According to data released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there were a staggering 9.96 million cancer deaths worldwide in 2020.
It is estimated that up to 90% of these deaths are due to metastasis from cancer. Cancer metastasis, like the tentacles of a demon, reaches deep into the patient's body, making it impossible for people to escape its clutches.
Cancer metastasis refers to the fact that tumor cells leave the primary lesion, like prisoners escaping from a cage, and take root in other parts of the body through blood, lymph and other routes, and grow new tumors wantonly.
This is because cancer cells are so strong that once they accumulate to a certain extent, they can penetrate tissues or shed to find a new place to live.
At the same time, an environment conducive to the metastasis of cancer cells provides a breeding ground for them to grow and multiply in new locations. Cancer metastasis not only poses a huge threat to the physical and mental health of patients, but also brings a heavy burden to families.
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Doctor: Before cancer cells metastasize and spread, there are usually 7 manifestations on the body, don't ignore them
Metastasis and spread of cancer cells is a critical stage in the development of cancer. Before this stage, the body may exhibit some unusual symptoms.
These symptoms may be mild, but they are important signals that our body sends to us. Here are some common physical manifestations of cancer cells before they metastasize and spread:
1. Persistent fatigue. When cancer cells multiply in the body, they consume a lot of energy and nutrients. As a result, patients may feel unusually tired and weak before the cancer cells metastasize and spread.
2. Pain and discomfort. As cancer cells grow and spread, they may compress or infiltrate surrounding normal tissues, causing pain and discomfort. This pain may occur in specific parts of the body, such as bone pain, chest pain, or headache, among others.
3. Persistent fever. Cancer cells may clog lymphatic vessels or produce special chemicals as they grow, causing the body to continue to heat up. This fever is usually not caused by an infection, so medications such as antibiotics often don't relieve symptoms.
4. Weight loss. Cancer cells consume a lot of nutrients as they grow, leading to weight loss. Even with a normal diet, weight will gradually decrease.
5. Swollen lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are part of the body's immune system, and they collect in the area around the cancer to fight cancer cells. Therefore, swollen lymph nodes can be a sign that cancer cells have spread.
6. Skin changes. Cancer cells can affect the normal function of the skin, causing abnormal changes in color, texture or temperature of the skin. These changes may appear in distant parts of the cancer, such as orange peel changes in the skin of breast cancer patients.
7. Digestive problems. As cancer cells grow and spread, they may affect the normal functioning of the digestive system, leading to digestive problems such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, among others.
These symptoms can vary from person to person and may overlap with other conditions. Therefore, if one or more of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention in time for early detection and treatment of cancer.
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These 4 types of cancer are prone to recurrence and metastasis after surgery
For some cancers, there is still a higher risk of recurrence and metastasis, even after surgical removal. Here are four types of cancers that are prone to recurrence and metastasis after surgery:
1. Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is a common malignancy of the digestive tract. Even after early detection and surgical resection, a subset of patients will develop recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, adjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are needed postoperatively to reduce the risk of recurrence and metastasis.
2. Breast cancer
Breast cancer is a common malignancy in women. Although breast cancer surgery techniques are very mature, some patients still have postoperative recurrence and metastasis. For high-risk patients, a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and endocrine therapy is needed to reduce the risk of recurrence and metastasis.
3. Lung cancer
Lung cancer is a common malignancy with high morbidity and mortality. Even after surgical resection, some patients still experience recurrence and metastasis. Adjuvant therapy such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy is required after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence and metastasis.
4. Liver cancer
Liver cancer is a common malignancy with high morbidity and mortality. Liver cancer is highly malignant, and even after surgical resection, some patients will still have recurrence and metastasis. For high-risk patients, adjuvant therapy such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy is needed to reduce the risk of recurrence and metastasis.
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How can I prevent cancer cells from recurring and metastasizing after surgery?
First, patients need to follow their doctor's advice, take their medications on time, and complete a follow-up treatment plan such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. These treatment options help kill the remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
In addition, patients should maintain good lifestyle habits, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. This helps to strengthen the body's immunity and resistance, reducing the likelihood of cancer cells coming back. At the same time, it is important to have regular follow-up tests to detect any possible recurrence or metastasis in a timely manner.
In addition, psychological state also has a certain impact on the recurrence and metastasis of cancer. Patients should maintain a positive attitude and learn how to cope with stress and anxiety, such as psychological counseling or meditation. These psychological supports help patients stay calm and relaxed, reducing the body's stress response, which reduces the risk of cancer cells growing and metastasizing.
In conclusion, preventing cancer cell recurrence and metastasis requires multifaceted efforts. Patients should actively cooperate with the doctor's treatment plan, maintain good lifestyle habits and mentality, and have regular follow-ups.