FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There are billions of cells in the human body. Normally, they grow in a well-regulated pattern. When cancer sets in, a group of cells suddenly starts multiplying haphazardly to form a lump or "tumor".

No. Since cancer is not caused by a germ, it is not infectious, and cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

In 3ways

• Cancer cells grow through the walls of blood vessels and are carried by the blood stream to other parts of the body
• They enter the lymphatic stream and are carried to lymph glands
• They grow directly from one tissue to anothe

There are seven common ones. They are often called the Seven Danger Signals of Cancer:

• Change in bowel or bladder habits
• Sores that do not heal
• Unusual bleeding or discharge
• Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere
• Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
• Obvious change in wart or mole
• Nagging cough or hoarseness

You should at once consult a doctor upon the appearance of any sign

Though it is very difficult to pinpoint the definite cause, certain substances, known as carcinogens, can definitely increase your chances of getting cancer. For instance, people who smoke or chew tobacco are more prone to mouth, throat and lung cancer. Contrary to popular opinion, smoking beedi is twice as dangerous as cigarettes. Continued irritation of tissues can lead to cancer. Pollution, preserved food, smoked and junk food also contribute to developing cancer. Even certain viruses can cause cancer (EBV, Hepatitis B, and HPV). Amongst other known causes is asbestos, arsenic, pitch, tar, ultra violet rays etc.

Cancer Deaths can be reduced by following means:

• Cancer is preventable by avoiding tobacco (chewing or smoking), vegetarian diet with high roughage and low fat, no alcohol and use of fresh fruits and fresh vegetables
• Early detection by screening before symptoms appears
• Treating symptomatic patients early with multimodal treatment
• Provide good care under one roof with all ultramodern gadgetry. Even if it is advanced disease, try to improve quality of life

Cancer is, after all, a hereditary condition. This is due to the fact that cancer is produced by mutations or changes in genes that control how our cells function, causing them to behave abnormally. These mutations can be inherited, as they are in around 5-10% of all cancer cases, but they are considerably more likely to occur over a person's lifetime due to circumstances other than genetics.

Cancer usually has four stages: I, II, III, and IV (1 through 4). Some malignancies have a stage 0 diagnosis (zero). These stages are as follows:

Stage 0: This indicates that the cancer is still present where it began and has not migrated to neighbouring tissues. Cancers in stage 0 are frequently cured.

Stage I: This is a tiny tumour or cancer that hasn't spread much into the surrounding tissues. It's also known as early-stage cancer.

Stages II and III: These stages usually indicate bigger malignancies or tumours that have penetrated deeper into the surrounding tissues. They may have also migrated to the lymph nodes. They haven't spread to any other organs or sections of the body, though.

Stage IV: The cancer has spread to other organs at this point.

Early detection increases the chances of treating cancer. The Indian Cancer Society and other organisations advise that you pay attention to the following seven cancer warning signs:

– Bowel or bladder habits that have changed

- Extraordinary hemorrhage or discharge

- An open wound that refuses to heal

- Difficulty in swallowing due to indigestion

- Hoarseness or a persistent cough

- A bulge or thickening in the breast or elsewhere

- A noticeable alteration in a wart or mole

A physician can identify cancer by taking a patient's medical history, performing routine examinations, running cancer screening tests, using imaging techniques, and performing tissue biopsy.

• breast
• lung
• colon and rectum
• prostate
• skin
• stomach

Avoid using tobacco.

Maintain a balanced diet.

Maintain a healthy weight and engage in regular physical activity.

Sun protection is essential.

Vaccinate yourself.

Avoid taking chances.

Obtain frequent medical attention.