Cancer

Cancer still remains one of the most feared diseases in the modern world. According to WHO it affect one person in three and caused a quarter of all deaths in the developed world during the year 2000. After heart disease, it is the largest cause of death. Cancer cells are formed when normal cells lose the normal regulatory mechanisms that control growth and multiplication.

Update on scenario Cancer in Bangladesh :

Bangladesh, at 142 million people, is the ninth most populous country in the world. There are 13 to 15 lakh cancer patients in Bangladesh, with about two lakh patients newly diagnosed with cancer each year.

Causes of cancer:

Possibly as many as 30% of cancer are caused by smoking, while another 30% are diet related. Carcinogenic chemicals in smoke, food and the environment may cause cancer.

Types of cancer:

Bladder cancer, Lung cancer, Brain cancer, Melanoma, Breast cancer, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Cervical cancer, Ovarian cancer, Colorectal cancer, Pancreatic cancer, Esophageal cancer, Prostate cancer, Kidney cancer, Skin cancer, Leukemia, Thyroid cancer

Some general signs and symptoms of cancer:

You should know some of the general signs and symptoms of cancer. But remember, having any of these does not mean that you have cancer – many other things cause these signs and symptoms, too. If you have any of these symptoms and they last for a long time or get worse, please see a doctor to find out what’s going on.

1. Fever 2.F atigue 3. Pain 4. Skin changes (Darker looking skin, Yellowish skin and eyes (jaundice), Reddened skin (erythema), Itching (pruritis).

Treatment of cancer:

There are three traditional approaches to the treatment of cancer.

1.Surgery: Before 1955 2.Radio therapy: 1955-1965 3.Chemo therapy.

Classification of anticancer agents:

Group-A: Based on Chemistry:

1. Alkylating agent: 2. Anti-metabolites

a. Nitrogen mustards: Cyclophspamide a. Folate antagonist: Methotrexat

b. Ethylene di amines: Thiotepa b. Purine antagonist: Azathiopurine

c. Alkyl sulfonates: Busulfan c. Pyrimidine antagonist: Cytarabine

d. Nitrosoureas: Curmustine d. Vinka Alkaloids: Vincristine

e. Triazines: Decarbazine e. Taxanes: Pacitaxel

f. Antibiotics: Doxorubicin

g. Hormones and antagonist: Prednisolone

Group B: Based on cell cycle specific:

1. Cell cycle specific drugs: Bleomycin

2. Cell cycle non-specific drugs: Anti-metabolites drugs

Group c: Based on mechanism of action:

1. Drugs that influence the structure and function of DNA: Cyclophosphamide

2. Drugs that block nucleic acid synthesis: Methotrexate

3. Drugs that interfere protein synthesis: Vinca Alkaloids

4. Drugs that interfere transcription and block RNA synthesis: Doxorubicin

5.Drugs that block the function of proteins: Transtuzunab

Steps to reduce risk of cancer:

1. Don’t use tobacco, 2. Eat a healthy diet, 3. Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active, 4. Protect yourself from the sun, 5. Get immunized, 6. Avoid risky behaviors, 7. Get regular medical care. --------