up the cigarettes for good you will realise a number of health benefits and eliminate the most significant cancer risk around.

Although more research still needs to be done to drill down the exact causes of certain cancers there is more than enough evidence available to establish a strong link between cancer risk and lifestyle choices.  When little was known about cancer it was seen as an abnormal disease which was difficult to treat.  However, as more and more research into the topic becomes available it can be seen that we should be looking towards cancer prevention so that it never becomes advanced enough to require cancer treatment.  Improving your health and fitness levels by exercising regularly, improving your diet, reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking is one of the best preventative measures you can take.  Whilst being fitter will not make you immune to cancer, it will seriously lower your risk.  If you have been reading this blog for some time then cancer prevention is another thing that you can add to the long list of fitness benefits.  If you are just getting started on your fitness program or want to improve your fitness levels, then what better incentive to get going today?  I hope you have enjoyed these articles on cancer and found them informative.  If you have anything you would like to add please leave me a comment.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Skin cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Sources:
Alcohol and Cancer (Cancer Research UK)
Diet and Breast Cancer Information (Cancer Research UK)
Diet and Colon Cancer Study (BBC)
Diet and Lung Cancer Information (Cancer Research UK)
Diet and Ovarian Cancer (Cancer Research UK)
Exercise and Breast Cancer (BBC)
Exercise and Colon Cancer (Cancer Research UK)
Exercise and Lung Cancer (Medical News Today)
Exercise and Ovarian Cancer (Medical News Today)
Exercise and Skin Cancer (The Times Online)
Lifestyle and Prostate Cancer Study (Natural News)
Smoking and Cancer (Cancer Research UK)
Smoking and Colon Cancer (About.com)
Smoking and Lung Cancer (Cancer Research UK)
Smoking and Mesothelioma (National Cancer Institute)

Skin Cancer Explained

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that develops from malignant growths on the skin.  Unlike other forms of cancer, skin cancer can usually spotted in the early stages because clearly visible tumours develop on the skin.  Despite this it is still one of the most common cancers with the NHS claiming that it affects 60,000 people each year.

Although there are different types of skin cancer (which I will be discussing below), the associated risk factors are very similar for all types.  They include:

1) ULTRAVIOLET (UV) LIGHT:- Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light is believed to be the leading cause of skin cancer.  This is because the radiation found in UV waves causes mutations in our skin cells over time which ultimately become cancerous.  Staying out in the sun too long and using tanning beds regularly are two common ways that people become overly exposed to UV light.

2) SKIN TYPE:- Black or brown skinned people rarely contract skin cancer because the melanin pigment in their skin protects them from UV rays.  Fair skinned people (especially those who go red or freckle in the sun) have an increased risk of developing skin cancer because their skin offers little protection from UV rays.

3) GENETICS:- Having two or more close family members that developed skin cancer is believed to increase your risk of developing the condition too.  Furthermore, having the following genetic characteristics is believed to increase your risk of contracting skin cancer:
- Blonde or red hair.
- Blue eyes.
- Large number of freckles.
- Large number of moles.

4) EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS:- The following chemicals are believed to cause skin cancer in rare cases:
- Asphalt.
- Coal tar.
- Creosotes.
- Paraffin Waxes.
- Petroleum Derivatives.
- Pitch.
- Hair Dye.
- Soot.

The above risk factors are thought to make you more likely to contract any type of skin cancer.  There are two main forms of skin cancer; Non-Melanoma (which includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) and Malignant Melanoma.  Non-melanoma is the most common of the two (accounting for over 90% of all skin cancers) but malignant melanoma is the most serious:

1) BASAL CELL CARCINOMA (BCC):- This is a non-melanoma type of skin cancer.  It develops in the basal cells of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) and is believed to account for more than 75% of all skin cancers in the UK.  Most cases of BCC are slow growing and do not spread.  However, if not treated BCC can damage the skin leading to the development of an ulcer (known as ‘rodent ulcer’).

BCC can develop on any part of the skin but typically appears in any area that has been exposed to the sun such as; the arms, the legs and the face.  It usually appears as a small spot on the skin which can have a number of characteristics include:
- Bleeding.
- Crustiness.
- Itchiness.
- Redness.
- Scaly appearance.
- Smooth, pearly appearance.

2) SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (SCC):- This is a non-melanoma type of skin cancer.  It develops in the squamous cells of the epidermis and is believed to account for 15% to 20% of all skin cancers in the UK.  SCC is generally not dangerous if treated.  However, if left untreated for a long period it can spread to other areas of the body.

SCC can also develop all over the skin but is most likely to appear in areas that are typically exposed to the sun such as; the arms, the legs and the face.  SCC usually appears in the form of either:
- A hard, red lump.
- A flat, scaly, crusted area (similar to a scab).

3) MALIGNANT MELANOMA:- This is a type of skin cancer that develops from skin cells called melanocytes (which produce melanin and lead to the development of a long lasting tan).  It is believed to account for less than 10% of all skin cancers in the UK.  Unlike non-melanoma skin cancer, malignant melanoma is very dangerous if not treated early and is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths.

Malignant melanomas usually develop on the arms, back, legs and face.  The first sign of possible malignant melanoma is a change in the appearance of one of your existing moles or the development of an entirely new mole.  Normal moles are the same colour all over, small (less than 6 millimetres (mm) in diameter) and oval shaped.  However, malignant melanomas will usually exhibit one or more of the following characteristics:
- Bleeding and/or discharge.
- Different colours/shades (which can include brown, black blue or orange).
- Itchiness.
- Large size (over 6mm in diameter).
- Ragged edges.
- Uneven appearance.

If you notice any of the above signs, any other irregularities on your skin or any changes in your skin that do not disappear within a month you should go and see your doctor immediately.  Skin blemishes or new moles are not always cancerous but it is always worth taking the time to check.  Successful treatment of skin cancer (especially malignant melanoma) depends largely on early detection which your doctor can provide.  Upon seeing your doctor and explaining your concerns they will then be able to do some further tests for skin cancer.  These tests include:

1) VISUAL EXAM:- Since skin cancer is externally visible (unlike the majority of other cancers) your doctor will first look at the affected areas for any suspected tumours.  If any potential skin cancer is identified your doctor will then refer you to a dermatologist for a biopsy.

2) BIOPSY:- A biopsy is a process where a sample of tissues is taken from the affected area of the skin to be further examined for cancerous cells.  As skin cancer tumours are usually smaller than other types of tumour the biopsy can sometimes be used to remove the entire tumour, acting as both a test and treatment for skin cancer.

3) FURTHER TESTS:- If the results of the biopsy suggest that the skin cancer may have spread to other areas of your body, your doctor may schedule further tests.  These tests can include; blood tests, CT scans, MRI scans and X-rays.  You can read more about them in my other cancer articles.

If any of the above tests reveal that you have skin cancer and it could not be fully removed during the biopsy then you will require further treatment.  The various treatments for skin cancer are discussed below:

1) SURGERY:- This is the main type of treatment for skin cancer.  Small tumours can usually be removed under local anaesthetic.  Larger tumours may require a skin graft (where a layer of healthy skin is taken from another part of the body to replace the skin that was removed during surgery).  If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes (glands which help the body dispose of unwanted bacteria) or there is a risk that it will, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed using surgery.

