Cancer: Understanding Risks, Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatment

Today, the global community places increasing importance on cancer. Each year, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Thailand, and its incidence continues to rise.

 

 

What is Cancer?

Cancer is caused by abnormalities in cells within various organs of the body. These abnormalities can occur at any time. In early stages, if the cellular changes are minor, the body can detect and eliminate them—white blood cells act as the immune defense to destroy these abnormal cells.

However, in some individuals, the abnormal cells become uncontrollable, and the immune system cannot eliminate them. These cells then divide rapidly, forming malignant tumors or cancer.

Most Common Cancers in Thailand

      ๐  Men: Liver and bile duct cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer

      ๐  Women: Breast cancer, cervical cancer, liver and bile duct cancer

 

 

Risk Factors for Cancer

Currently, cancer does not have a single clear cause - it often results from multiple factors. Awareness and avoidance of risk factors can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing cancer.

1. Internal Factors (Uncontrollable, but manageable)

      ๐  Age: Risk increases with age as cellular repair mechanisms decline

      ๐  Genetics: Less than 10% of cancers are hereditary

      ๐  Common hereditary cancers: breast, ovarian, uterine (mostly in women)

      ๐  Prostate (men), colorectal (both genders)

2. External Factors (Preventable)

      ๐  Carcinogens in food: Burnt grilled/fried food, aflatoxin (from mold), nitrosamines (in preserved foods)

      ๐  High-fat diet: Linked to colorectal, uterine, and esophageal cancer

      ๐  Smoking and secondhand smoke: Major risk for lung, oral, throat, laryngeal, esophageal, and cervical cancers

      ๐  Alcohol consumption: Increases risk of liver, stomach, and colorectal cancers

      ๐  Chemical exposure: Benzene, asbestos, cadmium, nickel, PVC, pesticides

      ๐  Infections: HIV, HPV, hepatitis B & C

      ๐  Radiation exposure: UV radiation increases skin cancer risk

 

 

Cancer Prevention (Lifestyle Medicine)

Lifestyle medicine integrates medical science with daily habits to reduce disease risk and improve long-term health (healthy aging). It can also support treatment in patients already diagnosed.

6 Key Approaches:

      1. Healthy Nutrition
Focus on balanced, nutrient-rich diets

      2. Regular Exercise & Physical Activity
Maintain consistent physical activity suited to individual ability

      3. Stress Management
Chronic stress affects hormones, heart rate, blood pressure, and increases risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes

      4. Quality Sleep
Recommended: 7–9 hours per night
Poor sleep increases risk of chronic diseases

      5. Avoid Risk Behaviors
Reduce/quit smoking, alcohol, drugs, and unsafe sexual behaviors

      6. Positive Social Relationships
Emotional support and strong relationships improve both physical and mental health

 

 

Signs and Warning Symptoms of Cancer

Early-stage cancer often shows no clear symptoms and is usually detected during routine checkups. Symptoms vary depending on the type and location of cancer.

Warning Signs to See a Doctor:

      ๐  Persistent fever

      ๐  Unexplained fatigue

      ๐  Unintentional weight loss

      ๐  Chronic cough, blood in sputum, hoarseness

      ๐  Difficulty swallowing, frequent indigestion

      ๐  Changes in moles (size, color, bleeding, itching)

      ๐  Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding

      ๐  Changes in urination or bowel habits (blood in urine/stool, difficulty passing stool, black stool)

      ๐  Detectable lumps (neck, breast, or other areas)

Early cancer often does not cause pain. If any abnormal symptoms occur, consult a doctor promptly. Regular health checkups and cancer screenings are strongly recommended.

 

 

Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type, location, stage, and individual patient needs.

Common Treatment Methods:

      1. Surgery
Primary treatment for early-stage cancer; may be curative

      2. Radiotherapy
Uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells

      3. Chemotherapy
Uses drugs to kill or stop cancer cell growth

      4. Targeted Therapy
Targets specific genetic mutations in cancer cells without harming normal cells

      5. Immunotherapy
Boosts the immune system to fight cancer

      6. Stem Cell Transplant (for blood cancers)
Uses healthy stem cells from the patient or donor

      7. Palliative Care & Pain Management
Focuses on improving quality of life; emotional support can extend survival and well-being

 

 

Supported by:
Dr. Somchai Limpakarn, MD
Specialist in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Oncology

Internal Medicine Center
Bangpakok 9 International Hospital

For more information, please call:
1745 ext. Internal Medicine Center 10164, 10165

 

Source : BPK9 International Hospital 

**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team