Cancer encompasses more than 100 different diseases that can affect any part of the body.
The BCHP presented a number of facts about cancer:
- It is one of the leading causes of death on the planet.
- The most common causes of mortality are related to lung, stomach, liver, colorectal, and breast cancer.
- The types of cancer prevalent among men and women differ.
- About 30 percent of cancer-related deaths are due to five main lifestyle and dietary risk factors: high body mass index, insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, as well as tobacco and alcohol use.
- Tobacco is the most significant risk factor, causing 22 percent of all cancer deaths and 71 percent of lung cancer deaths.
- It is projected that by 2030, the number of cancer deaths will reach 13.1 million.
The main characteristic of cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that can spread to other organs, a process known as metastasis. Metastasis is one of the leading causes of mortality among patients.
In the early stages of cancer, symptoms may be absent. However, there are some alarming signs that warrant immediate medical attention:
- Unexplained weight loss of 4-5 kilograms or more;
- Increased temperature and fever, most often indicating metastasis;
- Fatigue and increased tiredness, which may indicate tumor growth, especially in leukemia;
- Skin changes, including darkening, yellowing, or redness, as well as itching and abnormal hair growth;
- Pain, which can be an early sign of certain tumors, such as in the bones or testicles, but most often indicates metastasis.
It is also important to pay attention to symptoms such as problems with bowel movements or urination, non-healing wounds or ulcers, white patches in the mouth or on the tongue, unusual bleeding, lumps in the breast or other parts of the body, indigestion or difficulty swallowing, changes in moles and warts, as well as a persistent cough or hoarseness. However, these symptoms may also be associated with other diseases. A general practitioner should refer a patient to an oncologist if cancer is suspected.
Experts from the BCHP emphasize that only timely medical examinations can aid in the early detection of oncological diseases.
