Health 7: Learning More About Noncommunicable Diseases

Written Report about Cancer

Group No.: 5 Submitted on: January 28, 2019

Gr./Sec.: 7- Hope Submitted to: Mr. Paul Airon D. Lingat
Members: Rafaella Castro, John Paul Paez,
Christopher Tolentino, Laurence
Paquidongan, Jersey Yu

Discussion:

Cancer
 Is a group of diseases in which cells divide in an uncontrollable pace
 Is not contagious and is not caused by injuries or accidents
 Abnormally dividing cells can form a tumor, an abnormal growth of tissue, which can be benign
or malignant
 A biopsy or microscopic examination of tissue is done to determine if a tumor is benign or
malignant

Difference between malignant and benign tumor

Malignant is cancerous and can spread infection and destruction of nearby tissues and other
parts. The process is called metastasis.
Benign is not cancerous. Benign tumors may increase in size but do not infect other body
parts. They are typically harmless unless they are in a position where they block normal tissues or
organs.

Major categories of cancer

Four major categories of cancer:
a) Carcinoma - most common form of cancer. A malignant tumor that develops from epithelial
tissue and tends to spread to other areas of the body.
Examples: Cancers of skin, breast, uterus, prostate, lung, stomach, colon, rectum
b) Sarcomas - cancers that begin in the connective or supportive tissues, which develop in the
muscle, bone, fat, blood vessels, and cartilage
c) Lymphomas - cancers arising in cells of the lymphatic tissues or the immune system tissues,
characterized by abnormal production of white cells and decrease in resistance
d) Leukemia – cancer of the blood or bone marrow. Abnormal production of blood cells, usually
leukocytes or white blood cells

Ways to treat cancer

a) Radiation Therapy – uses high-energy radiation to kill or damage cancer cells and usually
performed using radiation-generating machines.
b) Chemotherapy – uses anti-cancer drugs that kill cancer inside the body. Anti-cancer drugs
target mainly cancer cells although they may harm healthy cells as well
c) Immunotherapy – treatment where the immune system is stimulated to fight cancer cells
 How to reduce the risk of cancer
a) Identify the signs and symptoms of cancer. The acronym C.A.U.T.I.O.N. recommended by
the American Cancer Society are the signs and symptoms that you should look out for.
C- Change in bowel or bladder habits
A- A sore that does not heal
U- Unusual bleeding or discharge
T- Thickening or lump in a breast or elsewhere
I- Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
O- Obvious change in a wart or mole
N- Nagging cough or hoarseness
b) Have regular checkups.
c) Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
d) Avoid too much sun exposure.
e) Eat fruits and vegetables.
f) Observe the meat that you eat.
g) Exercise and have the right weight.
h) Be aware of family’s history of cancer.
i) Avoid drinking alcohol.
j) Avoid being exposed to dangerous chemicals and airborne fibers.

References:

The 21st Century MAPEH in Action 7