2) RADIOTHERAPY:- Radiotherapy involves aiming high levels of radiation at the cancerous cells to kill or shrink them.  It is often used as an alternative to surgery to avoid scarring when treating BCC and SCC and it can be very effective.  Radiotherapy is sometimes used after surgery if it is believed there is a risk the cancer cells may return.

3) CHEMOTHERAPY:- Chemotherapy involves using anti-cancer medications to kill or shrink the cancerous cells.  It is rarely used to treat skin cancer but when it is used this is usually in the form of a cream or injection, both of which are applied to the affectied area.

4) CRYOTHERAPY:- Cryotherapy involves freezing the affected tissues using liquid nitrogen.  This causes the are of skin cancer to scab over and after about a month this scab falls off the skin.  Cryotherapy is generally used to treat skin cancers that are in the early stages.

5) PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY (PDT):- This is a relatively new type of treatment which involves applying a cream that makes the affected area very sensitive to light.  After applying the cream a strong light is then shone on the cancerous cells to kill them.

Skin cancer treatments generally have very high success rates.  According to Cancer Backup 90% of people treated for BCC and SCC are completely cured.  However, it is much better if you never let the skin cancer reach this stage in the first place by taking the following preventative action:

1) AVOID OVER EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT:- The sun should not be avoided altogether.  Sunlight does have a number of benefits to the human body including promoting the production of vitamin D.  However, you do need to be careful when out in the sun and moderate your exposure.  If you are going to be out in the sun all day make sure there are shaded areas that you can pop into regularly.  This will help you avoid constant exposure to the sunlight.

2) APPLY SUNSCREEN:- Sunscreen can help block damaging UV rays from reaching your skin, reducing your risk of skin cancer developing.  You should apply it around 15 minutes before going out into the sun and make sure to re-apply regularly (based on the packet instructions).

3) DRESS FOR THE SUN:- If you are going to be out in the sun for long periods then make sure you wear the appropriate gear.  Although you may be tempted to go shirtless in an effort to top up your tan it is important to have a suitable top with you and to wear it some of the time in order to protect the skin on your back and front.  Perhaps, try alternating 30 minutes shirtless and 30 minutes with a top on.  It is also advisable to bring sunglasses and a sun hat to protect your eyes and face.

4) TAN GRADUALLY:- If you are determined to get a tan then make sure you do it gradually.  If you go on holiday then spend just 20 or 30 minutes in the sun on day 1 and then gradually increase your daily exposure by 5 or 10 minutes.  This will help you avoid sunburn which significantly increases the chance of your cells mutating and skin cancer developing.

5) AVOID SUNBEDS:- Sunbeds use concentrated UV rays to help you tan and because of this they are more dangerous than natural sunlight.  If you really want to tan then do it naturally and gradually or even better use tanning products such as spray tan or tanning cream.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and worldwide.  The reason behind this is believed to be the increased number of people taking holidays to hot, sunny locations and the increased obsessiveness with getting a healthy tan.  Although it is generally a treatable form of cancer, you should make it your aim to prevent any cancer where possible.  Skin cancer is largely preventable and I hope this article has shown you can reduce your risk.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Skin cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Sources:
Skin Cancer (Cancer Backup)
Skin Cancer (NHS Direct)
Skin Cancer (Wikipedia)
Skin Cancer – Malignant Melanoma (Net Doctor)
Skin Cancer – Non Melanoma (Net Doctor)

Ovarian Cancer Explained

Ovarian cancer develops when uncontrolled cell growth in the ovaries leads to the development of a malignant (cancerous) tumour.  According to the NHS it affects 7,000 women in the UK each year and is the fourth most common cancer amongst women (following breast cancer, colon cancer and lung cancer).  It can affect women of any age but it largely affects menopausal women (who are over 50 years old) and is very rare in women under 40.

To discuss ovarian cancer I will begin by further explaining the ovaries.  There are two ovaries (left and right) which are part of the female reproductive system.  When women reach childbearing age one of the ovaries releases an egg each month.  This egg passes down the fallopian tube (which connects the ovaries to the womb) where it can be fertilised with sperm.  If the egg is not fertilised it passes to the womb where it is lost during a woman’s monthly period.  The ovaries are also responsible for the production of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone.  There are three main types of ovarian cancer:

1) EPITHELIAL OVARIAN CANCER:- Ovarian cancer which affects the layers of the ovary.  This is by far the most common type of ovarian cancer accounting for 80% of all cases.

2) GERM CELL OVARIAN CANCER:- Ovarian cancer which originates from the egg making cells.  This accounts for approximately 15% of ovarian cancers.

3) STROMAL OVARIAN CANCER:- Ovarian cancer which develops in the connective tissues of the ovaries.  This represents an estimated 5% of ovarian cancers.

Like with many types of cancer no one knows exactly what causes ovarian cancer.  However, there are multiple risk factors which include:

1) AGE:- As already discussed, your risk for ovarian cancer increases with age.  Very few women under the age of 40 contract ovarian cancer and the majority of cases are diagnosed in women over 50 years old.

2) ENDOMETRIOSIS:- This is a condition when the cells that normally line a woman’s womb spread to other parts of the body such as the bladder, bowel and ovaries.  Having endometriosis is believed to increase your risk of contracting ovarian cancer by a third.

3) FAMILY HISTORY:- The majority of ovarian cancers are not believed to run in families.  However, inheriting the the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes are believed to put you at an increased risk of both ovarian cancer and breast cancer.  Having two or more close relatives (daughter, mother or sister) who developed ovarian cancer also increases your risk.

4) NUMBER OF EGGS RELEASED:- Every time a woman ovulates the surface of the ovary breaks in order to allow the egg to be released into the reproductive system.  To repair this broken surface the cells of the ovary have to divide and multiply.  If this happens too quickly a mass of malignant cells can form leading to the onset of ovarian cancer.  Therefore, the number of eggs your ovaries release over your lifetime can be considered a risk factor e.g. if you start your periods early or enter the menopause late, you have in theory caused more damage to your ovaries, increasing the chances of ovarian cancer developing.

5) OBESITY:- It is believed that being obese can increase your risk of contracting ovarian cancer by up to one third.

People suffering from ovarian cancer do not exhibit symptoms in all cases, especially in the early stages.  Even when symptoms do surface they are often very mild and go unnoticed or get mistaken for those of other less serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS).  However, doctors and medical professionals have become increasingly experienced at spotting the symptoms which can include:

- Bloating of the stomach.
- Constipation.
- Irregular periods.
- Loss of appetite.
- Pain during sex.
- Pain in your lower abdomen or sides.
- Urinating more frequently.
- Tiredness.
- Weight loss.

If you notice any of the above symptoms then you should consult your doctor immediately.  Even if you have confused the symptoms with IBS or PMS, it is always better to be on the safe side.  According to the NHS 95% of women will survive for five years or more if ovarian cancer is caught in the early stages, so following up on any symptoms could significantly improve your chances of overcoming this disease.  Once you have explained your concerns to your doctor they will then be able to perform a number of tests for ovarian cancer.  These include:

1) PHYSICAL EXAM:- The first test is likely to be a physical exam which will be performed by your doctor or a trained gynaecologist.  This will allow any abnormalities (which could turn out to be  to be ovarian tumours) to be felt.  The main limitation of the physical exam is that normal sized ovaries are small and difficult to feel, meaning that it is not very effective in detecting early ovarian cancer.

