Cancer
Cancer is a general term for a large group of diseases that can develop in almost any organ or tissue of the body. Other common names for cancer include neoplasm and malignant tumour.
About
Cancer arises when normal cells in our bodies change and become abnormal tumour cells. The abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and, if left untreated, may go beyond their usual boundaries and invade connecting parts of the body or spread to other organs. Different cancers behave differently depending on the type of cells affected.
When the cancerous cells start spreading to other body parts and organs, this is known as metastasis or metastatic cancer, and is a leading cause of death worldwide.
Common cancers in adults include:
- Breast
- Cervical
- Colon and rectum
- Liver
- Lung
- Prostate
- Skin
- Stomach
Common childhood cancers include:
According to the
South African Children’s Cancer Study Group (SACCSG), the five most common childhood cancers in South Africa are:
- Leukaemia (cancers of the white blood cells, which begin in the bone marrow)
- Lymphoma (tumours that begin in the lymph glands)
- Brain tumours
- Nephroblastomas or Wilms tumours (cancer of the kidneys)
- Soft tissue sarcomas (tumours that begin in the connective tissue)
Childhood vs adult cancer
There is a big difference between childhood cancers and adult cancers. Children still experience growth spurts within a short period of time, which may result in the cancer spreading faster and more aggressively. This means that treatment or advice that may work for adults, will not necessarily work for children.
If detected early and treated effectively, many types of cancer can be cured.
Causes
Cancer is a multi-stage process. It usually begins with a pre-cancerous lesion that transforms into a malignant tumour. These changes are the result of the interaction between genetic factors and external causes, including:
-
physical carcinogens: ultraviolet and ionizing radiation;
-
chemical carcinogens: asbestos, components of tobacco smoke, alcohol, aflatoxin (a food contaminant), and arsenic (a drinking water contaminant); and
-
biological carcinogens: infections from certain viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
Other factors that may increase the risk of cancer include:
- high body mass index (obesity)
- low fruit and vegetable intake
- lack of physical activity
The causes of cancer in adults are usually linked to lifestyle choices, compared to children, where genetic and environmental factors play a dominant role.
The risk of cancer increases dramatically with age, partly because the cellular repair mechanisms become less effective as a person grows older.
Prevention
You can reduce your risk of cancer by:
- avoiding or reducing consumption of alcohol;
- avoiding ultraviolet radiation exposure (which primarily results from exposure to the sun and artificial tanning devices) and/or using sun protection measures;
- doing physical activity on a regular basis;
- eating a healthy diet, including fruit and vegetables;
- getting vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B;
- maintaining a healthy body weight;
- minimising occupational exposure to ionizing radiation;
- not smoking or using tobacco products; and
- reducing exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution, including radon (a radioactive gas produced from the natural decay of uranium, which can accumulate in buildings — homes, schools and workplaces).
Early detection and diagnosis
Detecting and diagnosing cancer early increases the likelihood that the cancer will respond to treatment and can result in a greater chance of survival, reduced risk of death, and less expensive treatment.
Early diagnosis includes:
- being aware of
the symptoms and seeking medical advice if you detect any abnormalities;
- a clinical evaluation and diagnostic services; and
- timely referral for treatment.
For more information on the types of cancer and what symptoms to look for, visit
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).
Screening
Screening programmes are effective for some, but not all cancer types. Clinics will select a patient for screening based on age and risk factors to avoid excessive false positive studies.
A number of
City clinics offer cancer screening.
Screening helps to identify individuals with findings that are suggestive of a particular type of cancer or pre-cancer before they develop symptoms. If abnormalities are identified during the screening process, then the clinic will refer you for further tests to establish a definitive diagnosis.
Examples of screening methods include:
- cervical smear tests (papsmears) for cervical cancer and HPV screening; and
- mammography screening for breast cancer for women aged 50–69
The
Western Cape Department of Health also offers extensive cancer support, from early detection to diagnosis, at the following public health centres:
- Groote Schuur hospital
- Tygerberg Hospital
Some initial cancer examinations and surgeries are also conducted at the following facilities:
- Karl Bremer Hospital
- Paarl Hospital
Paediatric (children's) oncology units:
- Red Cross Children’s Hospital
- Tygerberg Children’s Hospital
Treatment
Cancer treatment is dependent on the type of cancer and the patient. It can include:
- surgery;
- radiotherapy;
- systemic therapy (chemotherapy, hormonal treatments, targeted biological therapies); or
- some combination of all of the above.
Completing the treatment procedure within a specified period is important to achieve the expected results.
Treatment aims to cure the cancer or prolong life; however, improving quality of life is also an important goal.
Mental health and palliative care
Receiving a potentially fatal diagnosis, going through treatment and learning to live with limitations can lead to significant implications on your mental well-being.
Cancer patients who struggle with mental health:
- are less likely to adhere to treatment,
- experience extended hospitalisation and treatment outcomes, as well as reduced quality of life.
It is also important for family members to get support, whether it be group or individual counselling or therapy.
Social support from family, friends, religious institutions, community services and clinical staff is fundamental in helping patients cope with their condition and adhere to their treatment.
Find out more about the City's mental health services.
Palliative care, or hospice, is treatment that aims to relieve rather than cure the symptoms and suffering caused by cancer, as well as improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
It can help people live more comfortably, especially patients in advanced stages of cancer where there is little chance of recovery.
A healthcare worker at a hospital, clinic or community health centre (CHC) may refer a patient to a palliative care programme. The healthcare worker will get the patient an appointment with a palliative care team. This appointment may take place while the patient is in hospital, at a visit to the clinic or CHC, or at the patient’s home. Someone from the palliative care team will contact the patient and/or the family before the appointment.
Find out more about hospice and palliative care services.
Would you like to print this page?
print 