Cancer

Prevalence
 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of
death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020.

What is cancer?
Diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of a group of abnormal cells, which can
destroy adjacent tissues and spread to other areas of the body via the lymph or blood.
Types of Cancer
There are more than 100 different types of cancer, classified based on the location and behavior
of the abnormal cells.

 Breast Cancer: Develops in the breast tissue

 Lung Cancer: Develops in the lungs, usually associated with smoking but can also occur
in non-smokers.
 Prostate Cancer: Affects the prostate gland in men, one of the most common types of
cancer in males.
 Colorectal Cancer: Occurs in the colon or rectum, often starting as benign polyps that
can turn malignant over time
 Skin Cancer: Originates in the skin, commonly caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV)
radiation from the sun or artificial sources.
 Leukemia: A cancer of the blood and bone marrow, characterized by the overproduction
of abnormal white blood cells
 Lymphoma: A group of blood cancers that affect the lymphatic system, an essential part
of the immune system.
 Adenocarcinomas arise from glandular tissues.
 Carcinomas arise from epithelial tissues.
 Myelomas arise from plasma cells in the bone marrow.
 Sarcomas arise from connective tissues, such as muscle or bone

Symptoms
Cancer symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of cancer.
 Persistent fatigue
 Unexplained weight loss
 Pain in specific areas
 Skin changes or abnormal growth
 Difficulty to swallow food
 Persistent cough or hoarseness
 Anorexia
 Vomiting
 Nausea
Risk Factors
 Lifestyle Factors: Unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption,
poor diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity can increase the risk of cancer
 Environmental Factors: Exposure to carcinogens like tobacco smoke, asbestos, certain
chemicals, and radiation can contribute to cancer development.
 Genetic Factors: Inherited gene mutations can increase the risk of developing certain
types of cancer, such as breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer
Diagnosis
 Medical history evaluation
 Physical examination
 Imaging tests (e.g. X-rays, CT scans, MRIs)
 Laboratory tests (e.g., blood tests, biopsies),
 Genetic testing.

Prevention
 Healthy Lifestyle: Adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, avoiding
tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight
 Vaccinations: Getting vaccinated against cancer-related viruses like hepatitis B and
human papillomavirus (HPV)
 Sun Protection: Limiting sun exposure, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing,
and avoiding tanning beds
 Screening: Undergoing regular screenings for certain cancers (e.g., mammograms for
breast cancer, colonoscopies for colorectal cancer) based on age, gender, and other risk
factors
Treatment
 Surgery
 Radiation therapy
 Chemotherapy
 Immunotherapy
 Hormone therapy
Dietary management
 A cancer patient needs a high-calorie, high-protein diet, as there is an increase in
metabolic rate due to cancer, need to rebuild damaged tissues and to replace nutrients lost
to the cancer.
 Energy needs vary from one patient to another, 25-35 kcal/kg body weight may be
recommended.
 Carbohydrates and fats must provide this energy and spare protein for tissue building and
immune system.
 Protein needs vary from 1.0 to 1.2 g/kg for those with good nutrition and 1.3 to 2.0 g/kg
for malnourished patients
 Patients may tolerate several small meals than three large ones.
 Prevent weight loss, even among overweight patients
 Maintain lean body mass
 Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated. Water, herbal
teas, and clear soups are good options. However, if you have difficulty swallowing or
other specific needs, consult with a healthcare professional
 Manage side effects: Cancer treatment can cause side effects that affect appetite, taste,
and digestion. Work with your healthcare team and dietitian to address these challenges.
For example, if you have mouth sores, opt for softer foods or pureed meals. If you
experience nausea, try eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoid greasy or
spicy foods.
 Prevent unintentional weight gain, particularly in certain groups of patients (e.g., those
with hormone related cancers such as prostate or breast cancer, those taking long-term
high-dose steroids)
 Maintain a well-balanced diet: Focus on consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods
from all food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and
healthy fats. This will help ensure you're getting essential vitamins, minerals, and
antioxidants to support your immune system.