2) BLOOD TEST:- A blood test will test for higher than normal levels of CA125, a chemical that is produced by cancer cells and released into the bloodstream.  However, the blood test is not a fully reliable indicator of ovarian cancer.  You can have raised levels of CA125 and not have ovarian cancer or have normal levels of CA125 and have ovarian cancer.

3) ULTRASOUND SCAN:- This involves using sound waves to build a picture of your ovaries.  This picture can then be used to identify any abnormalities and determine whether they are fluid or solid.  If the abnormalities are solid or complex (a mixture of solid and fluid) they may be cancerous and a sample will need to be taken.

4) COMPUTERISED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) SCAN:- The CT scan uses multiple x-rays to build a 3D image of your ovaries.  This will then allow any tumours to be measured and also reveal whether the tumours have spread to other areas of the body.

5) LAPAROSCOPY:- This is a small operation performed under general anaesthetic which allows your doctor to look at your ovaries and the surrounding areas.  Your doctor will make a small incision into your lower abdomen and insert a laparascope (a thin fibre optic tube) which can then be used to look at the ovaries.

6) BIOPSY:- The laparascope can also be used to take a sample of tissues from the ovary for further examination.  This procedure is referred to as a biopsy.

7) ABDOMINAL FLUID ASPIRATION:- If your stomach has become swollen with fluid this may be a sign that ovarian cancer has spread to other areas of your body.  In this instance your doctor or gynaecologist will give you a local anaesthetic and drain this fluid using a long thin needle.  This fluid will then be tested for the presence of cancer cells.

If any of the above tests reveal that you have ovarian cancer your doctor will then stage the cancer.  Staging will show you how far the cancer has spread and also allow your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.  The stages range from 1 to 4 and are discussed below:

1) STAGE 1:- This is when the cancer is contained within the ovaries.  It can be further broken down into stage 1a (the cancer is inside just one ovary), 1b (the cancer is inside both ovaries) and 1c (the cancer is inside one or both ovaries and there are some cancer cells found on the surface of one or both ovaries).

2) STAGE 2:- This is when the cancer has grown outside the ovaries and is in the lower stomach area (pelvis).  It can be further broken down into stage 2a (the cancer is inside the fallopian tubes or womb), 2b (the cancer has grown into other tissues in the pelvis e.g. the bladder) and 2c (the cancer is inside the fallopian tubes, womb or other tissues and there are some cancer cells found on the surface of one or both ovaries).

3) STAGE 3:- This is when the cancer has grown outside the pelvis into the abdominal cavity.  It can be further broken down into stage 3a (cancer can be seen under the microscope in tissues taken from the lining of the abdomen or intestines), stage 3b (there are tumour growths of 2cm or less on the abdominal lining) and 3c (there are tumour growths larger than 2cm on the abdominal lining).

4) STAGE 4:- This is when the cancer has spread to other organs such as the lungs.

Based upon the staging of your ovarian cancer your doctor will then recommend a course of treatment.  The possible treatments for ovarian cancer include:

1) SURGERY:- Almost all cases of ovarian cancer require surgery.  If your ovarian cancer is stage 1 and contained within a single ovary you may only need that ovary and the adjoining fallopian tube removed, meaning that you may still be able to conceive.  However, in most other cases you will require a hysterectomy (removal of the ovaries and the womb) which will mean you begin the menopause following surgery and will not be able to conceive.

2) CHEMOTHERAPY:- This involves using anti-cancer medications to kill off any cancer cells.  Chemotherapy will generally be used to kill off any cancer cells that remain after surgery.

3) RADIOTHERAPY:- This involves using high levels of radiation to kill off any cancer cells.  Like with chemotherapy, radiotherapy is normally used to kill off any remaining cancer cells after surgery.

Prevention of ovarian cancer is possible with anything that reduces or stops ovulation appearing to reduce your chances of contracting the disease.  Some factors that may help prevent ovarian cancer include:

- Early menopause.
- Oral contraceptives.
- Pregnancy.
- Starting periods later in life.
- Tubal litigation (having the fallopian tubes tied).

Ovarian cancer is not as common as lung cancer or breast cancer and because of this it does not receive as much coverage.  However, it is still important that you are aware of the symptoms and the various treatments.  Whilst there are no sure fire ways to prevent ovarian cancer I hope this article has given you the information you need to deal with this condition.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Ovarian cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Sources:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Wikipedia)
Ovarian Cancer Information (BUPA)
Ovarian Cancer Information (Cancer Backup)
Ovarian Cancer Information (Cancer Research UK)
Ovarian Cancer Information (eMedicineHealth)
Ovarian Cancer Information (Net Doctor)
Ovarian Cancer Information (NHS Direct)
Ovarian Cancer Information (Wikipedia)
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome Information (Wikipedia)

Prostate Cancer Explained

Prostate cancer develops when cells of the prostate (a small gland located below the bladder which is responsible for producing fluid that protects the sperm) mutate and start to multiply out of control. According to Cancer Research UK it is the most common type of cancer in men (with the exception of non melanoma skin cancer) and approximately 24% of cancers diagnosed in men are prostate cancers. In total around 35,000 men are diagnosed with this disease in the UK each year. It generally affects men over 50 and is uncommon in younger males.

Like with many cancers, it is unclear exactly what causes prostate cancer to develop. However, there are a number of associated risk factors which include:

1) AGE:- Your risk for developing prostate cancer increases with age. As I have already mentioned, prostate cancer is rare in men who are less than 50 years old and according to Cancer Research UK 63% of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men aged 70 or over.

2) DIET:- Although there is no strong evidence linking prostate cancer and diet, it is believed that a diet high in animal fats, high in calcium and low in fruit and vegetables may increase your risk of developing this disease. It is also believed that the antioxidants lycopene (found in tomatoes and tomato products) and selenium (found in meat, fish, eggs and cereal) can reduce your risk of contracting prostate cancer.

3) FAMILY HISTORY:- If one of your close relatives has prostate cancer then this increases your risk of developing the condition also. In particular having a father or brother with prostate cancer (particularly if they contracted the condition before reaching 60) is believed to magnify your risk. A family history of breast cancer is also believed to increase your risk of contracting prostate cancer (particularly if a close relative developed breast cancer before reaching 40). The reason behind this is that it is thought a faulty inherited gene may be responsible for the development of cancers in certain families (although a specific gene has not yet been identified).

4) RACE:- Black men and mixed race men have a greater chance of developing colon cancer than white or Asian men. This is again believed to be down to inherited faulty genes but an exact cause has not been identified.

The symptoms of prostate cancer are largely linked to growth of the prostate which then puts pressure on the urethra (the vessel used to excrete urine from the body). They include:

- Blood in the Urine.
- Difficulty Urinating.
- Erectile Dysfunction.
- Frequent Urinating.
- Pain when Urinating.
- Strong urgency when the need to urinate arises i.e. having to rush to the toilet.

If you notice any of the above symptoms then you should consult your doctor immediately. In a lot of cases the enlargement of the prostate is benign (non-cancerous) but on the other hand many men suffering from prostate cancer do not develop any symptoms. Therefore, if you have any concerns (however small) you should seek the advice of your doctor right away. They will then be able to perform a number of tests for prostate cancer which include:

1) PROTEIN SPECIFIC ANTIGEN (PSA) TEST:- PSA is a protein that is produced by the prostate. A small amount of PSA is normally found in the blood but higher than normal levels can be found in men with prostate cancer. The PSA test is a blood test which measures the level of PSA in your blood. Whilst the PSA test can be useful in detecting early prostate cancer it does have a number of limitations, mainly because PSA levels can also be affected by:

- Age.
- Prostate Biopsies.
- Prostate Surgery.
- Urinary Catheters.

