Cancer

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…

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Globally, breast cancer accounts for 25.4 per cent of all cancers in women. It can occur in men, but these cases are very rare. Breast cancer originates in the breast tissue, in the inner lining of milk ducts or lobules (milk producing glands) that supply the ducts with milk. Anatomy of the breast The breast lies over the chest or pectoral muscles. A tail of breast tissue extends up to the armpit. The breast is made up of fat, breast tissue,…

There are several treatment options for breast cancer.  Food and nutrition Eating right is a key part of cancer treatment. You need to keep your body as strong as possible before, during and after treatment, so you need to take in enough nutrients. Eating a diet rich in  proteins and calories will help your body deal with the treatment, recover faster and ward off infections. This may be easier said than done as some treatments play havoc with taste buds and the digestive system…

There are several ways to treat breast cancer. Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer and other factors such as general health and age of the patient. Common methods of treatment are: Surgery: This is the most common form of breast cancer treatment. This involves the removal of the tumour and its nearby surrounding margins. There are many options in surgery such as: Lumpectomy or removal of the cancerous lump in the breast and a small amount of surrounding tissue Mastectomy…

Can breast cancer be prevented? The chance of developing breast cancer depends on genes, environment and lifestyle. Factors that increase one's chances are called risk factors, while those that decrease one's chances are termed protective factors. Here are some dos to improve your protective factors and don’ts to avoid risk factors: Risk factors Being overweight or obese Smoking Excessive alcohol intake Aging Peronal history of benign or malignant breat cancer Family history of breast cancer…

What tests do you need to have done Early diagnosis of breast cancer significantly improves survival rates. Ninety per cent of women survive if the cancer is diagnosed early. Self-examination Women should examine their breasts once a month. If you are familiar with the feel of your breast, you can notify the doctor promptly about any changes in appearance or feel. According to the Johns Hopkins Medical Center, 40 per cent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump. The…

The usual symptoms are: Any change in the shape and size of the breast Swelling or lump in any part of the breast Breast pain other than the usual tenderness before periods Any unusual discharge or blood stained discharge from the nipple Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin Inverted nipple (turned in) Pitting of the skin over breast like the skin of an orange A lump or swelling in the armpit