LEARNING CONTENT:What Is Cancer?Cancer is the general name for a group of more than 100 diseases. Although there are many kinds of cancer, all cancers start because abnormal cells grow out of control. Untreated cancers can cause serious illness and death.How normal cells actThe body is made up of trillions of living cells. Normal body cells grow, divide to make new cells, and die in an orderly way. During the early years of a persons life, normal cells divide faster to allow the person to grow. After the person becomes an adult, most cells divide only to replace worn-out or dying cells or to repair injuries.How cancer startsCancer starts when cells in a part of the body start to grow out of control. Cancer cell growth is different from normal cell growth. Instead of dying, cancer cells continue to grow and form new, abnormal cells. Cancer cells can also invade (grow into) other tissues, something that normal cells cant do. Growing out of control and invading other tissues are what makes a cell a cancer cell.How cancer spreadsCancer cells often travel to other parts of the body where they can grow and form new tumors that crowd out normal tissue. This happens when the cancer cells get into the bodys bloodstream or lymph vessels. The process of cancer spreading is calledmetastasis.What Causes Cancer?Cancer is a complex group of diseases with many possible causes. The known causes of cancer include genetic factors; lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, diet, and physical activity; certain types of infections; and environmental exposures to different types of chemicals and radiation.Cervical Cancer Awareness Cervical Cancer Awareness Monthis a campaign held every May to raise public awareness on the prevention, early detection, and control ofcervical cancerin the Philippines.BackgroundThe Department of Health (DOH) celebrates the said campaign yearly since the promulgation of Proclamation No. 368 which declares the month of May every year as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.Causes of Cervical Cancer Disorders that weaken the immune system like HIV/AIDS Intercourse at an early age Failure to receive regular pap smear screening Having multiple sexual partners Having a sexual partner infected withHuman papillomavirus(HPV) Multiple pregnancies SmokingPreventionTo prevent women from developing cancer, screening must be done together with promotion of healthy lifestyle practices such as: Being monogamous Delaying sex on early age Not smoking Proper diet and nutrition Vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It must be noted that HPV vaccination is not a substitute for the routine cervical cancer screening using VIA or Pap Smear Test.DetectionSince cancer of the cervix has no definite symptom, health experts advise women to have a regular pap smear and undergo vaccination, one shot for two consecutive months and the third after six months.Once in its advanced stage, afflicted women may experience the following: Unpleasant vaginal discharge Pain during and bleeding after intercourse Bleeding after menopause Bleeding from the rectum Anemia Pelvic, leg, and back pain Urinary problems Weight lossBreast Cancer AwarenessBreast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM)is also referred to locally as the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). It is an annual campaign on breast cancer awareness during the month of October. Its aim is to tap public consciousness about breast cancer, fund raising, information dissemination and support for the afflicted.Causes of Cervical Cancer Some risk factors, like a person's age or race, can't be changed. Others are linked to cancer-causing factors in the environment. Still others are related to personal behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, and diet. Some factors influence risk more than others, and your risk for breast cancer can change over time, due to factors such as aging or lifestyle.Breast Awareness Code Know what is normal for you Know what changes to look and feel for Look and feel Report any changes to your OB-Gynecologist without delay Attend for routine breast screening if you are aged 50 or overObservations Size - if one breast becomes larger, or lower Nipples - if a nipple becomes inverted (pulled in) or changes position or shape Rashes - on or around the nipple Discharge - from one or both nipples Skin changes - puckering or dimpling Swelling - under the armpit or around the collarbone (where the lymph nodes are) Pain - continuous, in one part of the breast or armpit Lump or thickening - different to the rest of the breast tissue.Prevention Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health Clinical breast exam (CBE) about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care provider. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. Some women because of their family history, a genetic tendency, or certain other factors should be screened with MRI in addition to mammograms.