Cancer
I hope through this article, you will be alerted to the detrimental effects of cancer and learn how to deal with it properly.
Cancer is a very sensitive health issue for me because several of my close relatives succumbed to it. Currently, some of my relatives are undergoing cancer treatments too. I hope through this article, you will be alerted to the detrimental effects of cancer and learn how to deal with it properly.
Things to Watch Out for :
- Unexplained Fatigue – a person who has cancer often feels tired for no reason. This is especially true when cancer is in the advanced stage.
- Losing Weight – speedy weight loss especially if you are not on a diet is one of the early symptoms of cancer.
- Fever – this usually manifest because cancer affects the immune system.
- Skin changes – skin turns yellowish, darkens or reddens. Some have abnormal hair growths or lesions. Others experience itchiness.
- Pain – in the early stage of cancer it is often painless. In the advanced stage, pain is inevitable.
Different types of cancer have specific symptoms. It is important to visit your doctor once you noticed some or all of the above symptoms just to be sure.
Cancer is often manageable in the early stages. There are four stages of cancer.
- Stage 1 is the earliest stage. Cancer cells has not spread or metastasized. It is controllable and affects only a small portion of the body.
- Stage 2, cancer has not spread yet or cancer cells have spread to a few lymph nodes but still manageable. The tumor is larger than stage 1.
- Stage 3 Tumor has grown and cancer cells have spread to lymph nodes near the affected part.
- Stage 4 means cancer cells are no longer contained to the affected part but have spread to other organs particularly liver, lungs and bones.
Once you determine that you have cancer, do not hesitate – seek treatment right away. Some people are afraid of going under the knife or uncertain of the treatment options. Listen to professional medical advice. The earlier the treatment, the better are your chances of survival. Cancer is treatable. The advances of medical technology and medicines make it possible to cure cancer and survive. So do not waste time and do not wait for the cancer cells to metastasize. Act immediately. Quick action could spell the difference between life and death.
Types of treatments recommended by the doctor could be :
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Surgery
Others such as gene therapy, photodynamic therapy, biological therapy, angiogenesis inhibitors therapy and so many other treatment options.
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B10S | May 16, 2008 | Reply
My dad had cancer. At first they surgically removed a portion and for a couple of years it was gone, but then five years later once again the cancer had returned but this time higher up. He had to have a portion of his groin (testicular area) removed and once again he was fine for about 7 years or so, but a bout a year or two ago he had brain cancer and yet again they had to remove a grape fruit size portion and have him to chemo and radiation therapy, giving the most a human can take. Because of his unnatural cancerous state he is now partially blind and due to the size that was removed from his brain he has trouble with speech, walking and cognitive understanding.
Gwen Cuizon | May 18, 2008 | Reply
B10S, I’m so sorry to hear that. I know exactly how you feel. It’s pure agony to see our loved ones suffer because of it. I think your dad is made of sterner stuff. To be able to survive all that, it’s simply remarkable! Just hang in there. Your father is doing the same. And you can feed your father strength which is valuable to his recovery, even if partial recovery. I personally believe you are made of sterner stuff too, to be able to handle all that. Keep the faith!
Angel | May 20, 2008 | Reply
Thanks!This is very informative.My grandma felt all of these symptoms before she died of stomach cancer.Now I know what to look for.=)
Gwen Cuizon | May 27, 2008 | Reply
Angel,
I’m sorry for your loss Angel. I think since cancer is hereditary we definitely fall in the high-risk group. We should be doubly vigilant when it comes to health. The more you know about it, the more prepared we will be in any eventuality. Also, the better to treat. But I hope and pray it will not come to that.
Eden Emersen | Jun 17, 2008 | Reply
This is a helpful article. I know several who have cancer right now, and I believe many will pull through.
It’s always good to know the symptoms. If you know the “enemy” many times you can beat it, especially if detected early.