Answer 11 common questions about cancer

Dr. Ang Peng Tiam and Teoh Tiong Ann from Parkway Cancer Center, answered 11 common questions about cancer as follows:

What is cancer and how does it begin?

Cancer occurs when cells divide uncontrollably. Besides the ability to develop and invade, it can also spread within the body of the patient. If you have a tumor in one place it is not dangerous. But that tumor destroys neighboring structures, spreads and attacks other parts of the body, it will threaten the patient's life.

What is the difference between normal cells and cancer cells?

Normal cells grow in an organized way and every day, new cells replace old cells in a normal regeneration process. Cancer cells grow disorganized and do not need to know the surrounding structures around it. They are able to eat into the surrounding areas and penetrate or spread to other parts of the body.

Summary. All normal cells of the human body develop in an orderly manner and follow the rules. Cancer cells do not follow any rules. They release inhibitors that allow cancer cells to do whatever they want.

Causes of cancer

Some cancers have no known cause, but others can be identified. For example, lung cancer, the number one cause in most male patients is cigarette smoke. Smoke contains carcinogens that destroy lung tissue and during regeneration will form some abnormal cells. These abnormal cells are able to transform into cancer cells. In other types of cancer such as liver cancer, up to 90% of liver cancer patients are related to hepatitis B or C.

Are letters due to genetics or our way of life?

Most cancer patients do not have a family history of this disease. Therefore, it can not be said that cancer is completely caused by genes. In fact, many patients with cancer have confirmed that they cannot be infected because they do not have a family history of cancer. This concept is completely wrong.

Even so, the risk factors of cancer are still hereditary. If your mother, sister or sister has breast cancer, your risk is higher than usual. However, people who do not have a family history of breast cancer can still get this disease.

External factors make the number of people with cancer increase.

There is a difference between genetic and genetic genetics. Genetic transmission means that parents have disease and pass it on to their children. In fact, many cases of children have disease genes but their parents do not have the disease. Researchers believe that external factors such as environment, food, pollution, exercise, smoking . increase the number of people with cancer.

How do we eat or live in relation to cancer?

In less developed countries, the incidence of cancer is lower. While some countries become richer, the incidence of cancer increases. In India, the incidence of breast and colon cancer is very low, while in the Americas, one in 8 women faces the risk of breast cancer. Experts believe that this situation is related to environmental factors, diet, pollution, stress, obesity . Therefore, it is necessary to address these risk factors, the rate of new cancer reduced.

How is cancer diagnosed? What are the benefits of early detection?

Cancer patients are diagnosed in two ways.The first group, those with and without symptoms, only persistent cough or blood in the stool. They go to the doctor to do some tests and detect cancer. The second group, who have no symptoms, feel completely healthy, suddenly discover cancer during an annual health check.

Usually in the second group, people who accidentally detect cancer may still be in the early stages. However, no matter what type of cancer, if the patient is diagnosed as early as possible, the chances of treatment will be better.

Usually, early stage cancer is asymptomatic, painless, so patients are not aware of the existence of malignant cells. While some patients are afraid, they do not dare to admit and do not go to the doctor. Others think that cancer cannot be cured, so they cannot go to the doctor. According to statistics, for every 10 newly discovered cancer patients, there are 7 cases in the late stage, ie stage 3 or 4.

Dr. Ang Peng Tiam has met many people who have a misconception that cancer must be painful, so they affirm "If I don't have pain, I don't have cancer". Meanwhile, signs of cancer such as cough or blood in the stool are very common symptoms, so many people ignore these symptoms. Through this, the doctor advised people that if they have an unusual symptom, taking the medicine is not relieved, they should see a doctor.

Differences between normal cells and cancer.(Photo: bacdaihung).

What happens if the cancer cells have spread?

That is bad news. When the cancer is limited to its original location, it is a type of local cancer, the good choice at this time is removal surgery. Once the cancer has spread, it must be treated with chemotherapy.

How to treat cancer at different stages?

Depending on the type of cancer and the stage in which the treatment will be different. Some cancers are treated with chemotherapy, others need surgery or combination. Imaging doctors and surgeons will consult and advise appropriate treatments for patients.

Is there a correlation between stress and cancer?

Although there is no evidence to support this point, experts believe that stress contributes to cancer. Therefore, a person who wants to be in good health is not only physically healthy but also in spirit and spiritual life.

How is cancer different from before?

In the past, when cancer was meant to be over. Cancer can be treated today. Meanwhile, the optimism and attitudes of patients have a great meaning to determine the effectiveness of treatment.

Tips to prevent cancer

There is no way to prevent cancer clearly, but people can change their way of life to minimize the risk factors. It is important to eat moderately, work moderately and exercise. Quitting smoking not only reduces the risk of cancer but also improves many other health problems.

Doctors advise people to eat moderately, follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and do not smoke. Also, try to detect cancer early. Women over 40 should go for screening and mammograms. Women who have had sex should have a vaginal test. Men and women aged 50 should increase endoscopic screening and pay attention to abnormal symptoms of the body to go to the doctor for immediate examination.

"If you have persistent symptoms, don't ignore them and check them. Cancer is not a death sentence. There will be many opportunities to cure cancer if diagnosed early," said Dr Ang Peng Tiam. to speak.