The body is made up of many types of cells which grow and divide to produce more cells when the body needs them in order to keep the body healthy. Occasionally, however, cells keep dividing when new cells are not needed. These extra cells form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumour.
Tumours can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumours are not cancer and do not spread to other parts of the body. They can be removed.
Malignant tumours, however, are cancer. The cells in these tumours are abnormal and divide randomly. They can also, due to their rate division, invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. They can also enter the bloodstream or the lymphatic system, spreading the cancer to other organs by a process known as “metastasis”, as seen in lymphoma and leukaemia.
Most cancers are named after the organ or type of cell in which they begin. For example, cancer that begins in the lung is lung cancer, and cancer that begins in cells in the skin known as melanoma.
If cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes or glands, it is likely that cancer cells have spread to other organs, such as the liver, bones, or brain.
Although it is not known what actually causes cancer, there are certain risks that have been identified by doctors as increasing your chances of contracting the disease, such as the use of tobacco, certain foodstuffs and drinks, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or sunbeds, exposure to cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) in the environment and the workplace, genetic factors. Some people are more sensitive than others to factors that can cause cancer.
Others may have none of the risk factors but still get cancer. Others who have the risk factors do not get cancer.
Cancer can cause a variety of symptoms. Some of these include thickening or lump in the breast or any other part of the body, a change in a wart or mole, a sore that does not heal, unusual bleeding or discharge, changes in bowel or bladder habits, indigestion or difficulty swallowing, unexplained changes in weight, nagging cough or hoarseness.
The symptoms of cancer can be alleviated by using natural remedies and various therapies.
Natural remedies include:
Diet (high fibre, with balanced vitamin and mineral intake, low in fat, high in vegetables and fruit);
Special diets have also been devised to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery;
Avoidance of UV radiation from the sun or artificial methods, such as sun beds;
Drink in moderation;
Avoid chemicals, particularly radioactive materials;
Hormone Replacement Therapy can increase the risk of contracting cancer;
Herbal Remedies.
Alternative therapies include: Nutrition; Aromatherapy (helps lessen a sufferer’s discomfort following surgery); Visualisation therapy; Relaxation therapy; Massage; Qi Gong; Therapeutic Touch; Reiki healing; Counselling, Pain Management methods; Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
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Further information can be obtained from The Irish Cancer Society.
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