Cancer
What is cancer?
Cancer is not a single disease but a broad term given to more than 200 different conditions. Cancer is a disease of the cells which are the building blocks of our body. Cells in our body constantly die and are replaced by new ones. Most of the time, this occurs in an orderly and controlled way with new cells being a replica of the ones they replace.
Sometimes things go wrong and cells may grow abnormally (mutate) and multiply. These cells may become lumps of tissue called tumours. These tumours can be benign (non-cancerous), which don’t spread or invade other tissues, or they can be cancer.
Cancerous tumours are those that spread into, or invade nearby tissue, or can travel through the body to form new tumours away from the original (primary) site. This is called metastasis.
Each year in Australia, close to 150,000 cases of cancer are diagnosed and just under 50,000 people die from the disease. Overall, cancer survival rates have increased with around 70% of people surviving at least five years after being diagnosed, compared with less than 50%, in the 1980s. This is due to increased early detection through cancer screening programs and improvements in cancer treatment.
Types of cancer
There are numerous types of cancer, many of which are named for the organ or cell type where cancer originates. For example, breast cancer starts in the breast, liver cancer originates in the liver, etc.
However, different types of cancer can also be grouped into different categories, which are:
Carcinoma- cancer that begins in the skin or tissues that line or cover internal organs
Sarcoma- cancer that starts in connective tissue such as bone, muscle, fat, blood vessels
Leukaemia- cancer that begins in the tissues that make blood cells
Lymphoma and myeloma- cancer that begins in cells of the immune system
Central nervous system cancer- cancer that originates in the brain or spinal cord
In Australia, the most common types of cancer (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) are:
Breast
Prostate
Colorectal (bowel)
Melanoma
Lung
What causes cancer?
Cancer occurs when cells multiply abnormally. While not all the risk factors or causes of cancer are fully understood, some factors are known to increase your risk of developing the disease. These can be grouped into factors that you can’t control (non-modifiable) and factors that you can (modifiable).
Non-modifiable risk factors include:
Age - risk increases with age
Gender - the risk of certain cancers may depend on your gender
Ethnicity - some ethnic groups have a higher risk of developing certain cancers
Family history (familial risk) - if someone else in the family has a particular cancer, you may have an increased risk of developing it too
Modifiable risk factors include:
Tobacco use
Being overweight or obese
Poor diet
A sedentary lifestyle
Drinking alcohol
Exposure to UV radiation
Exposure to occupational carcinogens (cancer-causing agents)
Cancer symptoms
People with cancer may experience a range of symptoms, with many of them specific to the type of cancer they have developed. However, there are also some common symptoms associated with cancer. Developing these symptoms doesn’t mean you have cancer, as many of them can be symptoms of other conditions.
However, if you notice any of the following, it’s wise to see your doctor:
Unexplained ache or pain
Persistent headache or blurred vision
Dizziness
Weak limbs
Sweating more than usual, especially at night
Unexplained weight loss
Lack of appetite
Heartburn or indigestion
Persistent lumps or swelling
Changes in your breast
Seizures
Abnormal bleeding including blood in the faeces (poo), urine, unusual vaginal bleeding, or vomiting blood
Unexplained fatigue
Sores or wounds that won’t heal, including mouth ulcers
Changes in your skin, especially a new mole or changes to an existing mole
Difficulty swallowing
Persistent coughing or sore throat
Croaky or hoarse voice
Shortness of breath
Changes to your bowel or bladder habits
Persistent bloating
Unexplained ache or pain
Persistent headache or blurred vision
Dizziness
Weak limbs
Sweating more than usual, especially at night
Unexplained weight loss
Lack of appetite
Heartburn or indigestion
Persistent lumps or swelling
Changes in your breast
Seizures
Abnormal bleeding including blood in the faeces (poo), urine, unusual vaginal bleeding, or vomiting blood
Unexplained fatigue
Sores or wounds that won’t heal, including mouth ulcers
Changes in your skin, especially a new mole or changes to an existing mole
Difficulty swallowing
Persistent coughing or sore throat
Croaky or hoarse voice
Shortness of breath
Changes to your bowel or bladder habits
Persistent bloating
How is cancer diagnosed?
After a physical examination and discussion with you about your symptoms and lifestyle habits, your doctor will likely order several tests to check for signs of cancer.
