What causes cancer?

Normally, the cells that make up the body reproduce themselves in an orderly fashion and have specific life spans. Dead and worn- out tissues are replaced, injuries are repaired and the body stays healthy. When exposed to some substances, like certain chemicals and viruses, some susceptible cells undergo changes in their genes called mutations. The substances that cause these genetic mutations are called carcinogens. Examples of carcinogens, also called CANCER INITIATING or PROMOTING substances are numerous chemicals in cigarette smoke, viruses that cause chronic infection of the liver and the uterine cervix, hormones such as estrogen, and ultraviolet rays from the sun. These cellular genetic mutations if left unchecked will eventually enable the cells to behave in a manner totally different from normal cells. They keep on reproducing, live much longer, and can spread and reproduce in other parts of the body. Cancer cells serve no useful purpose and when too numerous and widespread, they cause serious damage and death. CANCER 3rd leading cause of death among elderly; first is the Communicable Diseases and second is the Cardiovascular Diseases. It has traditionally been considered almost as a synonym of "death"

The major promoters of health are a HEALTHY DIET, PHYSICAL FITNESS and possibly also LESS STRESS.

The major factors involved in the causation of cancer, as well as many other Chronic Degenerative Diseases, CIGARETTE SMOKING, UNHEALTHY DIET, ALCOHOL DRINKING, PHYSICAL INACTIVITY, OVERWEIGHT/ OBESITY, HORMONES, VIRUSES and IONISING RADIATION. .

COMMON CANCERS IN THE PHILLIPINES

Breast cancer Lung cancer Liver cancer

Colon and rectal cancer Uterine cervix cancer

According to the rates in 2008, 13 out of 100 males and 12 out of 100 females in the Philippines would have had some form of cancer if they would have lived up to age 75. Ten out of 100 males and 7 out of 100 females would have died from cancer before age 75

The following common cancers can be detected early and when treated properly can be cured: BREAST, CERVIX, COLON, RECTUM, ORAL, THYROID, PROSTATE. These comprise 35% of all cancers, 18% of cancers in males, and 49% of cancers among females.

What about cancers that can neither be prevented nor detected early?
Palliative care is the active total care of patient whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. Control of pain, and of psychological, social and spiritual problems are paramount. The goal of palliative care is the achievement of the best quality of life for patients and their families.

WHO METHOD OF CANCER PAIN RELIEF

3-STEP ANALGESIC LADDER The drugs are increased from non-opioids to mild opioids, and then to strong opioids.

The right drug in the right dose given at the right time will relieve cancer pain.