Cancer, which occurs when one or more cells of one or more of the tissues in the body changes outside of their normal characteristics and multiplies uncontrollably, is one of the most important diseases of our age and ranks second among the causes of death in our country as well as all over the world.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled and continuous proliferation of cells in a certain part of the body, under the influence of various genetic and environmental factors. The body's immune system plays a major role in fighting cancer cells.
Cancer occurs as a result of uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the tissue from which it originates. Cancers basically have 3 features:
- Lack of differentiation in cells
- Spreading to neighboring tissues
- It is able to keep distant organs (metastasis) via blood and lymph routes.
- Weakness, fatigue,
- Lumps under the skin, mass,
- Sudden weight loss,
- Skin yellowing, bruising, redness, non-healing wounds,
- Diarrhea or constipation,
- Inability to urinate,
- Long-lasting cough, shortness of breath,
- Difficulty swallowing,
- Hoarseness,
- Indigestion after meals,
- Abdominal pain,
- Chronic muscle, bone pain,
- Fever of unknown cause or night sweats,
- Bleeding of unknown cause or bruises on the body.
The Most Common Cancer in Turkey What are the Types?
The Ministry of Health published the 10 most common cancer types in men and women in a study conducted in 2015. Accordingly, according to the incidence of cancer in women, respectively:
1. Breast cancer2. Thyroid cancer3. Colon cancer4. Uterine cancer 5. Lung cancer6. Ovarian cancer 7. Stomach cancer 8. Non hodgin lymphoma9. Cervical cancer10. These are cancers originating from the brain and nervous system.
The 10 most common cancers in men are:
>1. Lung cancer2. Prostate cancer3. Colon cancer4. Bladder cancer5. Stomach cancer6. Non hodgin lymphoma 7. Kidney cancer 8. Throat cancer9. Thyroid cancer10. It is pancreatic cancer.
What are the Risk Factors for Cancer Development?
Cancer is caused by DNA damage in cells. The main factors that cause DNA damage:
How is Cancer Diagnosed?
The first suspicious findings may appear after listening to the patient's history and examining the patient. We have listed the general findings seen in cancer patients above. Some tests are requested from the patient who comes to the doctor with these complaints in order to make the differential diagnosis of the diseases. These are:
- Blood and urine analysis,
- Research with radiological imaging methods [lung radiography, ultrasonography (USG), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) and positron emission tomography ( PET)],
- Tumor markers [Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG), Serum immunoglobulins (multiple myeloma), BCR-ABL1 (chronic myeloid leukemia), CA 125 (ovarian cancer), CA 27-29 (breast cancer), Prostate specific antigen],
- Biopsy and pathological examination.
Is it Necessary to Have a Cancer Screening? How is Cancer Screening Performed?
Screening tests for cancer are performed on patients who are at risk but have no symptoms yet. Cancer screening provides early diagnosis, facilitates treatment, and increases survival rate. Those who have breast cancer in their family can have mammograms regularly. Those at risk for prostate cancer can have prostate examination and prostate antigen checked. Colonoscopy can be done for colon cancer.
Lung tomography can be performed in heavy smokers and Anser antigens can be checked. If there is a risk for stomach cancer, endoscopy and biopsy can be done. The screening method for cervical cancer should be regular smears.
Can Cancer Be Prevented?
We cannot completely prevent cancer, but we can reduce the risk. Main methods:
· Quitting smoking, avoiding smoking, · Not staying in the sun too long, preventing sunburns, · Eating rich in fruits and vegetables, consuming whole grains, reducing processed food consumption, · Exercising outdoors, · Not being overweight ,· Reducing alcohol consumption,· Not neglecting cancer screenings, especially if there is a genetic risk,· Cancer-preventing hepatitis B vaccine and HPV vaccine.
Can Cancer Be Treated?
Depending on the type and stage of cancer treatment varies. These two factors determine survival rates. The survival time is long in many types of cancer that are detected at an early stage and without metastasis.
What are the Treatment Methods Commonly Used in Cancer?
Common treatment methods used in cancer treatment;
· Surgical operation,· Chemotherapy,· Radiotherapy,· Immunotherapy, Stem cell and bone marrow transplantation, Hormone therapy, Treatment with targeted biological agents can be sorted.