Even if the PSA test does uncover early prostate cancer there are still further complications. Since the majority of prostate cancers grow very slowly they may never grow large enough to affect an individual’s quality of life. In these cases, the negative side effects of treatment may be worse than the damage caused by the prostate cancer. Therefore, having a PSA test can actually create a dilemma as to whether you should opt for early treatment or not.

2) DIGITAL RECTAL EXAMINATION (DRE):- This test involves your doctor inserting a gloved finger into your rectum. Since the prostate gland is close to the rectum this will allow your doctor to feel for any abnormalities in your prostate. The main limitation of the DRE test is that your prostate may feel normal even when cancer cells are present.

3) TRANS RECTAL ULTRASOUND SCAN (TRUS):- This type of scan involves using sound waves to build a picture of your prostate. This picture can then be used to measure the size and thickness of the prostate. However, it has the same limitations as the DRE test in that a prostate may look normal even when it has become cancerous.

4) BIOPSY:- A biopsy involves samples of tissue being taken from the prostate for further examination. Biopsies can be performed at the same time as the TRUS and can allow your doctor to identify any cancerous cells in the prostate tissue. The main limitation of the biopsy is that it is not completely accurate with between 5% and 10% of biopsies coming back negative even when prostate cancer is present.

Although each of the tests have their limitations, collectively they work well in identifying prostate cancer. If prostate cancer is identified then your doctor will attempt to grade and stage the cancer. Grading refers to the appearance of cancer cells whilst staging describes how far the cancer has spread. One of the most popular grading systems is the Gleason grade which gives the prostate cancer a score between 1 and 10 (with 1 being the least aggressive and 10 being the most aggressive). For staging, prostate cancer usually falls under one of three bands:

1) LOCALISED (EARLY) PROSTATE CANCER:- This describes prostate cancers that are still relatively small and contained within the prostate gland.

2) LOCALLY ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER:- This describes prostate cancers that have spread beyond the prostate gland into the nearby tissues.

3) ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER:- This describes prostate cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.

After your prostate cancer has been graded and staged your doctor will then be able to recommend a suitable treatment. Your doctors decision will also take into account your age, your general health and your medical history. Based on this one of the following will then be recommended:

1) ACTIVE MONITORING:- If an early prostate cancer is identified with a low grade then the most appropriate solution may be to continue monitoring the cancer but to perform no immediate treatment. This method is particularly suitable for men who are over 70 because the prostate cancer is very unlikely to have an adverse impact on their life.

2) BRACHYTHERAPY:- This type of treatment involves your doctor using a needle to place radioactive seeds into your prostate gland. These seeds then deliver radiation to the prostate cancer directly. They remain in your prostate forever and over time they lose their radioactivity. This is a relatively new form of prostate cancer treatment but it is believed to be as effective as surgery. However, there are a number of side effects associated with this treatment. Approximately 30% of men will become impotent following brachytherapy and some men have also reported a temporary burning sensation when urinating after the treatment.

3) HORMONE THERAPY:- Prostate cancers depend upon the male hormone testosterone for growth. Hormone therapy uses drugs (and in some rare cases surgery too) to reduce the levels of testosterone in your body. This deprives the prostate cancer of testosterone in an attempt to halt its growth. This type of treatment is generally used to treat prostate cancers that are locally advanced or advanced. It is not 100% effective but it can successfully kill off some of the cancer cells and reduce the associated prostate cancer symptoms.

4) RADIOTHERAPY:- Radiotherapy involves aiming high doses of radiation at the prostate to kill of the cancerous cells. It is generally used to treat localised prostate cancer with a low grade. There are a number of side effects associated with this treatment with around 40% of men becoming impotent following radiotherapy and about 2% experiencing incontinence (unintentional passing of urine).

5) SURGERY:- Radical prostatectomy surgery involves the removal of the entire prostate gland. It is believed to be one of the most effective treatments for low grade localised prostate cancers. Although it is very effective, side effects are common with this type of surgery with 70% of men experiencing some form of erectile dysfunction, 40% of men using experiencing minor incontinence and 2% of men experiencing serious incontinence.

6) CHEMOTHERAPY:- Chemotherapy involves the use of anti-cancer medications to kill off or shrink any cancerous cells in the prostate. It may be offered as a treatment for prostate cancers that have become locally advanced or fully advanced. However, generally other prostate cancer treatments are opted for ahead of chemotherapy.

Deciding what to do after being diagnosed with prostate cancer creates a very difficult decision. Unlike the other types of cancer where treatment is generally a must, with prostate cancer there are a number of factors which can affect your decision. In some cases treatment will improve your life expectancy and quality of life but in other cases treatment can cause more problems than the prostate cancer ever will. On top of this there seems to be little preventative action that can be taken regarding prostate cancer. Although there are suggestions that the right diet can reduce your risk there is no solid evidence to support this. Ultimately, this is going to be a very difficult decision. Whilst this article provides you with some basic guidelines the best advice I can give you is to and see your doctor and fully discuss the eventualities of any decision you are considering. This will allow you to make the most informed decision possible.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Prostate cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Sources:
Incontinence (NHS Direct)
Lycopene Information (Lycopene.org)
Prostate Cancer Information (Cancer Backup UK)
Prostate Cancer Information (Cancer Research UK)
Prostate Cancer Information (Net Doctor)
Prostate Cancer Information (Wikipedia)
Prostate Information (Wikipedia)
Selenium Information (Wikipedia)
Testosterone Information (Wikipedia)
Urethra Information (Wikipedia)

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If you liked this article then you may be interested in learning more about The Mediterranean Diet. This diet contains low amounts of animal fat, low amounts of dairy products (calcium) and high amounts of fruit & vegetables. Therefore, this diet could potentially reduce your risk of contracting prostate cancer.  On top of this there are multiple other benefits associated with the mediterranean diet including improving your overall health, helping you lose weight, reducing your risk of heart disease and lowering your blood pressure. The Mediterranean Diet Ebook provides you with an easy to follow 28 day program which introduces you to all aspects of the diet and also gives you multiple tasty mediterranean recipes that you can try for yourself.

Lung Cancer Explained

Lung cancer occurs when uncontrolled cell growth in the lung tissue leads to the development of a malignant tumour.  According to the NHS lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the UK and the most common worldwide with approximately 38,000 people in the UK diagnosed with the disease each year.

There are a number of different types of lung cancer although they all fall under two main bands; Primary Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma.  In this article I will be focussing on primary lung cancer.  You can read more about mesothelioma by clicking here.  Primary lung cancer can be further broken down into two major categories:

1) SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER (SCLC):- Approximately 20% of lung cancers are small cell lung cancers.  You can read more about small cell lung cancer by clicking here.

2) NON SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER (NSCLC):- Non small cell lung cancer accounts for 80% of lung cancer cases.  It can be further broken down into three categories; Squamous Cell Carcinoma (the most common type of lung cancer which develops in the cells that line the airways), Adenocarcinoma (a cancer which develops from the cells that produce mucus) and Large Cell Carcinoma (a cancer which can develop in any part of the lung and usually grows very rapidly).  Although there are small differences between the three types they all behave in similar ways.

