Basic information regarding Cancer ?

The word ‘Cancer’ word frightens everybody. It is not a disease in fact it is a group of diseases. It is important to understand that when something keeps growing in body our body and if the body fails to control it and if the growth is purposeless; it is cancer. Except for blood cancer, all other cancers take the shape of a tumor (mars).But all tumors or masses are not cancers.

Tobacco is the greatest cause of cancer in India. It is not only found in the form of a cigarette but is also found as bidi, gutka and smokeless tobacco like khaini. Tobacco use in addition to poor mouth hygiene and an unhealthy diet can complicate the situation. Please also note that the alcohol use in combination with smoking can cause a number of cancers.  The general request to the Bihar government is to step forward and just as they had banned the use of alcohol in the state, it is time that they also ban the use of tobacco. Bihar today is the mouth cancer capital of the country and an estimated 20 lakhs deaths happen due to cancer in the state.

Preventing Cancer:

To prevent cancer a good lifestyle, balanced diet and excellent personal hygiene is important. Moreover, it is important to note that cancers are hereditary. Hence if you have a cancer history, there is a high probability that your future generations shall also be suffering from this fatal and deadly disease. It is also recommended that men and women get themselves vaccinated for few of the cancers for which the vaccinations are available.

The last and the most important point is early detection and timely treatment. In cancer, it is exceptionally important that you get treated at the right time and are given the right medical treatment. Any delay can complicate the situation and can make cancer aggressive. Hence if you are experiencing any abnormality, it is best advised that you consult a cancer specialist at the earliest.

C A U T I O N – The signs and symptoms of cancer:

• Change in bowel or bladder habit
• A sore that doesn’t in 2-3 weeks
• Unusual bleeding or discharge.
• Thickenings or lump in breast or elsewhere.
• Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.
• Obvious change inward or mole.
• Nagging cough or hoarseness of voice and marked weakness anaemia etc.