Cancer: Act Early and Reduce the Risk
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a condition where cells in the body grow in an uncontrolled way. It can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body. Globally, cancer cases are projected to hit 33 million annually by 2050. In Kenya, it is the third leading cause of death, claiming 80 lives every day. The top cancers in women are breast and cervical cancers while top cancers in men are prostate and esophageal cancers.
What happens exactly?
Our bodies are made of cells that typically grow and divide in an orderly process. When cells grow old or become damaged, they die, and new cells take their place. Cancer occurs when this orderly process breaks down.
Abnormal or damaged cells begin to multiply when they shouldn’t, sometimes forming lumps of tissue known as tumors.
- Benign Tumors: These are non-cancerous. They don’t spread to nearby tissues and, once removed, usually don’t return.
- Cancerous (Malignant) Tumors: These can invade nearby tissues and spread to distant parts of the body
- Blood Cancers: In conditions like leukemia, the cancerous cells often do not form solid tumors but affect the blood and bone marrow.
Not all cancers can be prevented but many risks can be reduced
Cancer risk is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. While some cancers develop due to factors beyond our control, such as family history and age, many are linked to modifiable behaviours and exposures.
Key risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and obesity. Prolonged exposure to environmental and occupational hazards, such as air pollution, chemicals, and excessive sun exposure can also increase cancer risk.
In addition, certain infections, including HPV, hepatitis B and C, are known contributors to specific cancers.
Does cancer have signs and symptoms?
Cancer can sometimes be “silent” in its early stages, but often it provides subtle clues.
Listen to your body and be mindful of changes such as;
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying or a sudden loss of appetite.
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.
- Skin & Body Changes: New lumps, unusual swelling, or changes in moles.
- Persistent Pain: Aching or pain in the body that is new or unusual for you.
- Functional Changes: Changes in bowel or bladder habits, trouble swallowing, or persistent nausea.
- Unusual Bleeding: This includes bruising easily or noticing blood where it shouldn’t be.
Reducing your risk of cancer
- Know your family history and get regular cancer screening
- Receive recommended vaccinations
- Lose weight if you’re overweight and maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
- Follow advice on sunscreen and sun safety to protect your skin
- Eat a balanced diet and cut back on sugar and refined carbs
- Get active; regular movement helps reduce sedentary time
Early screening and diagnosis is key for better outcomes, fewer complications, and lower treatment costs.
Making informed lifestyle choices and promoting awareness can significantly lower cancer risk and improve long‑term health outcomes.
Call/SMS 0780425946 to enroll into the Lifestyle Management Program by Jubilee Health Insurance.