Cancer accounted for an estimate 9.6 million deaths in 2018. This cancer burden can be reduced by avoiding key risk factors, early detecttion and management of patients. The risk of developing cancer depends on genes, environment and lifestyle. If the cancer is linked to certain behaviours, it may be prevented. Here are some dos and don’ts:
Do not use tobacco (smokless and smoking) to protect against oral, lung and several other cancers
Do not drink excessive alcohol to protect against liver…
Stories
Cancer symptoms depend on the site and size of the cancer and how much it has affected the organ. If the cancer has spread, symptoms may appear in different parts of the body. Common symptoms include: Unexplained weight loss. Loss of more than 10 pounds may be the first sign. Lump under the skin. Fever, commonly seen in blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. Tiredness or fatigue that does not get better even after rest. Unhealing sores on the skin,inside the mouth or the genital area.…
Cancer is named after the part of the body where it originates. In 2018, it was estimated that 18 million cases of cancer were detected globally. The five top most common cancers among men, globally, are: Lung Prostate Colorectal Stomach Liver The five top most common cancers among women, globally, are: Breast Colorectal Lung Cervical Thyroid Other cancers include: Brain cancer Childhood cancer (neuroblastoma,Wilms’ tumour, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, retinoblastoma) Pancreatic cancer Bile duct…
Early detection can improve the effectiveness and success of the treatment. Depending on the type of cancer, the doctor may recommend some of the following: Imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans and ultrasound to locate the tumour and the organ affected by it. Blood samples are analysed for signs of cancer, which may include cancer cells, protein or other substances released by cancer cells. Examples of bloods tests include: Complete blood count: This common blood test is…
“On paper, I am better: I no longer have cancer… But off paper, I feel far from being a healthy 26-year-old woman,” said Suleika Jaouad in a New York Times article Lost in transition after cancer, documenting her battered and traumatised state after cancer treatment. Minakshi Ray, who battled breast cancer, responds to that article and offers her take on life after cancer. That I have got a second chance to live is good enough reason for me to live life more…
Nutritious foods that give you the most bang for your buck. By Dietitian and Diabetes educator Ujjwala Baxi When we hear ‘superfoods’, we think quinoa, blueberries, salmon, chia seeds etc thanks to clever marketing and hype. These are not only expensive, but can be hard to get hold of, especially in India. The good news is that there are ‘superfoods’ that are readily available and affordable, but are often ignored. They pack as much punch as the much-touted superfoods but are overlooked as…
Chemotherapy saves lives but it is dreaded for its side effects. Dr Shital Raval tells you how to get relief on common side effects like mouth sores, nausea, dry skin, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss and more. Here, how to manage some of the common side effects: Mouth sores: Apply gylcerine ointment to the sores Avoid sour or citrusy foods to help sores heal Eat cold foods like ice-cream or yoghurt with honey to soothe the discomfort Dry mouth: Suck on ice chips,…
The delay in diagnosis changes the prognosis, treatment approach, and the cost associated with it, dramatically By Jame Abraham, M.D, FACP, Cleveland Clinic Arathi is a 47-year-old, highly successful systems engineer from Mumbai. About six months ago, she noticed some discomfort in her left breast. When she raised her arm above her head to comb her hair, she noticed some skin changes on the left breast. But she chose to ignore that, too. When she developed a constant nagging pain in her…
Says Dr V Shanta, cancer specialist and the Chairperson of Adyar Cancer Institute, Chennai. Lung cancer, which is related to smoking, is today the top cancer in the country. Within the year, 15.5% of 13 to 15-year-olds are going to start smoking. Don’t let your child be one of them. Plus, how smoking harms non-smokers, too. 1. How grave is the health problem posed by tobacco use in India? How much of it relates to smoking cigarettes, beedis and how much is it due to consumption of gutka,…
Why your child is at risk and what to say to him or her. By Dr Shital Raval Patel. When you think of a smoker, you don’t think of a 10-year-old. But 67% of smokers in India start the tobacco habit between the ages of 9 and 15. According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (2006), more than one third of students aged 13 to 15 years (36.8%) reported initiating tobacco use before the age of 10 (Sinha et al., 2008). This could be cigarettes, bidis (which have three times the amount of nicotine and…