Unlike other types of cancer where the causes are still unknown, there is strong evidence to suggest that a number of specific factors lead to the development of lung cancer.  These include:

1) SMOKING:- Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer with smokers believed to be 10 times more likely than non-smokers to contract the disease.  The risk also increases with the amount of cigarettes smoked with heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes per day) up to 40 times more likely to develop lung cancer.  Stopping smoking reduces your risk of developing lung cancer over time, with your risk returning to that of a non-smoker after 15 years.

2) GENES:- It is believed that certain people are more likely to develop lung cancer than others as the result of inherited faulty genes.  However, it is currently unknown what these faulty genes are.

3) RADON:- Radon is a gas created from the breakdown of uranium.  In certain parts of the UK (including the Peak District) this gas passes from the soil into the foundations of buildings.  Exposure to high levels of radon is believed to increase your risk for contracting lung cancer.

4) ASBESTOS:- As discussed in one of my previous articles, asbestos is believed to cause mesothelioma.  However, it is also linked with an increased risk of primary lung cancer particularly if combined with cigarette smoking.

When primary lung cancer develops a number of symptoms usually begin to show.  These symptoms are similar to those associated with SCLC and include:

- A chronic cough.
- A change in an existing chronic cough.
- Breathlessness.
- Coughing up phlegm containing blood.
- Loss of appetite.
- Pain when breathing or coughing.
- Tiredness.
- Weight loss.

If you notice any of these symptoms then you should see your doctor right away and explain your concerns.  They will then be able to perform the necessary tests to allow a proper diagnosis.  These tests will include:

1) PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:- Your doctor will usually kick off testing with a physical examination.  This will involve them assessing your general health, looking for any of the above symptoms and gauging how much you smoke.  If your doctor is concerned that you may have lung cancer following the physical exam they are likely to book you in for future tests.

2) CHEST X-RAY:- A chest x-ray will allow any abnormalities and possible tumours in your lungs to be identified.

3) COMPUTERISED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) SCAN:- A CT scan uses multiple x-rays to create a 3D picture of the inside of your body.  This will then allow your doctor to look at any abnormalities/tumours in greater detail.

4) BRONCHOSCOPY:- This test involves using a bronchoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a viewing lens or camera on the end) so that your doctor can look at the inside of your airways and identify any possible tumours.

5) LUNG BIOPSY:- A bronchoscope can also be used to take tissue samples from the cells of your lungs and then looked at in more detail under the microscope.  This process is referred to as a biopsy.

If any of the above tests reveal that you do have lung cancer your doctor will then stage your cancer based on how far it has spread.  The stages of lung cancer are outlined below:

1) STAGE 1:- This is when the cancer is small and has not spread beyond the lungs.

2) STAGE 2:- This is when the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes (glands which help remove unwanted bacteria from the body) close to the affected lung.

3) STAGE 3:- This is when either; the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes furthest away from the affected lung but is still on the same side of the chest OR the cancer is only in the lymph nodes nearest to the affected lung but it has spread to the chest wall, the pleura (the lining of the lungs) or the mediastinum (middle of the chest).

4) STAGE 4:- This is when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Once your cancer has been diagnosed and staged your doctor will put you on a treatment plan.  The treatment chosen will depend upon a number of factors including; the size of the tumour, how far the cancer has spread, your overall health and the staging of the cancer.  A number of the possible treatment options are outlined below:

1) SURGERY:- Surgery is most commonly used with stage 1 lung cancer, providing your health permits it.  There are generally two types of surgery used to treat lung cancer; a lobectomy (where one lobe of a lung is removed) and a pneumonectomy (where an entire lung is removed).  Chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be suggested before and after surgery to maximise its effectiveness.

2) CHEMOTHERAPY:- Chemotherapy involves using anti-cancer medications to kill or shrink the malignant cells.  It is often used in lung cancer stages 2 to 4 when the cancer has spread too far for surgery to be viable.

3) RADIOTHERAPY:- Radiotherapy involves using high doses of radiation to kill or shrink the cancerous cells.  Again, it is mainly used in lung cancer stages 2 to 4 when surgery is no longer viable.

Even with the appropriate treatment lung cancer is still a very damaging disease.  According to Net Doctor 10% of patients diagnosed with lung cancer can expect to be alive after 5 years with no signs of the cancer returning.  Therefore, it is advisable that you take preventative action and reduce your overall risk of developing lung cancer.  There are two major preventative actions you can take:

1) QUIT SMOKING:- The number one way to reduce your risk of contracting lung cancer is to stop smoking.  If you are a non-smoker then don’t start and try to avoid environments where you will be around smoke.

2) AVOID ASBESTOS AND RADON:- As I have already mentioned, asbestos and radon can both increase your chances of contracting lung cancer.  Therefore, try and avoid them where possible.

Lung cancer is a very serious health risk and any possible symptoms should not be ignored.  According to Net Doctor it is responsible for 40,000 fatalities in the UK each year.  However, unlike other types of cancer, with lung cancer you have the upper hand.  Smoking is the major risk factor and by making one simple lifestyle choice and choosing not to smoke you will hopefully never contract this terrible disease.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Lung Cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Sources:
Lung Cancer Information (Cancer Backup)
Lung Cancer Information (Net Doctor)
Lung Cancer Information (NHS Direct)
Lung Cancer Information (Wikipedia)

Small Cell Lung Cancer Explained

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) occurs when uncontrolled growth occurs in the small cells of the lung leading to the development of malignant (cancerous) tumours.  It is also known as small cell lung carcinoma and oat cell carcinoma (due to the appearance of the cells).  According to Cancer Research UK it accounts for approximately 20% of all lung cancers.  In this article I will be discussing this condition in greater detail.

There are three types of SCLC:

1) SMALL CELL CARCINOMA:- This is the main type of SCLC accounting for approximately 95% of all SCLC cases.

2) MIXED SMALL CELL/LARGE CELL CARCINOMA:- This is a sub-type of SCLC that is resistant to chemotherapy and radiation.  It is believed to account for 4-6% of SCLC cases.

3) COMBINED SMALL CELL CARCINOMA:- This is a sub-type of SCLC which combines with squamous cell carcinoma (a type of lung cancer that develops in the bronchi) and/or adenocarcinoma (a type of lung cancer that develops in the cells that produce phlegm).  It is believed to account for 1% of SCLC cases.

There are multiple risk factors associated with SCLC and these are very similar to the risk factors associated with non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC):

1) SMOKING:- Smoking is the leading risk factor associated with SCLC and is believed to account for around 90% of cases.  It is more strongly linked with SCLC than NSCLC.  Even if you are not a smoker, passive tobacco smoke can increase your risk of contracting SCLC.  Quitting smoking gradually decreases your risk of developing SCLC with your risk returning to that of a non-smoker 15 years after quitting.

2) URANIUM:- Exposure to uranium is believed to increase your risk of contracting SCLC with people who mine uranium believed to be 28 times more likely to develop the condition.  Combining exposure to uranium with smoking increases your risk even further.

3) RADON:- Radon is created from the breakdown of uranium and is another factor which increases your risk of developing SCLC.

4) ASBESTOS:- Asbestos is believed to cause mesothelioma but it is also believed to increase your risk of contracting SCLC.  Combining cigarette smoking with asbestos exposure further increases your risk.

5) DIET:- According to this research a diet that is low in fruit and vegetables can increase your risk of contracting lung cancer.

