NON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES( NCDs)

By NSABIMANA Olivier Philemon, B.Pharm.

ASEPA / UNR From 19/4-3/5 /2014

Understanding

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

CancerThe division of normal cells is

precisely controlled. New cells are only formed for growth or to replace dead ones.

Cancerous cells divide repeatedly out of control even though they are not needed, they crowd out other normal cells and function abnormally. They can also destroy the correct functioning of major organs.

Cell ;Tissue; organ; system; Body

What causes cancer?Cancer arises from the mutation of

a normal gene.Mutated genes that cause cancer

are called oncogenes.It is thought that several mutations

need to occur to give rise to cancerCells that are old or not functioning

properly normally self destruct and are replaced by new cells.

However, cancerous cells do not self destruct and continue to divide rapidly producing millions of new cancerous cells.

What Causes Cancer?

Lifestyle

Environment

Family History

Etiology

The etiology of cancer is multifactorial, with genetic, environmental, medical, and lifestyle factors interacting to produce a given malignancy.

Most cancer is caused by genetic mutations often, by a series of mutations.

Example Carcinogens)Ionising radiation – X Rays, UV light

Chemicals – tar from cigarettes

Virus infection – papilloma virus can be responsible for cervical cancer.

Hereditary predisposition – Some families are more susceptible to getting certain cancers. Remember you can’t inherit cancer its just that you maybe more susceptible to getting it.

Carcinomas (cells that cover internal and external body surfaces)

Types of Cancers

Lung

Breast

Colon

BladderProstate (Men)

Leukemia(Blood Cells)Lymphomas(Lymph nodes &tissues)

SarcomasCells in supportive tissues – bones & muscles

Signs and Symptoms of Cancer

Sores that do not healUnusual bleeding or dischargeLumps or thickening of breast or other parts of the body

Indigestion or difficulty swallowingRecent change in wart or molePersistent coughing or hoarsenessChange in bowel habits or bladder functions

Old age Unhealthy lifestyle (Western lifestyle), Poor diet,

lack of physical activity, or being overweight. Environmental factors, defined broadly to include

tobacco use, diet, sunlight and infectious diseases. Occupational carcinogens Radiation Family history of cancer (Genetic susceptibility) Alcohol Chemicals and other substance

Risk Factors

CAUSES – BARBEQUED FOOD

HIGH FAT AND HIGH PROTEIN FOOD WHEN GRILLED AT HIGH TEMPARATURE PRODUCES A CHEMICAL KNOWN TO BE HAVING CARCINOGENIC EFFECT

HIGHLY BROWN AND CHARRED FOOD HAS CANCER CAUSING COMPOUNDS

CAUSES - POLLUTION

AIR POLLUTION – MAY ALSO CAUSE CANCER (ASBESTOS)

INDUSTRIAL WORKERS ARE EXPOSED TO VARIOUS CHEMICALS WHICH ARE KNOWN TO BE CARCINOGEN

CAUSES – WATER POLLUTION

WATER MAY CONTAIN A NUMBER OF CANCER CAUSING SUBSTANCE AS THE INDUSTRIES DUMP CHEMICAL DIRECTLY INTO WATER OR BURRY THEM IN THE GROUND

CAUSES – X-RAYX-RAYS MAY STIMULATE THE

DEVELOPMENT OF CANCERREPEATED X-RAYS SHOULD BE

AVOIDEDX-RAY DONE ON PREGNANT

WOMEN MAY INCREASE THE FREQUENCY OF CHILDHOOD CANCER

CAUSES - ALCOHOL

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION LEADS TO CANCER OF ORAL CAVITY, PHARYNX, LARYNX, ESOPHAGUS, STOMACH, LIVER

PEOPLE WHO DRINK ALSO SMOKES FURTHER INCREASING THE RISK OF DEVELOPING 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

Having a healthy diet, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce cancer risk.

Eat well: A healthy diet includes plenty of foods that are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This includes whole-grain breads and cereals and 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Also, a healthy diet means limiting foods high in fat (such as butter, whole milk, fried foods, and red meat.

Avoidable Cancer Risk

Primary prevention: avoidance of exposure to cancer-causing agents (e.g. tobacco, industrial carcinogens, etc ….).

Early detection of cancer: education to promote early diagnosis and screening (Imaging diagnosis and laboratory tests,…)

Genetic testing: these tests can check for certain inherited gene changes that increase the chance of developing cancer.

Prevention

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

Men – 2 drinks per day

Women - 1 drink per day

Reduce Your Skin Exposure to the Sun

Limit time outside, between 10 a.m. & 4 p.m.

Wear protective clothing. Use wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.

Prevent sunburns, especially for children under 18. Use waterproof sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Reapply as directed.

Avoid tanning beds.

Be Active…OftenExercise for 30 minutes

or more at least 4 days a week.