What is cancer?

Cancer is an abnormal growth which occurs in any organ in the body. some could grow very fast and lead to death in a short period of time(malignant cancers).others grow relatively slow(benign cancers).Reproductive cancers can affect any of the reproductive organs. In most cases, people develop cancer when they are much older. However, they often been exposed to the factors that predisposes to cancer were they were younger e.g. when they were adolescents. it is therefore important for adolescents to know about factors which can lead to development of cancer later in life so they can avoid them during their youth

CANCER OF THE BREAST AND REPRODUCTIVE TRACT

The commonest cancer in women is the breast cancer. Cancer of the breast can also occur in men.

Common cancers of the reproductive tracts are as follows:

Cancers in females

a. Cancer of there cervix (the commonest reproductive tract cancer in women)

b. Cancer of the Ovary

c. Cancer of the Uterus

Cancers in males

a. Cancer of the prostate gland (the commonest reproductive tract cancer in men)

b. cancer of the testes

CAUSES OF CANCER

The cause of cancer is largely unknown; however some factors which predispose one to cancer are known. These include:

1. Smoking

2. Exposure to radiation

3. Eating some foods e.g. smoked foods, processed foods, spicy foods

4. Family history

The human papiloma virus (HPV) has being i identified as the cause of cervical cancer. the virus is transmitted through sexual intercourse. Other factors which increase the risk of developing cervical cancer in HPV-infected women are as follows;

A. early initiation of sex

B .Having five or more pregnancies

C.Smoking

D.Co-infection with Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus, long term use of oral contraceptives and immune suppression

SYMPTOMS OF CANCER

An unusual growth of the affected organ

Pain

Bleeding

Weight loss

In cancers where the internal reproductive organs are affected, the usual growth / swelling is not seen and the person only has symptoms like pain, difficulty passing urine When the Cancer Other Problems or invades other organs

TREATMENT OF CANCER

Surgery to remove the cancer

Chemotherapy – The Use of anti cancer drugs

Radiotherapy

PREVENTION OF CANCER

The cause of most cancers is not known therefore making prevention difficult. Abstaining from sexual intercourse will protect a female from getting infested with HPV and thus reduce the likelihood of having cervical cancer.

Vaccines against some type of the HPV have been developed

Screening is an important aspect of protection. it help  to detect the cancer in the very early stage. Regular breast self examination for lump/swellings in the breast helps to detect cancer early. This should be done by both boys and girls. Screening for cervical cancer is also available

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