CANCER - EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES

Cells are the building blocks of your body. Normally, your body forms new cells as you need them, replacing old cells that die. Sometimes, new cells grow even when you don't need them, and old cells don't die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass called a tumor.
Tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancer while malignant ones are. Cells from malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues.

Cancer cells are caused by gene mutations. A number of forces can cause gene mutations, such as smoking, radiation, viruses, cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens), obesity, hormones, chronic inflammation and a lack of exercise.

Symptoms vary widely or they may not occur at all. Some patients have abnormal bumps, unexplained fevers, blood in your urine, or a change to your usual bowel habits, night sweats or unintentional weight loss. It's important to be aware of any unexplained changes to your body.

The 5-year survival rates are 49.0%, 15.3%, and 2.8%, and the 10-year survival rates are 37.8%, 10.3%, and 1.6% for patients with localized disease, disease with regional involvement, and disease with distant spread, respectively.-Essential Concepts in Molecular Pathology, 2010

According to World Health Organisation one-third of cancers can be prevented. Another third can be effectively cured with early detection. There are four major ways to lower the risk of developing some cancers.
  Early Detection: Some types of cancers can be found before they start. E.g Breast, colon and cervical cancer can be caught at their earliest and most treatable stages.
  Diet : Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Limit foods high in fat, sugar and salt. Avoid processed meat and limit consumption of red meat.

  Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. Being physically active contributes to a healthy lifestyle which can reduce your risk of developing cancer.
  One in three of all cancers is related to smoking. Cut out the cigarettes and reduce the risk of cancer. Also endeavour to avoid second-hand smoke; it increases the risk of lung cancer and heart disease in non smokers.







Kindly contact me for list of cancer screening centres close to you.
May our lives not be cut short by diseases beyond our means in Jesus name. Happy New Week!

Pharm G B. IDAMKUE