Cancer has a
reputation for being a deadly disease. While this certainly
applies to certain particular types, the truths behind the
historical connotations of cancer are increasingly being
overturned by advances in medical care. Some types of cancer
have a prognosis that is substantially better than nonmalignant
diseases such as heart failure and stroke.
Progressive and disseminated malignant disease has a substantial
impact on a cancer patient's quality of life, and many cancer
treatments (such as chemotherapy) may have severe side-effects.
In the advanced stages of cancer, many patients need extensive
care, affecting family members and friends. Palliative care
solutions may include permanent or "respite" hospice nursing.
Cancer patients, for the first time in the history of oncology,
are visibly returning to the athletic arena and workplace.
Patients are living longer with either quiescent persistent
disease or even complete, durable remissions. The stories of
Lance Armstrong, who won the Tour de France after treatment for
metastatic testicular cancer, or Tony Snow, who was working as
the White House Press Secretary as of June, 2007 despite
relapsed colon cancer, continue to be an inspiration to cancer
patients everywhere.
Prognosis Emotional
impact >>
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Cancer
Classification
1. Nomenclature
2. Adult cancers
3. Childhood cancers
Signs and symptoms
Diagnosis
1. Investigation
2. Biopsy
Treatment
1. Surgery
2. Radiation therapy
3. Chemotherapy
4. Targeted therapies
5. Immunotherapy
6. Hormonal therapy
7. Symptom control
8. Complementary and alternative
9. Treatment trials
Prognosis
1. Emotional impact
Causes
1. Chemical carcinogens
2. Ionizing radiation &
Infectious diseases
3. Hormonal imbalances
& Immune system dysfunction
4. Heredity & Other causes
Pathophysiology
1. Epigenetics
2. Oncogenes
3. Tumor suppressor genes
4. Cancer cell biology
4.1 Clonal evolution
4.2 Biological properties of cancer cells
Prevention
1. Modifiable ("lifestyle") risk factors
2. Diet
3. Vitamins
4. Chemoprevention
5. Genetic testing
6. Vaccination
7. Screening
Epidemiology
History
Research |
