Cancer is defined as an abnormal distribution of cells in the body. The advent of these cells disseminating on to tissues is what causes cancer and its cells spread through the blood and lymph systems of the body.

In total, there are more than 100 different types of cancers, each named after the organs or tissues it affects. Common examples include lung cancer, testicular cancer, breast cancer and pancreatic cancer to name a few.

Esophageal Cancer

Another type is called esophageal cancer. As the name implies, it transpires in the esophagus, which is a protracted and arched tube that extends from the throat on to the stomach and as such, makes it part of the body’s digestive (gastrointestinal) system.

The central function of the esophagus is to carry food once it is swallowed to the stomach where the process of digestion takes place. Cancer occurs in the malignant cells that are found inside the esophagus. Esophageal cancer is the sixth most common reason for cancer deaths worldwide.

Symptoms

One of the primary indications of potential esophageal cancer is that patients may have trouble swallowing. They may get the feeling that food is stuck in their throat or along the esophagus. They may also experience choking in some cases.

Also called dysphagia, the sensation begins with mild discomfort and may worsen gradually if the cancer is proliferating. Naturally, the cancer narrows the passage, which is why the function of swallowing becomes difficult.

Although patients may alter their diet or take smaller bites, it makes no difference to the cancer. The larger the cancer becomes, the greater their predicament. The body reacts to the glitch by creating excess saliva but that is only a short-term solution.

If you observe, all the symptoms of esophageal cancer are connected. The esophagus is a passage that carries food, which means areas that are involved are also subject to pain. One of these is the patient’s chest. They may struggle with a burning sensation or extra pressure in their chest. This is because the cancer grows which means the food that is carried by the esophagus will encounter the tumor on its path. The friction is what incites the pain.

If a person loses weight without making a cogent effort to do so, it usually means there is an issue at play. In some cases, it could mean that they have malignant cells in their body, which are introducing a cancer. Nearly half the patients who have esophageal cancer shed considerable weight. The inability to ingest or consume adequate meals is why they become weaker. The cancer compels the body to encourage a diminished appetite and heightened metabolism rate.

Although scientists have been unable to determine the root cause of esophageal cancer, it is common knowledge that there are determinants involved that increase the risk of developing this type of cancer. With that said, there has been positive strides to pin down where this type of cancer originates from. Various trials and tests have demonstrated that factors such as drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking cigarettes are two habits that can provoke traits of esophageal cancer. When individuals consume either of the above, they can damage their DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) in the process. The DNA is attached to their cells, which in this case are on the inside of the esophagus.

DNA is the chemical compound in the cells that constitutes the genes of a person. Genes are instructions for how the cells in the body function. This is basically the reason why a child resembles either parent since the latter are the source of the DNA. Science has deduced that genes are not responsible for esophageal cancer and genes do not increase the risk of developing this type of cancer.

Risks

The possibility of esophageal cancer increases as an individual grows older. Roughly 85% of patients are 55 or older. There is also a gender imbalance as men are more likely to develop this disease compared to women.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases (GERD) or reflux is when acid escapes the stomach and finds its way on to the esophagus. Conventionally, the stomach creates certain acids and enzymes that assists in the process of digestion. This negative reaction can incite heartburn and aches in the middle of the chest. However, most people with GERD do not go on to develop esophageal cancer.

Barrett’s Esophagus

Another condition that is considered a precursor to esophageal cancer is known as Barrett’s esophagus. If acids continue to enter the lower section of the throat, then the linings of the esophagus can be permanently impaired. The squamous cells, which are usually found in this part of the body are then replaced with gland cells.

Prolonged periods of reflux cause Barrett’s esophagus. With the passage of time, these gland cells can deteriorate. This condition is called dysplasia, which is the stage before cancer. The cells appear abnormal when seen through a microscopic. When the damage is severe, then those patients are at greater risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Obesity

Obesity, which is the state of being corpulent to an extent that it impacts a person’s health and wellbeing is a common trait that can lead to various diseases. Overweight individuals can develop adenocarcinoma in their esophagus.

The consumption of certain foods can also expedite esophageal cancer in people. It is suggested that an unhealthy diet comprised of processed foods and meats increases the chances of cancer. On the other hand, a diet rich in fibers has the opposite effect.

Plummer Vinson Syndrome

Last but not the least, Plummer Vinson syndrome is another cause of esophageal cancer. Also called Paterson Kelly syndrome, it is a rare affliction where webs develop in the upper portion of the esophagus.

