Cancer and its Management

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells that may affect almost any tissue of the body. Lung, colorectal and stomach cancer are among the five most common cancers in the world for both men and women. Among men, lung and stomach cancer are the most common cancers worldwide. For women, the most common cancers are breast and cervical cancer. More than 10 million people are diagnosed with cancer every year. It is estimated that there will be 15 million new cases every year by 2020. Cancer causes 6 million deaths every year – or 12% of deaths worldwide. Cancer medicine is one of the most rapidly changing of all medical specialities. As the incidence of cancer increases and our ability to treat and palliate symptoms become more refined, it is vital that busy health care professionals (many of whom are not cancer specialists) are kept abreast of developments in cancer and its management. Not long ago most cancers were treated either by surgery or local radiotherapy, with almost no hope of success if the cancer had spread to involve local lymph nodes, or if distant metastases were present. Recent advances in chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging have transformed clinical practice. Progress in cell biology has led to a far greater understanding of the process of malignant transformation.