WHAT IS CANCER?
Normal cells grow and divide to make new cells because the body needs them.
When normal cells get older or get damaged, they die, and new cells take their place. Sometimes, this process goes wrong. New cells structure when the body needn't bother with them, and old or harmed cells don't pass on as they should .
The buildup of additional cells often forms a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor.
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| Battle Against Cancer |
TYPES OF TUMOURS
Benign Tumours:
Are rarely a threat to life.
can be evacuated and ordinarily don't develop back.
Don't invade the tissue around them.
It is important to prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
Malignant Tumours:
May be a threat to life.
Can grow back after they are removed.
Cancer has the potential to invade and damage nearby tissues and organs.
Furthermore, it can metastasize, spreading to other parts of the body.
CANCER FACTS
Good News
Disease is reparable, whenever identified early and treated expeditiously at great malignant growth places.
It is possible to prevent 30-50% cancer by adopting healthy life styles.
It is possible to detect 10-20% cancers by self examination and 50-60% cancers by Annual Cancer Check ups.
No branch of medicine has progressed as much as oncology resulting in better diagnostic and treatment options.
The availability of comprehensive cancer centers is progressively expanding.
Cancer treatment is very expensive because of R & D, custom duties and other taxes on infrastructure requirements and becomes unaffordable for masses.
Lakhs of cancer patients die because of :-
Delayed diagnostic and lack of treatment facilities in the local areas.
Denied treatment because of misconceptions that cancer is not curable.
No inclination in insuring health.
CAUSES OF CANCER
Tobacco and tobacco products initiate cancer.
Alcohol promotes cancer.
High fat foods and overweight.
Infections Helicobacter Pylori, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Human Papilloma virus etc.
Environmental Pollution, extensive use of pesticides in agriculture, exposure to radiation and asbestos.
Genetic.
Unknown.
COMMON PREDISPOSING FACTORS
Chronic Constipation.
Chronic Acidity.
Poor Water Intake.
Sleep Deficit.
Stress.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS
For Lung Cancer
Smoking (Bidi cigarette, Hookaha, Curat, cigar etc.)
Passive smoking.
Environment Pollution.
Access consumption of alcohol.
For Oral Cancer
Smoking(Bidi cigarette, Hukka, Curat, Pipe etc.)
Use of Tobacco or Tobacco products ( paan, paan masala,supari, khaini etc)
Use of tobacco manjan and tobacco paste.
For Cancer Cervix
Early marriage.
Multiple pregnancies.
Multiple sex partners.
For Breast Cancer
Early menstruation.
Late Marriage.
No breast feeding.
No children
SEVEN WARNING SIGNS OF CANCER
- Unusual bleeding/ discharge from any part of the body.
- A sore which does not heal for more than 2-3 weeks.
- Change in bowel or bladder habits.
- Nagging cough/ hoarseness which does not get better in 2-3 weeks.
- Difficulty in swallowing.
- Knot in bosom or other piece of the body.
- Obvious change in the size, shape and colour of the moles.
COMMON CANCERS PREVELENT IN INDIA
Men:-Oral Cavity, Lung, Stomach, Colorectal, Pharynx, Prostate and Lymphoma.
Women:-Breast, Cervix, Colorectal, Ovary, Lip and oral Cavity.
TYPES OF CANCER PREVENTION
PRIMARY PREVENTION
Means that we should not get cancer at all.
SECONDARY PREVENTION
Even if we get cancer.
We should not suffer.
We should not die.
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| Battle Against Cancer |
HOW TO ACHIEVE PRIMARY PREVENTION ?
Avoid active and passive smoking. e.g. Cigarette, Beeri, Cigar, Churat Pan Masala, Gutka, Kheni e.tc.
Have a healthy diet i.e. eat whole grains,fresh fruits and vegetables.
Cutoff unhealthy nourishments with high substance of sugar and fat.
Limit your alcohol intake.
Keep away from red meats, smoked or relieved nourishments, hot nourishment/drinks in plastic holders.
Exercise regularly and actively.
Know your own and family ancestry of malignant growth.
Dodge presentation to cleaning liquids, paints,thinners, pesticides, fungicides, chemicals,Plastic compartments having hot bubbling nourishment.
Avoid multiple sex partners.
Practice sun security and perceive when skin changes happen.
Treatment of HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Papilloma Virus.
Vaccination for
Hepatitis B.
Human Papilloma Virus.
HPV Vaccine
HPV vaccines-Two types of vaccines are available.
Gardasil- against four most common types of HPV 6,11,16 & 18.
Cervarix- against two most common types of HPV 16 and 18.
Recommended for all females between 9 to 45 years of age group.
HPV Vaccine schedule
Age15 – 45 years - 3 doses 0,2 month and 6 months.
Age 9-14 years - 2 doses 0 and 6 months.
Women who have received the HPV vaccine still need regular cervical screening because 30% of cervical cancers are caused by other HPV types.
HOW TO ACHIEVE SECONDARY PREVENTION?
Monthly Self examination.
Cancer Screening/ Annual Health Checkup which will include complete physical examination & the following.
CANCER SCREENING IN WOMEN
Who is at High Risk of getting carcinoma
Known cases of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
First degree family members with BRCA 1 or 2.
Radiation therapy administered to the chest during the ages of 10 to 30 years.
SCREENING TECHNIQUES FOR CERVICAL CANCER
Pap Smear (Conventional/ Liquid) based.
HPV Testing.
Colposcopy.
SCREENING METHODS FOR OVARIAN CANCER
Serum CA125.
Transvaginal ultrasonogram.
STEPS FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS
Each and each individual should do self examination once a month.
Each and each individual visiting his / her doctor for any ailment should be screened for cancer.
It is recommended to undergo annual cancer check-ups at specialized cancer hospitals.
Suspected cancer cases should be investigated urgently to verify or rule out cancer.
HOW TO INCREASE CHANCES OF CANCER CURE
Monthly Self Examination.
Annual Health Check ups.
Complete diagnostic check up to confirm rule out cancer.
Staging work up to find out the stagprotocols disease.
HOW TO INCREASE CHANCES OF CANCER CURE
Tumour Board evaluation to plan the standard treatment as per National / International protocols.
All Cancer patients should be treated at NABH Accredited Cancer Hospitals only.
All Cancer Surgeries should be performed by Surgical Oncologists and not by General Surgeons.
All Chemotherapy should be given by medical oncologists and not by surgical oncologists or Radiation Oncologists.
Having faith in oneself, in God, and in the treating team is an important aspect of coping with a medical condition.
Positive attitude - will to fight cancer.
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