Introduction
Cancer is one of the most dreadful diseases for contemporary humanity. This is one of the most difficult in curing, as it may affect any part of the body, and seriously damage the body tissues. The key difficulty is explained by the statement that tumor is often difficult to locate especially at the early stages. Additionally, there are no age frames for cancer, as it may affect any person independently of age and sex. This paper aims to review and analyze the key aspects of cancer, its treatment, and its diagnosis. Additionally, the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy will be regarded as an integral part of anti-cancer treatment.
Cancer
First, it should be stated that cancer is not a simple tumor, as there are several features that make it differ from tumors. The first symptom is that the cells or their groups reveal uncontrolled and enormous division tempos. These cells are invasive and may intrude and destruct the healthy tissues. (Figure 1) The most dangerous symptom of cancer is metastasis. This means that the cancer cells can spread to other locations with blood or lymph. These are the key defining points of cancer from tumors. Some types of cancer form tumors, while others do not (such as leukemia).
In accordance with the general disease statistics, cancer causes up to 13 % of all human deaths independently of the age limits. As it is stated by Hijiya and Hudson (2007), cancer is considered as an environmental disease, as it heavily depends on the lifestyle and environmental factors (90-95% influence), while genetics provide no more than 10% credibility. As for the other factors, Kinzler and Vogelstein (2002, p. 321) gave the following classification:
Common environmental factors leading to cancer death include: tobacco (25-30%), diet and obesity (30-35%), infections (15-20%), radiation, stress, lack of physical activity, environmental pollutants. These environmental factors cause abnormalities in the genetic material of cells.
The genetic activities of the cancer cells are not studied properly at the moment, nevertheless, the key aspect of genetic activity of the cancer cells are closely associated with two general classes of genes. Hence, as it is stated in Gao (2008), oncogenes are included in cancer cells, and they are considered as cancer-promoting genes. They activate the existing cancer cells providing them with new properties. These properties are described above, moreover, these cells are protected against natural cell death. The other gene that is affected is the tumor suppression gene. It is turned off, and the normal DNA replication is stopped. Hence, the cell is no longer controlled by the organism process, and numerous functions such as orientation, interaction and protection are no longer active.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The most important aspect of diagnosing is the histologic examination of the biopsy sample (Galvin and Ezzell, 2004). However, it can be also diagnosed in accordance with the related symptoms or observing the radiographic imaging abnormalities.
The treatment depends on the cancer type observed. In general, most of cancers are treated in accordance with the genera forced remission practice. Considering the specification type, location and time, the treatment may differ. Hence, the same type of cancer may be curable or not depending on the stage. As soon as cancer is confirmed by diagnosis, the combined curing methodology is used, which is chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.
The innovative principles of cancer curing is the targeted medication therapy. The remedies of new generations affect the cancer cells in accordance with the detected molecular abnormalities and minimize the damage to normal cells. In fact, these medications are not perfect at the moment, and they can not be relied upon fully, though, they may be used for saving some time for a patient, easing up his or her pain. Though, in accordance to some researches (Gao, 2008), these drugs may damage the normal cells as well. Hence, the detailed research of every particular case is regarded as the only successful approach towards an effective cancer treatment.
Considering the fact that radiologic emission is dangerous for all types of cells, the rays are focused precisely on the tumor. Even if it is located inside the body, the surrounding tissues receive minimal radiation level, while the precise focus enables the radiographic equipment to “burn away” the tumor out of a body. A type of radiotherapy, which is called brachytherapy. It is a form of radiotherapy in which sealed sources of radioactive material are inserted temporarily into body cavities or directly into tumors. (Kinzler and Vogelstein, 2002). (Figure 2) It is rather effective for curing the cervical cancer, prostate, breast and skin cancer. Moreover, some other types of cancer may be also cured with brachytherapy.
Chemotherapy is the procedure that is mainly aimed at restricting the mitosis of the cancer cells. The main action of most chemical treatment practices is to make the cancer cells undergo the process of apoptosis. Hence, as it is stated in Hijiya and Hudson (2007, p. 1210):
Specific features of malignant and immune cells that would make them uniquely targetable are identified. This means that other fast-dividing cells, such as those responsible for hair growth and for replacement of the intestinal epithelium (lining), are also often affected. However, some drugs have a better side effect profile than others, enabling doctors to adjust treatment regimens to the advantage of patients in certain situations.
In the light of this statement it should be emphasized that when the division of the cells is stopped, they may be removed surgically. Actually, both radiotherapy and chemotherapy have their side effects which are closely linked with the affect of the chemicals and radiation for the rest of the organism. The symptoms of the side effect are numerous:
- Fibrosis
- Hair loss (Epilation)
- Lymphedema
- Heart difficulties
- Cognitive decline
- Depression of the immune system
- Fatigue
- Bleeding
- Gastrointestinal distress
These complications are caused by the dangerous effect of the chemicals and radiation for the organism and tissues. Hence, it should be considered that some patients may not bear all the courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Conclusion
Cancer is one of the most hardly curing deceases, as the credibility to cope with it depends on numerous factors. It is hardly diagnosed at early stages, and it is hardly cured at late stages. Additionally, the treatment may be dangerous for life, as chemicals and radiation are used to cope with the tumor and prevent metastasis.
The side effects of the treatment may affect various organs, and may range from hair loss to serious endocrine complications.
References
Gao D. (2008). “Endothelial Progenitor Cells Control the Angiogenic Switch in Mouse Lung Metastasis”. Science 319: 195–198.
Galvin J.M., Ezzell G. (2004). “Implementing IMRT in clinical practice: a joint document of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine”. International Journal of Radiation Oncology. 58 (5): 1616–34.
Hijiya, M. A., Hudson, L. D., (2007) Cumulative Incidence of Secondary Neoplasms as a First Event After Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. JAMA. 297:1207-1215.
Kinzler, K, W., Vogelstein, B (2002). The genetic basis of human cancer. Basic Books.