The most common symptoms of SCLC are symptoms you would expect to occur with damage to the lungs.  They include:

- A regular cough.
- A change in the cough (if you have had the cough for a long time).
- Breathlessness.
- Chest pain.
- Coughing up phlegm with signs of blood.
- Hoarse voice.
- Pain when coughing.

If you notice any of the above symptoms then you should see your doctor immediately.  They will then be able to investigate further and perform a number of tests to determine whether or not you have developed SCLC:

1) PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:- Your doctor will usually begin the testing process with a physical exam.  This will allow them to assess your general health and to experience your symptoms first hand.  They will ask a number of questions related to your general health and your smoking habits.  If after the physical exam your doctor feels you may be at risk of SCLC they will schedule further testing.

2) CHEST X-RAY:- A chest x-ray will reveal any abnormalities in your lungs which could turn out to be lung cancer.

3) COMPUTERISED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) SCAN:- A CT scan takes multiple x-rays to build a 3D picture of the inside of your body and get a more detailed look at any abnormalities.

4) BRONCHOSCOPY:- This test involves a narrow, flexible tube called a bronchoscope into your throat.  The doctor can then use this bronchoscope to look at the inside of your airways for any possible tumours.

5) LUNG BIOPSY:- A bronchoscope can also be used to take samples of tissue from the lungs which can then be examined under the microscope.  This procedure is referred to as a biopsy.

If any of the above tests reveal that you have SCLC then your doctor will recommend that you start treatment immediately.  The treatment options for SCLC are discussed below:

1) CHEMOTHERAPY:- This involves using anti-cancer medications to kill the cancer cells.

2) RADIOTHERAPHY:- This involves using high levels of energy radiation to kill the cancer cells.

Unfortunately, even with treatment the outlook for people who contract SCLC is not good.  According to eMedicineHealth the overall 5 year survival rate for people with SCLC is less than 20%.  Therefore, the best option is to stop yourself from developing SCLC by taking the following preventative steps:

1) QUIT SMOKING:- The number one way to reduce your risk of developing SCLC is to stop smoking or if you don’t smoke to carry on down this path and never start.

2) AVOID ASSOCIATED RISKS:- As discussed in the risk factors section of this article, uranium, radon and asbestos all increase your risk for developing SCLC.  Therefore, by avoiding these substances you can lower your risk of SCLC.

3) EAT MORE FRUIT AND VEGETABLES:- As identified in the risk factors section, fruit and vegetables contain a number of chemicals which can help prevent cell damage.  Therefore, increasing your intake can potentially reduce your risk.

SCLC is a condition which causes huge damage to your lungs and can rapidly spread to other areas of your body.  Survival rates for this disease are low.  However, unlike other forms of cancer where the exact causes are unknown, there are a number of specific risks associated with SCLC which means you have the opportunity to take preventative action.  I hope this article helps you identify the potential symptoms and most importantly reduce your risk.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. SCLC is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Sources:
Combined Small Cell Carcinoma Information
Lung Cancer and Diet (Cancer Research UK)
Lung Cancer Information (BUPA)
Lung Cancer Information (Cancer Research UK)
Lung Cancer Information (Wikipedia)
Mixed Small Cell/Large Cell Carcinoma Information
Small Cell Lung Cancer Information (eMedicineHealth)
Small Cell Lung Cancer Information (Hycamtin)

Mesothelioma Explained

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that occurs when malignant (cancerous) cells start to develop in the mesothelium (a thin membrane that lines the chest and abdomen). It is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos (hence the alternate name “asbestos lung cancer”) and can take up to sixty years to develop fully. According to Cancer Backup UK it affects approximately 2000 people in the UK each year.  In this article I will be discussing mesothelioma in greater detail.

The mesothelium is divided into two parts:
1) THE PLEURA:- The lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma which affects the pleura is known as Pleural Mesothelioma.
2) THE PERITONEUM:- The lining of the abdomen. Mesothelioma which affects the peritoneum is known as Peritoneal Mesothelioma.

Of the two types, pleural mesothelioma is much more common with an estimated 12 cases of pleural mesothelioma for every 1 case of peritoneal mesothelioma. In the sections below I will discuss both types of mesothelioma in greater detail:

1) PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA:- The pleura is comprised of an inner layer (which is next to the lung) and an outer layer (which lines the wall of the chest). The two layers of the pleura slide over each other as we breath and often produce fluid to make this process easier.

When pleural mesothelioma develops the two layers become thicker and start to press inwards on the lungs. This can lead to the development of multiple symptoms including:
- Breathlessness.
- Coughing or Wheezing.
- Pain in the walls of the Chest.
- Pleural Effusion (where the lubricating fluid becomes trapped between the two layers of the pleura).

2) PERITONEAL MESOTHELIOMA:- The peritoneum is also comprised of an inner layer (which is next to the abdominal organs) and an outer layer (which coats the abdominal wall).

When peritoneal mesothelioma develops, the inner and outer layers of the peritoneum start to thicken. This can then lead to a number of symptoms including:
- Ascites (where fluid collects in the abdomen and causes swelling).
- Abdominal Pain.
- Improper Bowel Functioning.

Unike the majority of cancers where the causes are unknown, mesothelioma is thought to be caused by exposure to asbestos. Almost every person who develops mesothelioma has a history of exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was previously imported into the UK in large quantities and was a very popular construction material. However, as our understanding of the material has grown the dangers of using asbestos have become clear. One of the dangers of asbestos is that when it becomes disturbed or damaged, very fine fibres are released. These fibres can then be unwittingly inhaled (leading to the ultimate possibility of pleural mesothelioma) or swallowed (leading to the ultimate possibility of peritoneal mesothelioma). In the 1980s UK imports of blue and brown asbestos were banned and in 1999 all importation and usage of asbestos was banned.

Mesothelioma is a very serious type of cancer and the survival rates are low. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned it is very important that you go and see your doctor immediately. When talking to your doctor try and inform them of any historical exposure to asbestos that you are aware of. Based on this they will then be able to perform a number of tests and make an accurate diagnosis. These tests include:

1) CHEST X-RAY:- A chest x-ray will allow your doctor to check for any changes in your lungs (thickening of the pleura, fluid in the lungs etc) which indicate pleural mesothelioma.

2) COMPUTERISED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) SCAN:- A CT scan takes a series of x-rays to build a 3D image of the inside of your body. This type of scan will allow your doctor to look for signs of both pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma.

3) FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY (FNAC):- If the x-ray or CT scan reveal pleural effusion or ascites your doctor may then perform FNAC. This involves using a fine needle to extract some of the liquid from the pleura or peritoneum. This liquid can then be analysed for the presence of mesothelioma cells.

4) BIOPSY:- If the x-ray or CT scan indicate thickening of the mesothelium your doctor may perform a biopsy. This involves using a special type of needle to take a sample of cells which can then be analysed for mesothelioma.

If any of the tests reveal mesothelioma your doctor will then start you on the appropriate course of treatment. The appropriate treatment will depend upon how far advanced the mesothelioma is. A selection of the possible treatments are discussed below:

1) SURGERY:- If the mesothelioma has not spread significantly surgery may be viable. The most common type of surgery for mesothelioma involves removing the lining of the chest. However, in most cases surgery is not viable because the mesothelioma has spread too far.

2) CHEMOTHERAPY:- This involves using anti-cancer medications to control the symptoms of mesothelioma and to slow its growth.

