WHAT IS CANCER?

Healthy cells that make up the body’s tissues grow, divide and replace themselves in an orderly manner. This process keeps the body in good shape. Sometime, however, normal cell lose their ability to limit and direct their growth. They divide too rapidly and grow without any order. Too much tissue is produced and a tumor begins to form. These tumors can be benign or malignant.

Benign tumors are not cancer. They do not spread to other parts of the body and they are seldom a threat to life. Often, benign tumors can be removed by surgery, and they are not likely to recur.

Malignant tumors are cancer. Thus, it is important for one to know the warning signs that should arouse suspicion that cancer may be developing in one’s body.

• Change in the bowel or bladder habit.
• A sore/wound that does not heal (no other cause like diabetes)
• Unusual bleeding or discharge from mouth/breast/nipple/cervix.
• Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere.
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Obvious change in size/bleeding in a wart/mole
• Nagging cough or hoarseness of voice.
• White patch in the mouth/tongue.

These signs and symptoms can be caused by cancer or a number of other problems. They are not a sure sign of cancer. However, it is important to see a doctor if any problem lasts as long as 2 weeks. It is advisable not to wait for symptoms to become painful. Pain is not an early sign of cancer.