CancerEph 5:15

Cancer

The uncontrolable growth of abnormal cells The body is always producing cells, but

sometimes the body begins to produce abnormal cells▪ The abnormal growth of tissue is called a

tumor▪ Some tumors are benign – noncancerous

Generally are not dangerous, simply need to be removed to allow body parts to properly function

▪ Some tumors are malignant – cancerous Dangerous because it will spread to other parts of

the body These cells kill healthy cells, and put pressure on

organs

Cancer

Your immune system usually destroys abnormal cells But if the immune system is weakened,

or the number of cancer cells is overwhelming, cancer develops

5-10% of cancers are hereditary 60% of cancers cane be prevented

through healthy choices▪ Smoking, exposure to UV light

Types of Cancer

Cancer is classified by the tissue it affects Lymphomas – immune system Leukemias – blood-forming organs Carcinomas – glands, body linings (skin,

intestine) Sarcomas – connective tissues, bones,

musle

Types of Cancer

Skin (1 million cases a year) - exposure to UV light

Breast (205,000 cases a year) – genetic factors, obesity, alcohol use, physical activity can contribute

Prostrate – (189,000) – mostly men over 55, partially hereditary and link to high fat diet

Lung (169,400) – smoke, asbestos Colon/Rectum (148,00) – age Mouth (30,000) – use of tobacco/alcohol

Risk Factors

Tobacco Use is the major cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. About 87% if lung cancer deaths are

caused by smoking Sexually Transmitted Diseases

(STDs)- can cause cervical and liver cancer

Diet – diets high in fat and low in fiber contribute to cancer

Radiation – exposure to UV light

Our Faith

Again we see that many types of cancer come from poor decisions on our part When we don’t take care of our bodies

as God has attended, things can happen to make our lives very difficult

Not all cancer is a result of our poor decisions, but there are many forms we could avoid (Eph 5:15: “Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise…”

Detecting Cancer

The earlier it is detected, the better the chance of survival There are numerous self-exams for

breast, testes, and skin Regular medical visits will look for early

warning signs

Treating Cancer

Surgery – removes some or all of cancerous masses

Radiation therapy – aims rays for radioactive substances at cancerous cells, killing the cells

Chemotherapy – using chemicals to kill cells

Immunotherapy – activates immune system t recognize and destroy cancerous cells

Hormone Therapy – medicine that interferes with the production of hormones.

CAUTION

C – change in bowel habits A – a sore that does not heal U – unusual bleeding or discharge T – Thickening of lump I – Indigestion or difficulty swallowing O – obvious change in wart or mole N – nagging cough of hoarseness