CANCER 101: How Cancer Develops, Types and it's Prevalence in Ghana

 Understanding Cancer: Formation, Types, and Prevalence in Ghana

What is Cancer?

Overall, cancer is a collection of diseases associated with uncontrolled cell growth and division. Cancer cells, however, do not have this regulation — they grow and proliferate at the expense of their normal counterparts. These cells can then also form tumours in which cancer cells grow and multiply to invade surrounding tissues, or spread through the blood and lymphatic system when they enter a vessel of these systems where new vessels have previously started growing, resulting ultimately at more distant points within other bodies.

How is Cancer Formed? 

The development of cancer, in general is associated with disruptions to the DNA of a cell circulates. The various factors that can lead to these mutations include(statement):

Genetic make-up: DNA abnormalities that are inherited lead to many kinds of cancers.

Environmental Factors: Exposure to cancer-causing agents such as tobacco smoke, asbestos and certain chemicals.

Lifestyle factors: poor diet, lack of physical activity and alcohol over consumption

Infections: While certain viruses and bacteria can cause cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV) with the Helicobacter pylori at maximum are among infections.

Radiation: Ultraviolet rays, ionizing radiation These mutations give rise to aberrant cells that multiply infinitely, evade death and can potentially turn into tumours.

Types of Cancer

By origin of the by cancer cells: there are several main types:-

Carcinomas: start in the epithelial cells, which include cancers of the breast (the most common type of cancer), colon, lung, prostate and pancreas.

Sarcomas: cancers that originate in bone, muscle or connective tissue

Leukemia: a Cancer of the blood-forming tissues like bone marrow and those in lymphatic system

Lymphomas: Cancers that begin in the lymphatic system, which can affect lymph nodes or other areas of this network.

Melanomas: These cancers begin in melanocytes, the cells that make pigment in the skin.

Most Common Cancers in Ghana

Cancer prevalence and types in Ghana, as with many other countries — can be affected by lifestyle factors such physical activity levels; environmental exposures (lung infections) & genetic predispositions. Majority of the cancers in Ghana is made up of;

Breast cancer :

The leading cancer among women, with a significant number of cases diagnosed at a late stage. It comes down to a mixture of genetics, hormonal influences and lifestyle choices. High morbidity and mortality related to late-stage diagnosis with limited access to appropriate therapeutic interventions that could improve survival.

Cervical Cancer: 

Especially common in women, often caused by a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Prevention crucial through cervical cancer screening and vaccination It has reduced mortality in countries wealthy enough to afford comprehensive screening and vaccination programs but persists as a leading cause of cancer deaths everywhere from Botswana, which doesn't yet offer vaccines, to Ghana.

Prostate Cancer : 

Most men (risk increases with age and genetic predisposition). Mortality is high as most are diagnosed in late stage.

Lung cancer:

Not as common but increasingly becoming a risk, especially for smokers and workers exposed to environmental pollutants. This has resulted in a high mortality rate secondary to late presentation of symptoms.

 Colorectal Cancer. 

An emerging concern, influenced by dietary habits and lifestyle. Mortality rates are increasing with the rising incidence of the disease.

Conclusion

Cancer is a significant burden on public health in Ghana, and continues to be one of the common causes of deaths. Knowledge of the cancers, their origin and factors responsible for their high prevalence is indispensable to better prevention, early detection & treatment. Such endeavours as lifestyle risk factors, screening programmes and accessibility to health-care must be pursued for mitigation of cancer morbidity.

Cancer mortality rate statistics in Ghana 2022