Oncology

Introduction

Cancers are a group of conditions where abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and can invade nearby tissues. It can occur in various parts of the body, often leading to serious health issues. In this article, we aim to provide information on the causes of cancers, some types of cancers, and available treatments.

What are Cancers?

Cancers are tumours that develop as a result of abnormal and uncontrollable cell division and can spread into surrounding tissue in advanced stages. It is primarily caused by alterations in one's DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). Individual’s cancer types differ depending on their exposure to carcinogens, genetic mutations, family history, or specific lifestyle variables.

Types of Cancers

Breast cancer

Uncontrolled cell growth in breast tissue, affecting both women and, less commonly, men.

Lung cancer

Abnormal cell growth in the lungs, primarily caused by smoking and exposure to toxins.

Prostate cancer

Cancer in the prostate, a male gland, often develops slowly with age.

Colorectal cancer

Growth of malignant cells in the colon or rectum, influenced by diet and genetics.

Blood cancers

A group of cancers affecting the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system, including leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

Common Symptoms of Cancer

Fatigue

Persistent, extreme tiredness unrelated to activity, often a sign of advanced cancer.

Unexplained Weight Loss

A noticeable drop in weight without a clear reason may indicate underlying cancer.

Pain

Ongoing, unexplained pain, which may vary in intensity and is common in advanced stages.

Skin Changes

New or changing moles, skin discoloration, or jaundice can be warning signs.

Persistent Cough

A long-lasting cough or changes in a chronic cough, possibly indicating lung or throat cancer.

Changes in Bowel Habits

Persistent constipation or diarrhea, blood in stool, may suggest colorectal cancer.

Hoarseness

A persistent change in voice may signal throat or laryngeal cancer.

Lumps or Masses

Painful or painless lumps under the skin, often in the breast or testicles.

Difficulty Urinating

Frequent urination, pain, or blood in urine could indicate prostate or bladder cancer.

Changes in Breast Appearance

Nipple discharge, dimpling, or skin changes can be early signs of breast cancer.

Headaches

Frequent, severe headaches, especially in the morning, can be related to brain tumours.

Vision Changes

Blurred or double vision, or sudden vision loss, may be associated with eye or brain cancers.

Swelling

Swelling in the neck, face, or elsewhere may suggest lymphoma or other cancers involving lymph nodes.

Causes of Cancer

Genetics

Inherited mutations can increase the risk of cancer, passed down from one's ancestors.

Tobacco

Smoking and tobacco use expose the body to carcinogens, leading to lung and other cancers.

Diet

Poor dietary choices, high in processed foods, can contribute to obesity and cancer risk.

Infections

Viruses like human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B increase the risk of cervical and liver cancers.

Radiation

Prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation, like X-rays, can damage DNA and cause cancer.

Chemical Exposure

Working with carcinogenic substances without proper protection can lead to occupational cancers.

Hormones

Hormone imbalances, such as in breast cancer, can promote abnormal cell growth.

Obesity

Excess body fat can cause inflammation and hormonal changes that encourage cancer development.

Physical Inactivity

A sedentary lifestyle is associated with higher cancer risk, often due to weight gain.

Age

As people grow older, their risk of developing cancer naturally increases due to cumulative genetic changes.

Chronic Inflammation

Conditions like Crohn's disease can lead to chronic inflammation, increasing cancer risk.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to pollutants and toxins in the environment can contribute to various cancers.

Understanding Cancers in Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, cancers are caused due to imbalances in the doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—fundamental energies governing the body. Let's delve into this perspective

Vata Dosha

Imbalance in Vata can lead to erratic cell growth and inflammation. It disrupts the natural harmony within the body, potentially contributing to cancer.

Pitta Dosha

Excess Pitta may cause inflammation and hyperactivity, leading to increased metabolic processes that can promote cancerous cell growth.

Kapha Dosha

Kapha imbalance can create excess mucus and congestion, potentially contributing to the development of certain cancers, especially in mucous-rich areas.

Treatment and Management

Treatment options for cancers depend on the type of cancer and its underlying cause. They may include:

Surgery

Surgical removal of cancerous tumours or affected tissues is often performed, aiming to eliminate or reduce the tumour burden.

Radiation therapy

High-energy radiation is used to target and destroy cancer cells, either internally (brachytherapy) or externally (external beam radiation).

Chemotherapy

The use of anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth, often administered orally or through intravenous infusion.

Immunotherapy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ITIs), cancer vaccines, and adoptive cell therapies are used to stimulate the immune system to recognise and target cancer cells.

Targeted therapy

Drugs designed to specifically target cancer cells with specific genetic or molecular characteristics, blocking the signalling pathways that promote cancer growth and progression.

Hormonal therapy

It is used to treat hormone-dependent cancers and works by blocking or reducing the activity of hormones that are involved in the growth of cancer cells.

Palliative Care offered by SGP's PSA is an essential part of cancer care and aims to enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer

It involves:

Symptom Management

Alleviating pain, nausea, and fatigue through medication, physical interventions, and psychological support.

Emotional Support

Counselling, therapy, and support groups help individuals and families cope with cancer's impact.

End-of-Life Care

Compassionate support for pain management, emotional needs, and advanced care planning in terminal stages.

Supportive Care

Palliative teams ensure holistic well-being by collaborating with healthcare providers for physical, emotional, and social support.

Conclusion

Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. Its treatment depends on factors like cancer type, stage, and patient health. Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Personalized medicine and advances in early detection have improved outcomes, but challenges remain, including drug resistance and side effects. Preventative measures like lifestyle changes and screening are crucial. A multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists is key to managing cancer effectively.

FAQs about Cancers

Are all tumours cancerous?

No, tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), with the latter having the potential to spread to other parts of the body.

Can hair grow back after chemotherapy?

Yes, hair loss from chemotherapy is temporary. Hair will grow back usually after the end of treatment. In some cases, hair may grow back during treatment.

How does cancer treatment work?

Chemotherapy uses drugs to target and destroy cancer cells. However, the drugs used in chemotherapy can also cause damage to healthy cells, which can lead to adverse effects. Newer drugs, known as targeted drugs, are designed to block genes or proteins that are present in cancer cells. While targeted therapy is typically less damaging to healthy cells, it can still have side effects. Immunotherapy, on the other hand, utilizes hormones and other drugs to interact with the immune system to treat cancer. Your healthcare provider will treat you with the appropriate therapy based on your symptoms and stage of cancer.

When should individuals get tested for cancer?

Screening tests and the age at which they should be conducted can differ depending on the type of cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a physician to determine the appropriate type of screening test.

How does cancer spread?

Single cancer cells can detach from an existing tumour, to seed locally, or enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and travel to a distant location, where they can colonize and grow as a second tumour. They can also spread across body cavities.