Liverpool Day Surgery

World Cancer Day February the 4th marks World Cancer Day. Throughout the world, this disease has a universally profound and sometimes devastating effect on people’s lives. In some cases, lifestyle factors or genetic inheritance may contribute to the onset of cancer. How does cancer begin? Our cells, when normal, play a critical role in regulating our health and essentially, cancer begins on a cellular level. When abnormal cells continue to grow, damage to tissue often occurs and if abnormal cells continue to multiply, can spread to organs and other areas of the body. The most commonly diagnosed cancer (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) is prostate cancer, followed by colorectal or bowel cancer, then breast, melanoma and lung cancer. There are more than 100 different types of cancer, but these five most common types account for 60% of all cases. N.B. statistics are care of the Cancer Council Australia. Australia is renowned for its ground-breaking inroads into cancer research, with the federal government maintaining its commitment, continual research and clinical trials can facilitate more discoveries and treatment innovations that ultimately benefit those diagnosed with cancer. Over the decades, many preventative tests have been created and are in place to screen or monitor any change in a patient’s health. Prevention and education continue to play a vital role in increasing awareness about cancer Depending on the stage and severity of the type of cancer, treatment traditionally required strong doses of chemotherapy or surgery to remove the affected area. As innovations in research and new medications are discovered through trials, alternate methods for the treatment of cancer can be introduced to improve the level or treatment and care for people living with cancer. In Australia, we are fortunate to have many outstanding organisations that provide information and support about cancer, including methods of prevention as well as what type of tests can be carried out. If you are seeking more information about cancer, click on the link below or consult your GP. www.cancer.org.au