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The organs and tissues of the body are made up of tiny
building blocks called cells. These cells are constantly
being replaced. Under normal circumstances, the cells
divide in an orderly and controlled manner. If for some
reason the process gets out of control and continue to
divide, They will develop into a lump called a tumor.
There are two types of tumor -- benign or malignant. In
a benign tumor the cells do not spread to other parts of
the body. However, they may continue to grow at the
original site, pressing onto the surrounding organs. A
malignant tumor consists of cells that have the ability
to spread beyond the original area. If left untreated,
it may spread and destroy the surrounding tissue. Cancer
is the name given to a malignant tumor. Sometimes cells
break away from the primary cancer and spread to other
organs in the body through the lymphatic system.
Today, cancer is the leading cause of deaths all over
the world. Do you know that cancer is preventable ? The
first step in cancer prevention is learning what causes
cancer and what the risk factors are.
According to the National Cancer Council; smoking is
responsible for 87% of cases of lung cancer. However,
smoking not only affects the lungs but also other organs
such as the kidney, pancreas, cervix and stomach.
Therefore, quitting smoking immediately decreases your
factor for cancer.
Physical activity is important to prevent cancer.
Exercising at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week
greatly reduces your cancer risk. It also reduces the
chances of you becoming obese, which is actually a major
cause for many cancers.
Genetics can play a big role in cancer development. A
person with a family history of cancer such as breast
cancer must take extra precautions. When cancer is
genetic, a mutated gene has been passed down. However,
it does not mean you will develop it but only have a
greater chance of developing it.
The environment you are in can cause cancer. Exposure
to asbestos for example, is bad for you. Studies have
shown that people who are exposed to high amount of
benzene, a chemical found in smoking and polluted air,
are also at risk for cancer.
Skin cancer is caused by exposure to the ultra-violet
( UV ) rays of the sun. Sunburn or tan is actually the
result of cell damage caused by the sun. Sin cancer is
preventable. Wearing sunscreen when outdoors and staying
out of the sun between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, when
the sun's rays are strongest are your best defense.
In Malaysia, the most common cancer in females is
breast cancer followed by cervical cancer. As for
Malaysian men, the most common cancer is lung cancer
followed by nasopharyngeal or nose cancer. Colorectal or
colon cancer is increasing in incidence for both sexes.
To raise cancer awareness, the National Cancer Council
or MAKNA often organizes talks, exhibitions, screening,
roadshows and breast self-examination demonstrations at
well-known shopping complexes. |
