Cooleman Court Pharmacy

What is cancer?

Cancer does not refer to a single illness but rather encompasses over 200 distinct disorders. It is a disease of the cells, which are the fundamental components of our body. Under normal circumstances, old cells die off and are replaced by new ones in a regulated fashion, with each new cell mirroring the ones it succeeds. Occasionally, this orderly process is disrupted: certain cells may undergo mutations, causing them to grow uncontrollably and multiply. These aberrant cells can form clusters known as tumors. Tumors fall into two categories: benign (non-cancerous) growths, which remain localized and do not invade surrounding tissues, and malignant tumors, which are cancerous. Malignant tumors are capable of invading adjacent tissues and can also disseminate through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to establish new tumors in other parts of the body, a process termed metastasis. Each year in Australia, nearly 150,000 individuals receive a cancer diagnosis, and just under 50,000 die from the disease. Overall, the proportion of people surviving at least five years after diagnosis has climbed to about 70%, compared with under 50% in the 1980s. This improvement is largely attributable to more widespread early detection via screening programs and advancements in treatment.

Types of cancer

Cancers are often named after the organ or cell type where they begin, for instance, breast cancer arises in the breast, and liver cancer originates in the liver. However, cancers can also be categorized by the tissue or cell type they affect:

Carcinoma: Develops in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.
Sarcoma: Begins in connective tissues such as bone, muscle, fat, or blood vessels.
Leukaemia: Originates in the tissues responsible for producing blood cells.
Lymphoma and myeloma: Arise from cells of the immune system.
Central nervous system cancer: Starts in the brain or spinal cord.

In Australia, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, the most frequently diagnosed cancers are:

Breast
Prostate
Colorectal (bowel)
Melanoma
Lung

What causes cancer?

Cancer develops when cells begin to replicate in an uncontrolled manner. Although not every cause or risk factor is completely understood, several elements are known to raise the likelihood of developing cancer. These can be divided into factors you cannot change (non-modifiable) and those you can influence (modifiable).

Risk Factors

Non-modifiable risk factors include:

Age: The chance of developing cancer grows as you get older.
Gender: Certain cancers are more common in one gender than the other.
Ethnicity: Some ethnic groups have a higher predisposition to particular cancers.
Family history: Having a close relative with a specific cancer can increase your own risk.

Cancer symptoms

Signs of cancer vary depending on the type and location, but several symptoms are more generally associated with the disease. The presence of one or more of these does not necessarily indicate cancer, as they can occur with many other conditions. Nevertheless, you should consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:

Unexplained aches or pains
Persistent headaches or blurred vision
Dizziness
Weakness in limbs
Excessive sweating, especially at night
Unintentional weight loss
Loss of appetite
Chronic heartburn or indigestion
Persistent lumps or swellings
Alterations in breast appearance or feel
Seizures
Unusual bleeding, such as blood in stool or urine, atypical vaginal bleeding, or vomiting blood

Unexplained fatigue
Sores or ulcers that do not heal (including mouth ulcers)

Changes to the skin, like a new mole or change in an existing mole
Difficulty swallowing
A long-lasting cough or sore throat
Hoarseness or a croaky voice
Shortness of breath
Shifts in bowel or bladder habits
Persistent abdominal bloating

How is cancer diagnosed?

After a physical examination and a discussion of your symptoms and lifestyle, your physician will usually order various tests to look for evidence of cancer. Common diagnostic tests include:

Blood tests to check for abnormal markers or blood cell counts.
Imaging scans, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computerized tomography), PET (positron emission tomography), ultrasound, and mammography.
Diagnostic procedures like colonoscopy (for bowel cancer), colposcopy (for gynecological cancers), and endoscopy (for stomach or esophageal cancer).

How do you treat cancer?

Treatment plans vary based on the cancer’s type and stage. They often combine multiple approaches: 1. Chemotherapy: The use of drugs that target and kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. 2. Radiation therapy: The application of high-energy rays to destroy or damage cancer cells. 3. Surgery: Physically removing cancerous tissue from the body. 4. Immunotherapy: Treatments that enhance your immune system’s ability to fight cancer. 5. Targeted therapy: Drugs designed to attack specific features of cancer cells, sparing most healthy cells. 6. Hormone therapy: Using hormones or hormone-blocking drugs to slow or stop cancers that rely on hormones to grow. 7. Stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant): Often used for certain blood cancers to replace diseased marrow with healthy cells. 8. Complementary therapies: These are used alongside evidence-based treatments and may include:

Relaxation techniques
Psychological counseling
Meditation and guided imagery
Acupuncture
Aromatherapy
Reflexology
Art and music therapy
Massage
Palliative care, Aimed at improving quality of life and managing symptoms rather than curing the disease.

What are the complications of cancer?

Cancer can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, causing secondary tumors or metastases. Individuals who have had one cancer are at greater risk of developing a second primary cancer, which may be similar to or different from the first diagnosis. Additionally, both cancer itself and its treatments can lead to various side effects, both physical and emotional. These depend on factors such as the cancer type, chosen therapies, comorbid conditions, and individual coping strategies. Unfortunately, some people do not survive their cancer.

Living with cancer

A cancer diagnosis can be distressing, leading to emotions such as sadness, anxiety, or anger. Fortunately, numerous support resources are available to help patients cope. It is equally important to maintain a healthy diet and stay active as much as possible. If you’re experiencing difficulties with sleep or managing pain, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor.

When should you see your doctor?

Any notable change in your health or persistent symptom that concerns you should prompt a visit to your physician. Early detection generally allows for more effective treatment, even if cancer is not ultimately diagnosed.

Can you prevent cancer?

Complete prevention of all cancers is not achievable, but about one-third of cancer cases can be avoided through lifestyle modifications. Strategies to reduce your risk include:

Abstaining from tobacco use
Limiting alcohol intake
Maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
Engaging in regular physical activity
Protecting your skin from excessive UV exposure
Minimizing contact with known carcinogens, especially at work

Participating in recommended cancer screening programs does not prevent cancer but can detect it in earlier, more treatable stages. Australia currently offers national screening programs for:

Cervical cancer
Bowel cancer
Breast cancer