Cancer is one of the biggest health challenges that many Australians face, with more than 165,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The country has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, mainly because of the harmful effects of the sun. Even though early detection and better treatments have improved survival rates, cancer still has a big impact on individuals, families, and the healthcare system.

In this blog, we’ll talk about how to recognise cancer early on. Our goal is to give you simple, easy-to-understand info so you can better understand cancer, spot the signs, and manage the disease effectively.

Whether you’re looking for information for yourself, a loved one, or just want to know more about how Australia is tackling skin cancer, we hope this article offers some valuable insights and support in the fight against this widespread disease.

What is cancer?

Cancer refers to a broad group of diseases where some of the body’s cells become abnormal, multiply uncontrollably, invade and damage surrounding tissues, and can spread to other parts of the body, causing additional harm.

The human body is made up of trillions of cells that usually grow and divide in an orderly way. Old or damaged cells die off, and new ones take their place. But sometimes, this process goes wrong, and abnormal cells keep growing. These cells can form lumps called tumours.

Tumors can be either cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). Cancerous tumours invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body. Non-cancerous tumours don’t spread and usually don’t come back once removed, though they can still be large and cause problems, like a benign tumour in the brain.

What kinds of cancer are there?

There are heaps of different cancers, and they usually get their names from where they start in the body. For instance, bladder cancer kicks off in the bladder, prostate cancer starts in the prostate, and lung cancer begins in the lungs.

We can group these cancers into a few broad categories:

Carcinoma: These cancers start in the skin or in tissues that cover or line internal organs. An example is melanoma.

Sarcoma: These begin in bones, fat, muscles, blood vessels, or other supporting tissues. Osteosarcoma is one type.

Leukaemia: This type starts in the tissues that make blood cells, like the bone marrow. Acute myeloid leukaemia is a common example.

Lymphoma and Myeloma: These cancers start in the cells of the immune system. Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma are examples.

Central Nervous System Cancer: This begins in the brain or spinal cord. An example is glioma.

Cancer risk factors

A risk factor is something that raises your chances of getting cancer.

Different cancers come with different risk factors. Many of these are linked to lifestyle choices, like smoking, getting too much sun, or not staying active.

Cancer risk factors fall into two main groups: those you can change (modifiable) and those you can’t (non-modifiable).

 

Modifiable Risk Factors

These are things you can do something about to lower your cancer risk.

• Smoking: Using tobacco is a major cause of many cancers, especially lung cancer.
• Diet: Overeating red and processed meat, sugary drinks, and not enough fruit, veggies, and whole grains can increase your risk of cancers like bowel cancer.
• Lack of Exercise: Not being active enough raises your risk of cancers like breast and colon cancer.
• Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can lead to cancers like liver, breast, and mouth cancer.
• Sun Exposure: Too much time in the sun or using tanning beds increases the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma.
• Obesity: Being overweight is linked to a higher risk of several cancers, such as breast and bowel cancer.
• Exposure to Harmful Chemicals: Things like asbestos, benzene, and some pesticides can increase your cancer risk.
• Infections: Certain infections, like HPV and hepatitis, can increase the risk of specific cancers.
• Radiation: Exposure to radiation, whether from medical treatments or other sources, can raise your cancer risk.
• Hormone Therapy: Some hormone treatments, especially long-term use, can increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

 

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

These are things you can’t change but might still increase your risk of cancer.

• Age: The risk of cancer goes up as you get older, especially after 50.
• Family History: A history of certain cancers in your family or inherited genetic mutations can increase your risk.
• Gender: Some cancers are more common in one gender; for example, prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women.
• Ethnicity and Race: Certain cancers are more common in some racial or ethnic groups.
• Previous Cancer: If you’ve had cancer before, you might be at a higher risk of getting it again.
• Inherited Conditions: Some inherited genetic conditions can increase the risk of specific cancers.

But just because you have one or more risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll get cancer. Plenty of people have at least one risk factor but never develop cancer, and some people with cancer might not have any known risk factors at all. Even if someone with cancer has a risk factor, it’s usually tricky to figure out how much it contributed to them getting sick. By focusing on the things you can change, you can take steps to reduce your cancer risk, even though some factors are beyond your control.

In addition to understanding the risk factors, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms that could indicate the early stages of cancer. Recognizing these early warning signs can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment. Some key symptoms to watch for include:

1. Unexplained Weight Loss

• What to Watch For: Losing a significant amount of weight without trying, particularly 5 kilograms or more, could be a sign of cancer, especially cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, or lungs.

2. Persistent Fatigue

• What to Watch For: Feeling exhausted even after adequate rest can be a symptom of various cancers, including leukaemia and colon cancer.

3. Changes in Skin

• What to Watch For: Look for new moles, sores that don’t heal, or any changes in the colour, shape, or size of existing moles. Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) can also be a sign of pancreatic cancer.

4. Unexplained Pain or Discomfort

• What to Watch For: Persistent pain, particularly in the back or bones, can sometimes indicate cancer, such as ovarian cancer or bone cancer. Pain that doesn’t go away or worsens should be evaluated by a doctor.

5. Lumps or Thickening

• What to Watch For: New lumps or thickened areas in the breast, testicles, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body should be checked by a healthcare professional. Even if lumps are painless, they could be indicative of cancer.

6. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits

• What to Watch For: Persistent constipation, diarrhoea, blood in the stool, or changes in the size of the stool could signal colon cancer. Frequent urination, blood in the urine, or discomfort during urination could be signs of bladder or prostate cancer.

7. Unusual Bleeding or Discharge

• What to Watch For: Unexplained bleeding can occur in early or advanced cancer. This includes coughing up blood, blood in the stool, or vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause. Blood in the urine could also be a sign of cancer.

These signs and symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than cancer, so it’s important not to panic. However, if you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms persistently, it’s crucial to see a healthcare provider for further evaluation and testing. Early detection is key to effective treatment.

One of the leading ways to reduce cancer risk is by adopting a healthier lifestyle. This includes making mindful choices about your diet, exercise, and daily habits. For more in-depth advice on how to improve your overall well-being, be sure to check out our blog post, Ten Fundamental Guidelines for Enhanced Health and Well-being. This resource offers insightful tips that can help you make positive changes in your life, supporting both your short-term health and long-term wellness goals.

Citations:

1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Cancer in Australia.

2. Cancer Council Australia. (2023). Cancer statistics.

3. World Health Organization. (2023). Cancer Country Profile: Australia.

4. Australian Government. (2024). Cancer Australia.