Cancer is the term used to refer to a group of diseases that can affect any part of the body, and which occur due to the growth of abnormal malignant cells that multiply and spread uncontrollably in the body.
Below is an overview of the top cancer conditions affecting people across Africa according to our research at My Health Africa.
Breast Cancer
Please See a Doctor As Soon As Possible
Can be Treated by a Doctor
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breasts due to the rapid and uncontrollable growth of malignant (cancerous) cells. Some of the risk factors for this type of cancer are having excessive production of certain hormones, exposure to radiation and family history.
Prostate Cancer
Please See a Doctor As Soon As Possible
Can be Treated by a Doctor
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the prostate gland due to the rapid and uncontrollable growth of malignant (cancerous) cells. Symptoms may include difficulty with urination, but sometimes there are no symptoms at all.
Liver Cancer
Please See a Doctor As Soon As Possible
Can be Treated by a Doctor
Liver cancer is cancer that begins in the cells of your liver. Symptoms are uncommon in the early stages of liver cancer, however, as it progresses symptoms may include weight loss, stomach pain, vomiting and jaundice. Some of its symptoms are abdominal pain, vomiting and loss of appetite.
Cervical Cancer
Please See a Doctor As Soon As Possible
Can be Treated by a Doctor
Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells start to grow in the cervix rapidly and uncontrollably. This is mostly caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) which can be transmitted through sex with a person who is infected with the virus.
Kidney Cancer
Please See a Doctor As Soon As Possible
Can be Treated by a Doctor
Kidney cancer, also referred to as renal cancer, can be caused by a number of factors such as smoking, obesity and family history. Some of the symptoms a person with kidney cancer can experience include loss of appetite, blood in the urine and fever.
Bladder Cancer
Please See a Doctor As Soon As Possible
Can be Treated by a Doctor
Some of the risk factors for this cancer are chronic bladder inflammation, smoking and exposure to radiation. Bladder cancer can bring about symptoms such as presence of blood in the urine, having a burning feeling when urinating and a change in urine colour.
Colorectal Cancer
Please See a Doctor As Soon As Possible
Can be Treated by a Doctor
Colorectal cancer is also referred to as bowel cancer. It can also be referred to as colon or rectal cancer depending on where it starts; either in the colon or rectum. The symptoms for this cancer include a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool and unintentional weight loss. It can be diagnosed using a stool DNA test, sigmoidoscopy, and a blood stool test, among other tests.
