Cancer is defined as uncontrolled and unregulated multiplication of abnormal cells in the body, which leads to formation of a malignant growth.
Overview:
Cancer is defined as uncontrolled and unregulated multiplication of abnormal cells in the body, which leads to formation of a malignant growth. According to statistics, the incidence of cancer in India is on the rise. Out of every four cancer patients in the world one is an Indian. Substances which increase the risk of cancer are known as carcinogens. The most common risk factors for cancer include smoking, alcohol and tobacco chewing. Certain viral infections such as Hepatitis B can lead to liver cancer while the Human Papilloma Virus is the causative agent for Cervical Cancer. Excessive consumption of red meat can lead to intestine cancer and excessive exposure to ultra-violet rays can increase the risk of Skin Cancers.
Common Cancers & Symptoms:
Common cancers in India include Head and Neck Cancer, Breast Cancer, Oesophageal Cancer and Cervical Cancer. Early symptoms of cancer include non-healing ulcer in the mouth, abnormal bleeding from throat, hoarseness of voice, chronic cough that is unresponsive to symptomatic treatment, blood in sputum, blood in vomitus, weight loss, loss of appetite, blood in stools and irregular vaginal bleeding in women.
Diagnosis:
Cancer diagnosis is usually performed after FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) or Biopsy. Cancer treatment is always initiated after the histological confirmation of diagnosis. Certain radiological tests such as CT scan, MRI, bone scan and PET-CT scan are performed to stage the disease. The treatment depends on the stage of the disease and type of cancer.
Treatment Options:
Treatment options for cancer include Surgical Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology. If cancer is detected at an early stage, it is curable. Cancer is not a communicable disease. It can be detected early with screening tests such as annual mammography for women after the age of 40 to detect early Breast Cancer, annual pap smear to detect early cervical cancer, serum PSA evaluation to detect prostate cancer, colonoscopy to detect intestine cancers and low dose CT scan of the chest for lung cancer.
Preventions:
In order to prevent cancer, one should have a healthy lifestyle such as regular exercise, balanced healthy diet, which should include green vegetables and fibre. Avoid excessive intake of red meat products and exposure to pollution. Certain vaccines have become available which reduce the chances of cancer. Oral intake of antioxidants has been considered to reduce the recurrence of cancer.