3) RADIOTHERAPY:- This involves using high energy radiation beams in an attempt to kill of the malignant cells. However, in most cases it is only effective in slowing the growth of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer and according to Wikipedia it affects 1 person in every 1,000,000. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most difficult to diagnose and treat if it is contracted. The number of people developing mesothelioma is expected to increase over the next few years, since it can take up to sixty years after exposure to asbestos before any symptoms surface. I hope this article has made you aware of the potential risks and helps you spot the symptoms as soon as possible.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Mesothelioma is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Sources:
Asbestos Information (Wikipedia)
Mesothelioma Information (Cancer Backup UK)
Mesothelioma Information (Wikipedia)
Mesothelioma Web
Mesothelium Information (Wikipedia)

Breast Cancer Explained

Breast cancer is a cancer that starts in the breast cells of both men and women. According to Cancer Research UK over 44,500 people develop breast cancer each year and of those approximately 300 are men. 1 in 9 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and it has become the most common type of cancer in the UK (with the exception of non melanoma skin cancer).

To understand the development of breast cancer you first need to understand the breast. The breast is a gland comprised of:
- Connective tissue (flesh).
- Fat.
- Gland tissue divided into lobes/lobules.

The lobes produce milk which drains into ducts which then drain onto the surface of the nipple. Breast cancer can develop in the cells that line the breast, the lobes and the ducts. Cancer which is confined to the lobes and ducts is referred to as ‘non-invasive’ because it has not yet developed the ability to spread to other areas of the body. Cancer which has moved into the surrounding breast tissue is referred to as ‘invasive’. Men have small amounts of breast tissue behind their nipples hence the possibility of breast cancer in males.

As with other types of cancer it is not known exactly what causes these cells to become cancerous. However, there are a number of strong risk factors associated with breast cancer development:

1) AGE:- According to BreastCancer.Org your risk increases as you age. From birth till age 39 your risk is believed to be 0.5%, from 40 till 59 your risk is believed to be 4% and from 60 till 79 your risk is believed to be 7%. The reason that your risk increases with age is that unfortunately the longer that you are alive the more chance you have of developing a genetic abnormality.

2) ALCOHOL:- According to this study your risk of breast cancer increases in relation to the average number of drinks you consume daily.

3) BREAST CANCER HISTORY:- Developing breast cancer in one breast increases the risk of it developing in the other breast in the future.

4) CHILDREN:- Having no children is believed to increase the risk of contracting breast cancer. The later you have your children is also believed to increase the risk of breast cancer development.

5) HEIGHT:- Taller women are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

6) MENSTRUATION:- Women who start having their periods early or have their menopause late are believed to be at an increased risk of contracting breast cancer.

7) FAMILY HISTORY:- A family history of breast cancer or other types of cancer increases your risk of developing the condition. There are also (at the time of writing) two specific genes associated with breast cancer – BRCA1 and BRCA2.

RADIATION:- According to this study from BreastCancer.org exposure to radiation can increase your risk of developing breast cancer.

9) WEIGHT:- Being overweight reduces your risk of developing breast cancer pre-menopause but increases your risk of developing breast cancer post-menopause.

Breast cancer does not always show symptoms but there are a few things you can look out for. These include:

1) A LUMP IN THE BREAST:- In many cases women will notice a lump in their breasts whilst washing or examining them. This lump is often hard with uneven edges and generally painless.

2) A CHANGE IN THE BREAST SKIN:- Breast cancer can cause the breast skin to become wrinkled or swollen. In some cases the skin may change and become like the skin of an orange.

3) DISHCHARGE FROM THE NIPPLE:- In some cases the nipple may emit bloody discharge and pus that can be clear, green or yellow.

4) INWARD NIPPLES:- Breast cancer can cause the nipple to be pulled in and turn inwards.

If you notice any of the above symptoms or have any other reason to suspect you may have breast cancer then you should consult your doctor immediately. They will then be able to perform a number of tests which will help identify breast cancer. These tests include:

1) PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:- The first stage of screening for breast cancer often involves a physical examination by your doctor. If this physical exam reveals any lumps or other signs of breast cancer your doctor will then schedule further tests.

2) MAMMOGRAMS:- A mammogram is the term given to breast x-rays. A mammogram is good for identifying abnormalities in the breast but does not always reveal whether they are benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

3) ULTRASOUND:- Ultrasound scanning is often used to determine whether any lumps found in the breast are liquid or solid.

4) FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY (FNAC):- This involves inserting a needle into any lumps that are found to determine whether it contains fluid (a cyst) or it is solid. The needle also allows some of the cells to be removed for microscope examination (a process called cytology) to determine whether the lump is benign or malignant.

If any of the above tests reveal breast cancer then the next stage is treatment. Treatment chosen will depend upon how far the breast cancer has developed. Treatments include:

1) SURGERY:- There are generally two types of breast cancer surgery; breast conservation (removal of the tumour and surrounding breast tissue) and mastectomy (removal of the whole breast). The option chosen will depend upon the size of the lump because breast conservation will not be possible with larger lumps.

2) RADIOTHERAPY:- Radiotherapy is generally used on all breast conservation patients. This is usually given daily between Monday and Friday for three to five weeks. It is also used on mastectomy patients where there is thought to be a risk of recurrence.

3) HORMONES:- Certain tumours are sensitive to oestrogen and an effective way to treat these types of tumour is to stop oestrogen reaching them. The most common way to do this is by taking a medicine called tamoxifen.

4) CHEMOTHERAPY:- This involves being given a combination of anti-cancer medicines. One of the negative side effects of chemotherapy is that it can also kill normally dividing cells such as blood cells and hair cells.

The effectiveness of breast cancer treatments varies depending upon a number of factors including the type of tumour and the size of the tumour. However, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of ever getting breast cancer. These include:

1) REDUCING YOUR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION:- As identified in the above risk factors there is a link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to limit your intake to less than one drink per day.

2) CONTROL YOUR BODY WEIGHT:- Although being overweight reduces your risk of developing breast cancer pre-menopause, it is still a good idea to control your weight. Putting weight on pre-menopause will make it more difficult to lose post-menopause (when it starts to increase your risk) and being overweight also puts you at risk for other types of cancer. Therefore, you should try and keep your weight within a healthy level.

3) EAT A HEALTHY, BALANCED DIET:- Although there is no direct link between breast cancer and diet eating a healthy, balanced diet will make it easier for you to control your body weight.

4) EXERCISE REGULARLY:- According to this article exercise can reduce your risk of contracting breast cancer by as much as 20%.

Breast cancer can not be fully prevented but by following the above advice you can reduce your risk. Furthermore, by examining your breasts regularly for lumps or abnormalities you can catch any potential breast cancer early, increasing the chances of effective treatment. Whilst I cannot say that you will never develop breast cancer I hope this article significantly reduces your chances of contracting the disease.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Breast cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Sources:
Alcohol and Breast Cancer (Cancer Research UK)
Breast Cancer and Age (BreastCancer.Org)
Breast Cancer and Exercise (BBC)
Breast Cancer and Radiation (BreastCancer.org)
Breast Cancer Information (Breast Cancer Care)
Breast Cancer Information (Cancer Research UK)
Breast Cancer Information (Net Doctor)
Breast Cancer Information (Wikipedia)
Menopause Information (Wikipedia)

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Colon Cancer Explained

Colon cancer (also known as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer) describes any type of cancer which affects the last section of the digestive system. This is usually the colon (large bowel) or the or rectum (back passage). According to Bowel Cancer UK it is “the third most common cancer in the UK affecting men and women”. It is also the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK affecting men and women accounting for over 16,000 fatalities each year.