Tests used to confirm a cancer diagnosis may include:
Blood tests
Imaging tests - MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - CT scan (computerised tomography) - PET scan (positron emission tomography) - Ultrasound - Mammogram
Diagnostic tests - Colonoscopy (to detect bowel cancer) - Colposcopy (to detect gynaecological cancers) - Endoscopy (to detect stomach or oesophageal cancer)
How do you treat cancer?
There are many ways to treat cancer, with treatment depending upon the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is.
Treatment options for cancer may include one or more of the following:11
Chemotherapy (also called ‘chemo’) - using anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) - using targeted radiation x-rays to destroy or injure cancer cells
Surgery - to remove cancerous tissue
Immunotherapy - treatment to boost your own immune system so it can fight cancer
Targeted therapy - drugs that only target the cancer cells, not the other cells in your body
Hormone therapy - using hormones to stop or slow the spread of cancer
Stem cell transplant (also called bone marrow transplant) - used to treat some blood cancers
Complementary therapies - therapies used alongside conventional (evidence-based) treatments, which may include: - Relaxation therapy - Psychological therapy - Meditation and visualisation - Acupuncture - Aromatherapy - Reflexology - Music and art therapy - Massage - Palliative care - care to improve the quality of your life
What are the complications of cancer?
Sometimes cancer may spread and cause tumours elsewhere in the body. These are called secondary cancers or metastases. People who have had one type of cancer are more likely to get a second one, which may be the same or different to the original cancer that was diagnosed.
Cancer and associated treatment may also cause other unwanted side effects which can be physical or emotional. However, everyone’s experience is different and side effects will depend upon the type of cancer, the treatment being given, whether there are any other health conditions present, and the person’s general attitude towards their illness.
Unfortunately, some people die from cancer.
Living with cancer
Being diagnosed with cancer can come as a shock. You may feel sad, worried or even angry. However, there is a lot of support available to help you come to terms with your diagnosis.
It’s also important to look after yourself by eating a nutritious diet and keeping active. If you experience problems with your sleep, or pain associated with your cancer, speak to your doctor.
When should you see your doctor?
If you notice any changes to your health or any symptoms that concern you, make an appointment with your doctor. While you may not have cancer, treatment is more effective if it is found early.
Can you prevent cancer?
It’s not possible to prevent all cancers. However, about one third of cancers can be prevented through lifestyle measures.
These include:
Not smoking
Reducing your alcohol intake
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
Being active
Protecting yourself from the sun and UV radiation
Reducing your exposure to carcinogens, particularly in the workplace
You should also participate in cancer screening programs where appropriate. While these don’t prevent cancer, they can detect it early, giving you the best chance of a positive outcome.
Currently, there are National Screening Programs for:
Cervical cancer
Bowel cancer
Breast cancer
Your local MediADVICE pharmacist is available to help you manage your health. Speak to your MediADVICE pharmacist about your symptoms so we can recommend products and medications that may be suitable for you, or refer you to a doctor if necessary.
Visit your nearest store today
General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your health care professional. Information current as of date of publishing.
1 Cancer Council NSW, What is cancer,https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/understanding-cancer/what-is-cancer/
2 Cancer Council, Facts and figures,https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/what-is-cancer/facts-and-figures
3 Cancer Council, Facts and figures,https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/what-is-cancer/facts-and-figures
4 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Cancer screening and treatment,https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/cancer-screening-and-treatment
5 Cancer Australia, What is cancer?,https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/impacted-by-cancer/what-cancer
6 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Cancer in Australia 2019,https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/8c9fcf52-0055-41a0-96d9-f81b0feb98cf/aihw-can-123.pdf.aspx?inline=true
7 Cancer Australia, Risk factors for cancer,https://www.edcan.org.au/edcan-learning-resources/supporting-resources/population-health-concepts/epidemiology/risk-factors
8 Cancer Council NSW, What is cancer,https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/understanding-cancer/cancer-risk-factors/
9 Cancer Council, Common cancer symptoms,https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/what-is-cancer/cancer-symptoms
10 Cancer Council, Tests and scans,https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/tests-and-scans
11 Healthdirect, Cancer,https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cancer
12 Cancer Council, Complementary therapies,https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/treatment/complementary-therapies
13 Healthdirect, Cancer,https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cancer
14 Cancer Australia, Risk factors,https://www.cancer.org.au/about-us/policy-and-advocacy/prevention-policy/risk-factors
15 Healthdirect, Cancer,https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cancer
16 Cancer Australia, Risk factors,https://www.cancer.org.au/about-us/policy-and-advocacy/prevention-policy/risk-factors