CANCER

• Cancer is a large group of diseases (over 200) characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.*

What Is Cancer?

*American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts and Figures 2005

Normal Cells Vs. Cancer Cells

• Cancer cells:– Lose control over growth

and multiplication

– Do not self-destruct when they become worn out or damaged

– Crowd out healthy cells

TYPES OF TUMORS

Growth of Cancer Cells

• Size of cancer cells: – One million

cancer cells = head of a pin

– One billion cancer cells = a small grape

– 230 = 1,073,741,824 = 1 billion cells

2-6 weeks

Cancer cells reproduce every 2-6 weeks.

2-6 weeks

2-6 weeks

What Causes Cancer?

Lifestyle

Environment

Family History

Environmental factors• Tobacco• Alcohol• Dietary Factors• Occupational exposures• Viruses• Parasites• Customs ,habits, Lifestyles• Others – sunlight, pollution,

drugs

GeneticEg• Retinoblastoma in Children• Leukemia in Mongols

CAUSES OF CANCER

Lifestyle Risks

• Smoking

• Diet high fat and low in fruits and vegetables

• Lack of exercise

• Unprotected exposure to the sun, (UV) rays

• Obesity

Environmental Risks

• Second hand smoke

• Air pollution

• Industrial pollution

• Chemical exposures

Inherited Risks

• Less than 15% of cancers are inherited

• Gene mutations are linked to some inherited cancers

• Cancers that may be caused by inherited gene mutations are:– Colon cancer– Breast cancer– Ovarian– Prostate cancer– Skin cancer

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Early cancer no symptoms• Change in bowel habits or bladder functions• Sores that do not heal• Unusual bleeding or discharge• Lumps or thickening of breast or other parts of

the body• Indigestion or difficulty swallowing• Recent change in wart or mole• Persistent coughing or hoarseness

TYPES OF CANCER

• lung cancer• Breast cancer• Colon and rectal cancer• Endometrial cancer• Pancreatic cancer• Kidney cancer• Prostrate cancer• Thyroid cancer• leukemia

Factors Believed to Contribute to Global Causes of Cancer

DIAGNOSIS

• Screening • Self examinations• Biopsy• X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, and

ultrasound scans • Molecular diagnostic test

TREATMENTS

• Surgery• Radiotherapy• Chemotherapy• Immunotherapy• Hormone therapy• Gene therapy• Cancer-specific immune system cells to treat

cancer

EPIDEMOLOGY OF CANCER

Preventive measures of Cancer

o physical activities

o avoiding obesities

o healthy dietary practices

o reducing occupational and environmental exposures

o reducing alcohol uses

o immunization against hepatitis B virus

o safe sexual practices for avoiding cancer genesis

Fruits and Vegetables Decrease Cancer Risks

• Cancer rates could decline by up to 20% if everyone consumed 5 fruits and vegetables a day!*

• Cancer fighting substances:– Antioxidants– Dietary fiber– Carotenoids– Flavenoids*American Institute for Cancer Research, 1998.

Limit Alcohol to No More Than

• Avoid alcohol drinking • Use of unnecessary

drugs• Protect relationship---

disease is NOT a friend

Avoid Smoking or Chewing Tobacco

• Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death

• Second hand smoke affects everyone

Screening Tests and Self-exams

Screening tests:• Colon • Breast• Cervical • Prostate

Self-exams:• Testicular• Skin

Why Screening Tests?

The treatment of cancer is most successful when the cancer is detected as early as possible, often before symptoms occur.

Good News!

Other Ways to Reduce the Risks of Developing

Cancer…

Bangladesh

• Bangladesh has reduced child mortality by 71% against 2015 MDGs target of 66%.

• Non- Communicable diseases (NCD) are major disease burden on health systems.

• Cancer, Cardiovascular , Kidney diseases are following the top 10 list

• Urban pop will need more comprehensive and specialized services

• Lack of specialized health facilities and trained professionals that complicated health services

• Patients are ready to pay for quality services

Global Mortality Projections, 2004 to 2030

WHO Global Burden of Disease 2004 Report

Thank You