Cancer and the CCA’s continuing fight against it

Many people in the local community are aware, and probably even more are unaware, that the number of cancer cases in the CNMI are increasing.

Cancer has a profound effect on the diagnosed individual, family members, and on the community at large.

Previously the CNMI had been under the umbrella of the American Cancer Society, as the CNMI-ACS Presence Unit, via the Guam Chapter of the national organization. However, obtaining funding from ACS through the Guam Chapter proved to be an overwhelming and seemingly impossible task. After much careful thought and discussions, the Commonwealth Cancer Association and its main fundraising activity, “Marianas March Against Cancer,” were formed in 2003. These two organizations replace the “American Cancer Society” and it’s “Relay for Life” fundraiser respectively.

The MMAC held earlier this month was a great success, with approximately $80,000 raised by the MMAC event held May 14-15.

“Many thanks to the organizers of this event and to each participant!” the group said.

All funds raised are now kept in the CNMI, and are being used for community outreach/education on cancer, as well as the purchase of equipment. Three weeks ago two machines and chairs for the administration of intravenous cancer medications were purchased by CCA and donated to CHC.

But what exactly is cancer? Cancer is a group of diseases. It occurs when cells become abnormal and divide without control or order. More than 100 different types of cancer are known. All organs of the body are made up of many kinds of cells. Cells normally divide in an orderly way to produce more cells only when the body needs them. This process helps keep the body healthy. Cells that divide when new cells are not needed form too much tissue. The mass of extra tissue, called a tumor, can be benign or malignant.

Benign tumors are not cancer. They can usually be removed, and in most cases, they don’t grow back. Most important, the cells in benign tumors do not invade other tissues and do not spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumors usually are not a threat to life.

Malignant tumors are cancer. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Also, cancer cells can break away from a malignant tumor and enter the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. This is how cancer spreads and forms secondary tumors in other parts of the body. The spread of cancer is called metastasis.

When cancer spreads, it may travel via the blood stream or through the lymphatic system. Cancer cells, which enter the lymphatic system, are carried along by lymph—an almost colorless, watery fluid containing cells that help the body fight infection and disease. Along the lymphatic channels are groups of small, bean-shaped organs called lymph nodes (sometimes called lymph glands). A cancer which spreads to other parts of the body, remains the same cancer and retains the same name, as the original (primary) cancer e.g. if breast cancer spreads to the brain, then it is a ‘breast cancer tumor’ in the brain.

Early detection—a regular checkup including a complete physical examination, dental examination, and gynecological examination—can detect pre-cancerous conditions or the early stages of cancer.

For more information contact the Commonwealth Cancer Association at 682-0050, fax 323-6587, or e-mail acs.pwi@vzpacifica.net.