Indeed, the provision of information about cancer has become one of the most important undertakings in the contemporary world. In this regard, the information about cancer is shared by provoking dialogues among people in regard to the disease. In addition, social media has been used to spread information and also evoke public campaigns in support of the people fighting cancer. Importantly, the purple color is used as a representation of cancer especially during the cancer world day.
In the United States, cancer has been classified as being the second main cause of mortality after the heart disease and a major health issue worldwide. Statistical information shows that approximately 600,000 Americans are expected to succumb to cancer while an additional 1,500 people die on a daily basis due to cancer (American Cancer Society, 2014). It is important to understand that the disease does not affect a particular group of individuals but also anyone who comes into contact with cancer-causing substances. However, there are various activities that each person can take part in to stop or slow down the prevalence of the disease. In this light, this speech will discuss the nature of cancer, possible ways to prevent it, and treatment methods applied.
What Cancer Is
Actual Definition
According to the American Cancer Society (2014) cancer is best defined as a collection of illnesses that are characterized by the abnormal development and multiplication of cells that accumulate in one place. The accumulation of these abnormal cells leads to the formation of growths that are known as tumors.
Two Types of Tumors
In this case, there are two types of tumors namely the malignant and the Benign. The former has the capability to attack the cells surrounding them and spread to other parts of the body. On the other hand, the latter just increases in size but cannot attack other cells to spread in other parts of the body.
Prevention of Cancer
Changing Lifestyle
The abnormal growth and multiplication of cells can be prevented through a change of lifestyle. The term lifestyle refers to habits, possessions or attitudes of a person and it may involve a change of diet to proper nutrition accompanied by daily exercises. As such, ensuring that one eats a balanced diet and runs or goes to the gym is a crucial aspect of preventing the development of cancerous cells in one’s body.
Alcohol and Cigarettes
Prevention of cancer also involves minimal use of alcohol and carcinogenic substances such as cigarettes. In this light, according to the American Chemical Society publications, there were over 175000 cancer deaths that were caused by tobacco smoking and other 19000 that were a result of alcohol abuse.
Treatment of Cancer
Surgery and Radiotherapy
Treatment of cancer is essentially possible especially in the contemporary world where technology has improved significantly. In this case, surgery is considered as being the first option for detected tumors. Patients are operated and the tumors removed before they further spread (Sultan, 2004). Radiotherapy is also widely used to shrink or reduce the tumor’s size.
Chemotherapy
In essence, doctors prefer using chemotherapy since is far more effective than any other method. In this case, it uses chemo drugs which are manufactured to actually kill the cells. Importantly, the drug’s contents are capable of moving through the blood stream to reach the cells that might have affected other parts of the body.
It cannot be disputed that cancer is caused by abnormal cells that quickly replicate in the host body. In addition, it is evident that the replication it can be prevented through a change in lifestyle and avoidance of carcinogenic substances. Some of these carcinogenic substances include alcoholic products and tobacco. However, if a person is already suffering from the disease, they should visit a medical facility to obtain treatment through chemotherapy or surgery. This is essentially importance for the country to fight against this deadly disease that has cost many lives and provide vast information on it.
American Cancer Society (2014). Cancer Facts and Figures. Atlanta, Ga: American Cancer
Society
American Cancer Society. (2014). Understanding Cancer Surgery; A Guide for Patients and
Families. Retrieved on 28th April 2016 from www.cancer.org/treatment/understndingyourdiagnosis/
Sultan S., (2004). Impact of functional support on health-related quality of life in patients with
colorectal cancer.
