Cancer is Preventable
Do you know?
Cancer is the general name for a group of more than 100 diseases.
Although there are many kinds of cancer, all cancers start from a
few abnormal cells growing out of control. These cells continue to
grow and form cancer. Cells become abnormal because of damage
to DNA, which is the genetic make up of our cells.
Cancer cells have the ability to travel through the body in the blood
or lymph vessels and invade other organs. This process is called
metastasis. Cancer disturbs body function by causing pressure
on the organs or by releasing hormones. Most cancer deaths are
caused by metastasis.
No matter where a cancer may spread, it is always named for the
place where it started. For example, breast cancer that has spread to
the liver is called metastatic breast cancer, not liver cancer.
Do you know?
Some cancers show no signs or symptoms until they are very
advanced. Generally, signs and symptoms of cancer depend on
the type of cancer, where it is located, and where the cancer cells
have spread. There are some signs and symptoms common to most
cancers including:
• Fever in the absence of an obvious infection
• Fatigue which is not relieved by rest
• Weight loss that is not intentional
• Pain which is localized and persistent
• Skin changes such as coloration, puckering, sores that do
not heal, white spots in mouth or on the tongue, changes
to warts or moles
• Change in bowel or bladder functions such as constipation
• Unusual bleeding or discharge from the mouth, vagina or
bladder
• Persistent cough, change in voice or difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained lumps
Anyone with these signs or symptoms should consult their doctor
Do you know?
Certain risk factors increase the chance of developing cancer. However, having one or more
risk factors does not mean that you will get cancer. Most people who have risk factors never
develop cancer. Common risk factors for cancer are:
• Growing older
• Tobacco
• Sunlight
• Ionizing radiation
• Certain chemicals
• Some viruses and bacteria
• Family history of cancer
• Alcohol
• Poor diet
• Lack of physical activity
Many of these risk factors can be avoided. Others, such as family history, cannot. You can
help protect yourself from cancer by reducing your risk factors wherever possible. If you think
you may be at risk for cancer, you should discuss this with your doctor. You may want to ask
about reducing your risk and about a schedule for checkups.
Do you know?
Having a healthy diet including eating lots of fruit, vegetables and unprocessed foods,
drinking water, and limiting consumption of red meat, processed meats, fatty foods and
sugary drinks reduces your risks of developing many types of cancer.
Choosing not to smoke tobacco (cigarettes, medwakh, shisha and cigars) or drink alcohol
significantly lowers the risk of several types of cancer including lung, throat, mouth, and liver
cancer. Even if you are a current tobacco user, quitting can still greatly reduce your risk.
Regular physical activity reduces your risk of developing many kinds of cancer and
increases the chance of cancer survival. For health benefit, you need to be physically active
for a total of 30 minutes a day on most days of the week. Being physically active does not
have to mean going to the gym to lift weights or doing something you dislike. Find an activity
that is enjoyable and right for you.
Certain vaccinations help with the prevention of some cancers. For example, many women
receive a vaccination for the human papillomavirus to help prevent cervical cancer. Hepatitis
B vaccine helps prevent the hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver cancer.
Regular screening for some types of cancer can detect changes in cells before they
become cancerous. Screening is currently available for breast, cervical and colorectal
cancer.
Cancer type
Primary population
group
Screening test &
frequency
Colon & rectum cancer
Men & Women
Age: 40-75 years
Colonoscopy,
every 10 years
Or Stool test,
every 2 years
Breast cancer
Women
Age: 40 years and
above
Mammogram
Every 2 years
Cervical cancer
Women
Age: 25 -65 years
Pap Test
Every 3-5 years
Do you know?
Certain risk factors increase the chance of developing cancer. However, having one or more
risk factors does not mean that you will get cancer. Most people who have risk factors never
develop cancer. Common risk factors for cancer are:
• Not all growth of cell (tumors), are cancerous. Tumors that aren’t cancer are called
benign.
• Cancer is not caused by an injury, such as a bump or bruise.
• Cancer is not contagious. No one can «catch» cancer from another person. However,
infection with certain viruses may increase the risk of some types of cancer.
• Cancer is not a punishment or a curse. It is a disease that can be prevented and
cured in most cases if detected early.
For more information, please visit:
www.haad.ae/simplycheck
OR CALL 800555