Colon cancer usually develops from polyps (fleshy growths) in the intestine. Many of these polyps are benign (non-cancerous) but some are malignant (cancerous). If these malignant polyps are left untreated colon cancer can develop and over time these cancerous growths can then spread to other areas of the body.

Although we understand how colon cancer develops the exact causes are unknown. However, there are a number of associated risk factors:

1) AGE: Your risk of contracting colon cancer increases as you age. 85% of colon cancer diagnoses occur in people over the age of 60 and cases of colon cancer in those younger than 50 are rare.

2) ALCOHOL: A number of studies have looked at the links between colon cancer and alcohol and the results have been mixed. However, according to About.com the type of alcohol consumed plays a key role. Beer and spirits are both believed to increase your risk of developing colon cancer whilst drinking wine in moderation (one or two glasses a week) could lower your risk by up to 60%.

3) DIET: According to this study from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) diets that are high in red and processed meat increase the risk of colon cancer. The study looked at 500,000 people across Europe for a period of 10 years and suggested that the risk for bowel cancer was a third higher in people who regularly ate more than two 80 gram portions of red or processed meat per day compared with those who ate less than one per week. The study also found that a low fibre diet increased the risk of colon cancer and that individuals who ate one or more portions of fish every other day were almost a third less likely to develop bowel cancer than those who ate fish less than once a week.

4) FAMILY HISTORY: If you have a family history of colon cancer it not only increases your risk of contracting the disease but it also increases your risk of developing it early. Furthermore, there a number of hereditary diseases which can increase your risk of getting colon cancer including familial adenomatous polyposis (a hereditary disease where multiple polyps form in the large intestine and can transform into colon cancer if left untreated) and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (inherited mutations that reduce the self repair capacity of DNA, increasing the risk of cancer).

5) INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE: This refers to a number of inflammatory conditions which affect the large intestine. The two main forms are Crohn’s disease (an autoimmune disease which affects the digestive tract) and ulcerative colitis (a condition where ulcers develop within the intestine).

6) SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE: According to this article from Cancer Research UK the risk of contracting colon cancer is halved in those who exercise regularly. Therefore, leading a sedentary lifestyle increases your risk for developing colon cancer.

7) SMOKING: Smokers are believed to be up to three times more likely to develop colon cancer than none smokers.

There are a number of symptoms associated with colon cancer. In the beginning the symptoms can be quite general but they often get worse as the malignant tumour grows. The symptoms include:

1) ABDOMINAL PAIN: Any prolonged abdominal pain should be treated with suspicion.

2) BLOODY STOOLS OR RECTAL BLEEDING: This is probably the most common symptom of colon cancer. If you notice any blood in your faeces or coming out of your anus you should go see your doctor immediately.

3) CHANGES IN YOUR BOWEL MOVEMENTS: This often happens in the form of constipation (when you have difficulty passing stools because they become hardened) or diarrhoea (when your stools become watery and it becomes difficult to control the frequency of your bowel movements). Any change in your bowel movement which lasts for more than a couple of weeks should be treated with suspicion.

4) UNEXPLAINED TIREDNESS

5) UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT LOSS

If you notice any of the above symptoms you should go see your doctor immediately. They will then be able to investigate further for colon cancer. The first stage of this investigation will usually involve your doctor performing a rectal exam with a gloved finger to feel for any lumps or swelling. If after this initial exam your doctor feels that you need further treatment he may pass you on to a hospital for a colonoscopy. This is a procedure where a fibre optic camera is passed through the anus via a flexible tube, allowing your doctor to perform a visual analysis.

If you are diagnosed with colon cancer it then needs to be staged before an appropriate treatment can be offered. One of the most common staging methods is Duke’s classification which stages colon cancer in the following way:

1) DUKE A: When the cancer is in the lining of your colon or rectum.

2) DUKE B: When the cancer has grown into the muscle layer in the colon or rectum wall.

3) DUKE C: When the cancer has spread to at least one lymph node gland (glands which remove unwanted bacteria from your body).

4) DUKE D: When the cancer has spread to other parts of your body, usually your liver or lungs.

Colon cancer which is diagnosed in the early stages is much more treatable than colon cancer which is in the latter stages. Surgery is the most common treatment for colon cancer but chemotherapy and radiotherapy are also viable alternatives:

1) SURGERY: Surgery attempts to remove the cancerous cells from the colon. In most cases the bowel can be stitched back together following surgery but if not then a colostomy (a surgical procedure which attaches part of the colon to the abdominal wall). may have to be performed.

2) CHEMOTHERAPY: This involves using anti-cancer medications to eradicate cancerous cells. It can be used to treat colon cancer but is more commonly used to shrink the malignant tumour prior to surgery.

3) RADIOTHERAPY: This involves using high energy radiation beams to kill cancer cells and prevent them from spreading. Again this treatment is more commonly used to shrink malignant tumours before surgery.

Following your colon cancer treatment your doctor may then recommend continuing with chemotherapy or radiotherapy to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.

Although the above treatments may be required to treat your colon cancer, if you have not yet been diagnosed it makes sense to take preventative action so that you never have to go through the complications of surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer:

1) EXERCISE REGULARLY: One of the risk factors for colon cancer is a sedentary lifestyle. By exercising regularly (30 minutes for at least 5 days a week) you can notably reduce your risk of contracting colon cancer.

2) IMPROVE YOUR DIET: As identified earlier in this article, a diet that is high in red or processed meat and low in fibre can increase your chances of developing colon cancer. Therefore, by cutting down on your intake of red and processed meat and getting plenty of fibre (from fruits, vegetables and whole grains) you can reduce your risk of contracting colon cancer. Moderating your alcohol intake is another dietary change you can make to further reduce your risk.

3) QUIT SMOKING: Smoking puts you at risk for a number of cancer types including colon cancer. By kicking the habit you can cut your risk considerably.

4) REGULAR SCREENING: The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Program is being rolled out nationally and is expected to achieve nationwide coverage by 2009. The aim of the program is to detect bowel cancer at an early stage which will ensure more effective treatment. The program offers screening every two years for those aged between 60 and 69. As you age your risk of getting colon cancer increases so getting screened regularly is essential. The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Program provides you with the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK. However, it is highly treatable when caught early. I hope this article has helped you fully understand the risks associated with colon cancer and more importantly inspires you to take preventative action. By making a few positive lifestyle changes you can hopefully improve your fitness levels and live a life that is free from colon cancer.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Colon cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Sources:
Alcohol and Colon Cancer (About)
Bowel Cancer Information (Bowel Cancer UK)
Cancer of the Colon (NHS Direct)
Colon Cancer Information (Wikipedia)
Colon Information (Wikipedia)
Colorectal (Bowel) Cancer Information (BBC)
Colorectal Polyp Information (Wikipedia)
Colostomy Information (Wikipedia)
Crohn’s Disease Information (Wikipedia)
Diet and Colon Cancer Information (BBC)
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (Wikipedia)
Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer Information (Wikipedia)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Information (Wikipedia)
NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Program Information (NHS)
Protecting against Bowel Cancer (Cancer Research UK)
Rectum Information (Wikipedia)
Smoking and Bowel Cancer (Cancer Backup)