Cancer

Can lung cancer be prevented?  You can lower your risk by doing the following: Stop smoking Avoid second-hand smoke Avoid carcinogens at work Work with other people to keep your environment pollution-free Eat low-fat, high-fibre diet and do regular exercise Screening Screening: Screening is recommended for high risk individuals which includes: Those between the ages of 55-79 Smoked for 30 or more years Person who has quit smoking within the past 15 years Screening test includes:  …

Cancer that starts in the lungs is called primary lung cancer. The lungs are common sites for metastasis of other types of cancers, which start elsewhere in the body, such as breast cancer or colon cancer. That is called secondary lung cancer. It is important to know whether the cancer started in the lungs (primary) or has spread to the lungs (secondary). Cancer cells will be different in primary and secondary lung cancer, so the treatment will depend on the type of cancer. For eg. cancer that…

There are usually no symptoms in the early stage of lung cancer. In most cases, diagnosis is made after the disease has advanced. Common symptoms include: Having a cough most of the time Cough that does not go away after 2-3 weeks or becomes worse Pain in chest, shoulder, back or arms, which is not associated with coughing Shortness of breath Coughing of blood or blood in sputum An ache when breathing or coughing Recurrent chest infection such as pneumonia Hoarseness of voice Loss of appetite…

You are at risk of developing lung cancer if, you are:  A smoker: Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer. Smokers are at 15-20 times greater risk of developing lung cancer than non-smokers. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked each day and the number of years you have smoked. Doctors calculate risk in pack years (number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day multiplied by number of years smoked). Risk increases with even 10 pack years of smoking history. Even if…

Follow-up care Follow-up care is important to maintain good health after treatment and to watch for signs of recurrence. Follow-up care is extremely important in the first five years after treatment because risk of recurrence is highest during this time. In colorectal cancer, 80% of recurrence occurs in the first 2-3 years after surgery and 95% occurs within 5 years. Follow-up care includes: Physical examination every 3-6 months CT scan of chest and abdomen every 6-12 months Colonoscopy one…

There are several options to consider. These can be used alone or in combination. Treatments for colorectal cancer include: Surgery Chemotherapy Radiation therapy Targeted therapy Surgery This is the most common treatment to remove cancer from the colon or rectum or from distant organs. Types of surgery: This depends on the type, size, location and extent of the spread of cancer. Options include: Polypectomy: Small growths on the inner lining of the colon, called polyps, are removed by…

Types of colorectal cancer Adenocarcinomas are the most common type of colorectal cancer. More than 90% of colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas. These cancers arise from the cells of mucus secreting glands of the colon and rectum. Other less common tumours are gastrointestinal stromal tumour, gastrointestinal carcinoid tumour, primary colorectal lymphoma and sarcoma. Stages of colorectal cancer By knowing the stage of the cancer, the doctor can make a decision on the treatment and can predict…

Complete blood count for iron deficiency anaemia due to bleeding Digital rectal examination: The doctor inserts a lubricated gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any lump or other abnormality. Fecal occult blood tests for hidden blood in the stool from bleeding blood vessels. Double contrast barium enema (DCBA): This detects abnormalities in the colon and rectum. A liquid containing barium is put into the rectum after which the colon and rectum are X-rayed. Air is put into the rectum…

Fatigue and weakness Change in bowel habit such as diarrhoea, constipation or narrowing of stool lasting more than 4 weeks Bright red or dark blood in stool A feeling of not being able to empty the bowel completely Unexplained weight loss Persistent abdominal pain, discomfort, gas, bloating etc. Anaemia

Are you at risk of developing colorectal cancer? You are if you Are over 50 years of age Have a diet high in saturated fat, animal protein, red meat, processed meats like hotdogs, meats cooked over high temperatures and low in dietary fibre Have a history of polyps Have a family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyp Have a family history of hereditary syndromes such as Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Hereditary non polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), Gardner syndrome, Lynch…