A low red blood cell count i.e. anemia also accompanies this syndrome. This ailment can transpire owing to diminished iron levels, glossitis or large thyroid glands. One in ten patients with this syndrome eventually develops squamous cancer cells in their hypopharynx.

Bottom line: Stay away from cigarettes. Avoid alcohol consumption. Eat healthy foods and exercise. This not only helps avoid esophageal cancer but also helps avoid a whole list of diseases that humans can be subjected to. 

In our October 2017 article, we discussed some of the statistics related to BRCA1 and BRCA2 breast cancer. Let us continue with a more elaborate discussion of the underlying causes of this terrible illness, as a better understanding of breast cancer can lead to more vigilance and awareness.

When cells in the breast tissue face an alteration or they mutate and keep reproducing is when breast cancer transpires. Cells which are an anomaly typically assemble to form a tumor.

A tumor can become cancerous or malignant when these cells infiltrate other segments of the breast or if they disseminate to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic systems. The latter is a network of vessels that are meant to combat infections in the human body.

In principle, breast cancer originates in the glands which produce milk in the breasts. These are called lobules and carry milk to the nipples. Although less likely, breast cancer may be traced back to the fatty connective tissues in the breasts.

Causes

Breast cancer is launched by a genetic mutation that occurs in the Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of breast cancer cells. This occurs is not an exact science yet, but research has indicated that a deviation may develop arbitrarily in some individuals over a period of time, while others may inherit it from their parent. There are also instances where breast cancer patients may suffer from cancer because of environmental exposure or their choices and lifestyle. Breast cancer typically affects women who are 50 and above.

Despite not being able to declare the precise reasons for breast cancer, we will turn our attention to the risk factors and determinants that may lead to the emergence of breast cancer. For example, a predominant risk is the individual’s age and gender. An aging woman is more susceptible in contrast to a younger man – yes, men can get it too. The greater the age, the greater the chances of developing a mutation, particularly for women. The risk augments dramatically once women reach the forty mark and are more common in females who are in the seventies.

Lineage and hereditary factors cannot be underestimated when it comes to breast cancer. An individual’s family history may give a strong indication with regards to whether they may be prone to the ailment or not. If a mother has or had breast cancer in the past, there is a chance their daughter may also suffer from a mutation in the future. In fact, the chances of contracting breast cancer are twice as much if the mother has been affected.

Furthermore, speaking of the mutation, it may manifest itself and cause cancer, without having a family history. Almost 10% of all breast cancer cases are considered hereditary, caused by genetic alterations like the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Having the aforementioned genes is not conclusive evidence that the individual will definitely develop breast cancer, but it does indicate that the associated risk is greater.

There are various other potential causes as well. Women who have dense breasts or have a record of having lumps in their breasts and also females who have had breast cancer in the past and recovered are all at risk of suffering from breast cancer again.

A woman’s hormones may also indicate if they are susceptible to breast cancer. For instance, girls who have menstrual periods earlier than the average age (before 12 years) and also females who experience delayed menopause (after 55 years) are at high risk of breast cancer. Concerned professionals genuinely believe the notion that excessive exposure to the female hormone called estrogen is a deciding factor. This is due to the fact that estrogen stimulates the growth of breast cells, some of which may ultimately become cancerous. The same applies hormone therapy for postmenopausal, which may also augment cancer likelihood. Lastly, a woman’s weight may also influence their chances of breast cancer.  

Stages

Unlike other diseases and disorders, cancers are typically categorized by stages. More specifically, breast cancer is divided into five distinct stages.

• Stage 0

The first stage, which is denoted by a zero, describes non-invasive breast cancers like DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ). At this phase, there is no tangible evidence of cancer cells or abnormal cells in the body. Hence, a potential break out in any part of the breast is not detected.

• Stage 1

The next stage involves invasive breast cancer i.e. cancerous cells permeate through breast tissues. Stage 1 is further classified into two subcategories, namely IA and IB. The former delineates invasive breast cancer in which the specific tumor measures up to two centimeters in size but does not spread beyond the breast.

On the other hand, IB describes invasive breast cancer where a tumor is not present. However, there are small pockets of cancer cells in the breast, typically larger than 0.2 millimeters but not more than two millimeters in its entirety. Also, any instance which involves the presence of a tumor in the breast not larger than two centimeters also counts as IB type stage 1 breast cancer.

• Stage 2

Moreover, stage 2 is divided into subcategories called IIA and IIB. IIA is invasive cancer where there is no tumor in the breast but the cancer is there in one or more axillary lymph nodes. These are typically under the arm or in proximity to the breastbone. Other factors include a tumor that is two centimeters or smaller and has spread as well. Also, ones which are larger than that but have not spread to the lymph nodes also count as IIA breast cancer.

