Cancer

Currently, the global community is giving increasing attention to cancer. Each year, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Thailand, and the incidence of cancer continues to rise.

“Cancer” occurs due to abnormalities in the cells of various organs in the body, and it can develop at any time. In the early stage, if cell changes are minor, the body can detect them. White blood cells act as the immune defense and eliminate those abnormal cells from the body. However, in some individuals, the cells become so abnormal that they cannot be controlled, and the white blood cells cannot fight or remove them. As a result, the cells divide rapidly and eventually form a malignant tumor or cancer.

The three most common cancers in Thailand are:

 

In men:

     1. Liver and bile duct cancer

     2. Lung cancer

     3. Colorectal cancer

 

In women:

     1. Breast cancer

     2. Cervical cancer

     3. Liver and bile duct cancer

 

Risk Factors for Cancer

At present, the exact cause of cancer cannot be attributed to a single factor; it may arise from multiple causes. Being aware of and avoiding potential risk factors can help reduce the risk of developing cancer. These risk factors may originate from both internal and external factors.

 

1. Internal Factors

These factors cannot be controlled, but maintaining good health may help reduce risk.

Age
The risk of certain cancers increases with age due to the accumulation of risk factors and the decreased efficiency of cellular repair mechanisms.

Genetics (Family History)
Some cancers can be inherited, but in reality, less than 10% of cancers are genetically inherited. Examples include:

     ๐ Breast cancer

     ๐​ Ovarian cancer

     ๐ Uterine cancer (more common in women)

     ๐ Prostate cancer (in men)

    ​ ๐ Colorectal cancer (in both men and women)

These cancers have a higher chance of genetic transmission compared to other types. 

 

2. External Factors

These are factors that people can avoid or reduce exposure to.

Carcinogens in Food
Examples include charred grilled or fried foods, aflatoxin (a toxin produced by mold), and hydrocarbons such as nitrosamines found in fermented or preserved foods.

 

High-Fat Diets
May increase the risk of:

     ๐ Colorectal cancer

     ๐​ Endometrial cancer

     ๐ Esophageal cancer

 

Smoking and Secondhand Smoke
Smoking is a major risk factor for cancer and can cause serious health problems. Regular smokers or those exposed to secondhand smoke have a higher risk of cancers such as:

     ๐ Lung cancer

     ๐​ Oral and throat cancer

     ๐ Laryngeal cancer

     ๐ Esophageal cancer

     ๐​ Cervical cancer

 

Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol increases the risk of:

     ๐ Liver cancer

     ๐ Stomach cancer

     ๐ Colorectal cancer

 

Chemical Exposure
Examples include:

     ๐ Benzene

     ๐ Asbestos

     ๐ Cadmium

     ๐ Nickel

     ๐ Polyvinyl chloride

     ๐ Pesticides

 

Viral or Bacterial Infections
Some infections can increase cancer risk, such as:

     ๐ HIV

     ๐ HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

     ๐ Hepatitis B and C viruses

Radiation Exposure
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight may increase the risk of skin cancer.

 

Cancer Prevention (Lifestyle Medicine)

Lifestyle medicine integrates healthy lifestyle practices with medical care. Its goal is to encourage individuals to intentionally reduce disease risk factors and effectively prevent and manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This approach promotes healthy aging and can also support treatment for those already diagnosed with illness.

There are six key components:

1. Nutrition

Eating a healthy, balanced diet with adequate nutritional value.

2. Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular physical activity helps maintain overall health. Exercise should be consistent and adjusted to each individual's ability and preferences.

3. Stress Management

Learning techniques to reduce stress and improve coping mechanisms. Chronic stress can affect hormone secretion, increase heart rate and blood pressure, raise blood sugar levels, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

4. Quality Sleep

Good sleep contributes to overall well-being. Poor sleep can increase the risk and severity of chronic diseases. Most adults require about 7–9 hours of sleep per night. Lifestyle medicine helps evaluate sleep health and encourages environmental and behavioral changes to improve sleep quality.

5. Avoiding Risk Behaviors

Reducing or quitting behaviors that increase disease risk, such as:

     ๐ Smoking

     ๐ Alcohol consumption

     ๐ Drug abuse

     ๐ Irresponsible sexual behavior

These behaviors are significant risk factors for both physical and mental health problems. Lifestyle medicine encourages avoiding harmful substances and behaviors.

6. Positive Social and Family Relationships

Having supportive relationships and strong social connections helps individuals feel loved, valued, and emotionally supported. Lifestyle medicine practitioners assess social isolation and emphasize the importance of social interaction for overall health.

 

Symptoms and Warning Signs of Cancer

Early-stage cancer often has no clear warning signs and is frequently discovered during routine health checkups. Some cancers may show symptoms, while others may not show any abnormalities in the early stages. Symptoms vary depending on the type and location of the tumor.

Possible warning signs that should prompt medical consultation include:

     ๐ Persistent fever

     ๐ Unexplained fatigue

     ๐ Unexplained weight loss

     ๐ Chronic cough, coughing up blood, or hoarseness

     ๐ Difficulty swallowing or frequent heartburn

     ๐​ Moles, warts, or birthmarks that enlarge, itch, change color, or bleed

     ๐ Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding

• Changes in bowel or urinary habits, such as:

  • Difficulty urinating

  • Blood in urine

  • Narrow stools

  • Difficulty passing stool

  • Black or bloody stool

  • Rectal pain during bowel movements

• Detectable lumps in the body, such as lumps in the neck, breast, or other areas

Generally, early-stage cancer is not associated with obvious pain. If any of these symptoms occur, medical evaluation should be sought promptly. Some patients, particularly in the early stage, may not show any symptoms at all. Therefore, annual health checkups and cancer screening based on age and risk factors are strongly recommended.

 

Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment can involve several approaches depending on the location, type, stage of the disease, and individual patient needs.

1. Surgery

Surgery is the primary treatment for early-stage cancers and may provide a cure. In some cases, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be used before surgery to shrink the tumor.

2. Radiation Therapy

High-energy radiation is directed at cancer cells to destroy them and shrink tumors. It is often used alongside chemotherapy or surgery and may be the main treatment for advanced cancer.

3. Chemotherapy

Anti-cancer drugs are used to kill cancer cells and stop their growth. These drugs may be taken orally or injected into the bloodstream. Chemotherapy can also help relieve pain caused by tumors.

4. Targeted Therapy

This treatment specifically targets abnormal cancer cells and inhibits their growth without significantly affecting normal cells. Doctors typically test for gene mutations before using this therapy.

5. Immunotherapy

This approach uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Medications are injected to block the mechanisms cancer cells use to evade immune attacks.

6. Stem Cell Transplantation (for blood cancers)

This treatment uses healthy blood-forming stem cells from a donor or the patient’s own stored cells. Sources of stem cells include bone marrow, blood, and umbilical cord blood.

7. Palliative Care and Pain Management

Palliative care focuses on improving the patient’s quality of life and mental well-being after diagnosis and during treatment. Research suggests that cancer patients may live up to three months longer when they receive strong emotional support from family and loved ones.

 

Supported by data from : Dr. Somchai Limpakarn Internal Medicine Physician specializing in Hematology and Oncology 

Internal Medicine Center Bangpakok 9 International Hospital 

 

Source : Bangpakok 9 International Hospital 

**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team