The origin of cancer is when cells in any part of the body go out of control. Unlike normal cells, cancerous cells continue to multiply at an alarming rate. They form new abnormal cells which invade other organs and tissues and spread to other parts through lymph and blood.
This spread of the disease is called metastasis. The type of cancer is named after the organ from where it originated.
Although each type of cancer has its own symptoms, there are certain signs that are common to all forms of cancer.
- Relentless fatigue, and in certain cases anemia.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Pain generally at a later stage.
- Persistent fever. Fever is generally a signal of the immune system coming under stress.
- Bowel changes
- Persistent cough.
Although the above symptoms are common to other diseases, if any two are present it merits a visit to the doctor.
Some significant cancer data are:
- Cancer accounts for one in eight deaths worldwide.
- Cancer accounts for more deaths annually than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.
- Next to heart disease, cancer is the biggest killer in developed countries.
- Cancer is the third leading cause of death in developing countries.
WHO statistics indicate an estimated 7.9 million deaths worldwide because of cancer in 2007. This is expected to rise to 11.5 million deaths by 2030.
The principle causes in terms of deaths in 2007 were:
- Tobacco use – 1.8 million
- Obesity and inactivity – 274,000
- Harmful alcohol use – 351,000
- Sexually transmitted disease – 235,000
- Occupational carcinogens – 152,000
The WHO estimates that 40 percent of cancer deaths are preventable.
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