On the other end of the spectrum, IIB is identified by a tumor that is larger than two centimeters in the lymph nodes, if it is between two and five centimeters and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes and also if the tumor exceeds five centimeters in size but is limited to the tissue.

• Stage 3

Divided into IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC respectively. IIIA is invasive cancer where no tumor is located in the breast but the cancer is found in multiple lymph nodes near the breastbone. The tumor is larger than five centimeters in the lymph nodes or it has spread to multiple nodes also qualify as IIIA type stage three breast cancer.

IIIB transpires when the tumor can be of any size and disseminates on to the chest wall and incites an inflammation or an ulcer as well. It may spread onto several lymph nodes near the breastbone. Finally, IIIC is when there is no sign of breast cancer or if there is a tumor, it may spread to the chest and skin of the breast. IIIC type breast cancer can also disseminate on to the clavicle (collarbone) also.

• Stage 4

As the numbers indicate, this is the final phase of breast cancer. You may have noticed two facts: the tumor increases in size in ascending order as it moves towards later stages. It began from less than two centimeters to more than five centimeters. Also, as we move towards later stages, the tumor spreads more extensively as well.

Stage 4 occurs when the cancer disseminates beyond the breast and onto other organs of the body, like the lungs, skin, bones etc. Doctors may use the terms advanced or metastatic to describe the severity of breast cancer.

Breast cancer can be treated if detected early. Women are encouraged to get a check up on a frequent basis, especially women who are in their later stages of life and/or have heredity factors that may indicate that they might acquire this disease.

Cancer can be a debilitating disease. It involves abnormal cell growth that can spread to other parts of the body, if not caught in time (for many cancers). There are over 100 different known cancers that affect humans.

Although, much medical advancement has been made in the treatment and early detection of cancer in the United States and elsewhere, such as Israel, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done before a cure is found. You can help by following a healthy lifestyle, but if you think you might have cancer, contact your physician at once.

Possible signs and symptoms include: a new lump, abnormal bleeding, a prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss, and a change in bowel movements among others. While these symptoms may indicate cancer, they may also occur due to other issues.

Tobacco, obesity, alcohol, not eating health, lack of physical activity and/or heredity issues can be major factors towards acquiring the disease.

Melanoma is a common form of cancer, but is also one of the most treatable if caught in time. Similarly, prostate cancer, if detected early can also be treated and cured with a high degree of certainty. In contrast, certain cancers such as pancreatic cancer is less prone to treatment and the survival rate is unfortunately high among this disease.

Prevention is paramount. Don’t smoke, maintaining a healthy weight, drink alcohol moderately or not at all,, eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Make sure you are vaccinated against certain infectious diseases, avoid processed red meat, and avoiding too much exposure to sunlight and go for regular check ups and follow up with preventative procedures; such as a colonoscopy and breast cancer testing.

The chance of survival depends on the type of cancer and extent of disease at the start of treatment, so make sure you visit your doctor on a consistent basis.

Read our articles on the advancements of cancer treatment to stay abreast of the latest medical technologies available.

All women are encouraged to have a Pap test during the month of January, which is Cervical Health Awareness Month. Every year more than 4,000 patients die with cervical cancer with a total of 13,000 diagnosed annually.

While cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer for women, it develops over time and is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is present in nearly all cervical cancers, but that does not mean having an HPV infection will result in cervical cancer. By age 50 more than 80% of women will have been infected with HPV, but the majority of women infected do not develop cancer.

Cervical cancer is a profound health equity issue that is linked strongly with poverty and lack of access to medical care. However, in the US the Affordable Care Act requires cervical cancer screening tests are provided at no cost to women. Improving access to screening and vaccines that already exist could eliminate the disease.

“The landscape constantly changes and so must we,” ASHA/NCCC President Lynn Barclay said in a statement. “When it comes to sexual and reproductive health, we should be comfortable in our own skin and have the confidence to seek the care and support we need. I urge every woman to talk with her healthcare provider about Pap and HPV tests.”

Cervical cancer starts in the cervix and approximately 80% to 90% are caused by uncontrolled growth of abnormal squamous cells.

Regular screening is important because early cancers of the cervix do not cause symptoms. There are possible symptoms of advanced disease: abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods, after sexual intercourse, after a pelvic exam, and after menopause; pelvic pain not related to menstruation; heavy or unusual discharge that may be watery, thick, and possibly have a foul odor; increased urinary frequency; and pain after urination.