Cancer in General

Cancer is a general term used to describe abnormal or uncontrolled growth of cells. It can be invaded to the adjacent tissue causing local symptoms like pain and loss of function. It can also metastasise which means spread to other locations in the body via blood stream or lymphatic. Most cancer forms a tumour but some do not (i.e leukemia). The study, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer are called Oncology.

The prognosis of cancer patients most influenced by type of the cancer, stage or extend of the disease. Many cancers can be treated by surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. It is quite often more than one of these modalities of treatment may be used to treat cancer.

Your oncologist will be able to explain the treatment options available and make necessary recommendation.

Sign and Symptoms

Generally, the following symptoms which could be a sign of cancer:

• A change in bowel or bladder habits
• A sore that does not heal
• Unusual bleeding or discharge from any place
• A lump in the breast or other parts of the body
• Chronic indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
• Obvious changes in a wart or mole
• Persistent coughing or hoarseness

The listed symptoms can also be as sign of benign diseases. It does not necessarily mean that cancer is present but it is a sign you should not ignore.

Management of Cancer

Surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be used alone or in combination to treat cancers. The treatment recommended by your doctors will depend on several factors like age, general health, type, severity and stage of cancer.

Cancer Statistics in Malaysia

You might also be interested in the following pages.

	Breast Cancer Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Malaysian women and number one cause of cancer deaths.
	Screening for Cancer Screening for cancer is essentially indentifying the presence of a cancer before an individual has any symptoms relating to the cancer itself.