One or more of these treatments are determined and applied with a patient-specific, individualized treatment program. Cancer treatment is performed by medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine specialists and surgeons.
Does Cancer Recur?
Some types of cancer can recur within 5 years despite treatment. The fact that the cancer does not recur for 10 years is an indicator of improvement.
Can Alternative Medicine Be Applied in Cancer Treatment?
You can hear the names of many plants or foods that are claimed to be good for cancer in the mass media. Scientific evidence is required to use herbs in cancer treatment. For this reason, you should not consume any food or plant that your doctor does not recommend.
What are the General Problems Encountered in Cancer Treatment?
Chemotherapy used in cancer treatment, radiotherapy Side effects often occur due to treatments such as therapy and immunotherapy. These side effects can be in the form of early side effects and late side effects. The main problems encountered in cancer treatment are as follows:
- Anemia: Anemia, or anemia, is the decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood. When anemia occurs, the patient feels very tired. Shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, palpitations and pale skin are other symptoms.
- Loss of Appetite: Loss of appetite is a common problem in cancer patients. The taste and smell of food changes. The feeling of nausea and vomiting also causes the inability to eat. Cancer patients with anorexia are advised to eat 5-6 meals a day in small quantities, to choose foods with high nutritional value and to consume plenty of fluids. Being active also has a positive effect on appetite.
- Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia): Platelets are small blood cells that allow blood to clot. During cancer treatment, the number of platelets in the blood may decrease. This causes small or large bleeding. Cancer patients should stay away from drugs that dilute the blood and increase bleeding. Teeth should be brushed gently with a very soft toothbrush, razors should not be used, shoes should be worn at home, if there are cracks in the lips, they should use moisturizer and be very careful when using sharp tools. If rectal bleeding occurs, it is necessary to inform the doctor immediately.
- Constipation: Some drugs used during cancer treatment, malnutrition, decreased activity and insufficient water drinking can cause constipation. Patients may experience bloating, abdominal pain and nausea. Bleeding may occur when defecating. Cancer patients should eat plenty of fiber (pulses, wholemeal bread, bulgur), drink plenty of fluids and exercise more to prevent constipation. They may experience mental confusion. Sleep patterns may be disrupted. They may become sleepy, tired, depressed, restless, angry, and overactive.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea is having more frequent and watery stools than normal. Some medications can cause diarrhea and infection. Cancer patients who take insufficient fluids get diarrhea. They may experience rapid loss of fluid from the body. Patients with diarrhea should eat little and often, consume plenty of yogurt and ayran, and take plenty of fluids.
- Edema (Swelling): Fluid accumulation in different parts of the body is called edema. Common signs of edema include swelling of the feet, ankles and legs, swelling of the hands, arms, face and abdomen; taut and shiny skin that collapses when pressed; shortness of breath, cough and heart rhythm disturbance. Patients with edema should definitely consult a doctor and use the prescribed medications. Comfortable clothes that are not too tight should be worn and the amount of salt in foods should be reduced.
- Fatigue: Cancer patients often appear tired, weak, slow in movement, exhausted and lacking in energy. They wake up tired even from sleep. In order to overcome fatigue, patients should do activities that will relax themselves, such as reading, listening to music, and walking. They should pay attention to their energy intake and take short naps during the day.
- Problems with the reproductive system in men: Many types of cancer can adversely affect reproductive ability in men. Before starting treatment, it should be discussed whether the person wants to have children or not. Men who want to have children can transfer their sperm to a sperm bank.
- Problems with the reproductive system in women: Cancer treatment can cause infertility in women as well as in men. The age of the patient who will receive treatment and whether they want children or not are important. Accordingly, necessary precautions can be taken.
- Skin and Nail Changes: Cancer treatments can cause skin and nail changes. While skin problems caused by radiation therapy and chemotherapy are usually mild, a stem cell transplant, targeted therapy or immunotherapy can lead to more severe side effects. The main skin and nail changes are: acne, bedsores (pressure ulcers), blisters, burning or skin pain, dry skin, hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysthesia), yellow nails.
- Sleep Problems and Insomnia: Cancer patients may experience sleep problems due to excessive anxiety and depression. This situation can be overcome with medications recommended by the physician.
