Cancer has become a silent enemy, affecting millions worldwide. This Cancer Awareness Month, we will be talking about 4 common cancers: colorectal, breast, cervical and prostate.

What exactly is Cancer?

• Cancer is a condition where cells in a specific part of the body grow and reproduce uncontrollably.
• The abnormal cells can form tumors, which may spread to other parts of the body.
• There are different types of cancers, each with their own unique characteristics.
• Cancer can affect any part of the body, including the lungs, breast, prostate, colon, and skin.

Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is a preventable disease with a high survival rate when detected early. It affects both men and women.

Risk Factor

• Age
• Family history
• Polyps Inflammatory bowel diseases
• Lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol.

How is it screened?

• Colonoscopy
• Stool tests
• CT colonography.

How is it prevented?

• Healthy lifestyle
• Regular screenings
• Addressing risk factors.

Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer affects a woman’s cervix and is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). However, it is highly preventable.

Risk Factors

• HPV infection 
• Smoking
• Multiple pregnancies
• Early sexual activity.

How is it prevented?

• HPV vaccination.
• Regular Pap smears.
• Safe sexual practices.

Signs and Symptoms

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding discharge
• Pain during intercourse.

Breast Cancer
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women. Understanding its risk factors and early detection methods is crucial.

Risk Factors

• Family history.
• Age. 
• Genetics. 
• Hormone therapy. 
• Radiation exposure. 
• Lifestyle factors such as obesity and alcohol consumption.

Signs and Symptoms

• Lumps. 
• Thickening. 
• Skin changes. 
• Nipple discharge.

How is it prevented?

• Regular screenings. 
• Healthy lifestyle. 
• Limiting alcohol.

How is it treated?

• Surgery. 
• Radiation therapy. 
• Chemotherapy. 
• Hormone therapy.
• Targeted therapy.

Prostate Cancer
It’s time we talked about it more. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men which is why early detection and appropriate treatment are essential.

Risk Factors

• Age.
• Family history.
• Genetics.
• Lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.

Signs and Symptoms

• Frequent Urgent need to urinate.
• Weak urine flow.
• Pain or burning and weak flow when urinating. 
• Loss of bladder or bowel control.
• Blood in semen or urine.

How is it prevented?

• PSA test. (blood test) 
• Digital rectal exam.
• Imaging studies.

How is it treated?

• Surgery. 
• Radiation therapy. 
• Hormone therapy. 
• Active surveillance.