Get Clear Facts on Cancer

Cancer evokes terror in heart. But, contrary to myths, cancer is curable, you only need to nab the warning signs early.

We tell you seven classsic warning signs of cancer–

CAUTION

C-Change in bowel or bladder habits
A-A sore that does not heal
U-Unusual bleeding or discharge from any body orifices
T-Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere
I-Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
O-Obvious change in a wart or mole
N-Nagging cough or hoarseness
If anybody observes these symptoms, please do not neglect them but pay a visit to a health professional.

Identify carcinogens

A carcinogen is an agent that can cause cancer. Some commonly known carcinogens include asbestos, radon, certain pesticides, arsenic and tobacco smoke.

Dr. Indu Bansal, Radiation Oncologist shares, “40% of cancer related deaths are tobacco related.” One-third of all cancers are caused by tobacco.

1. Smokeless tobacco—gutka is a powerful carcinogen as well.
2. Over exposing your skin to the sun could give you skin cancer. The ultraviolet rays can cause cancer.
3. Research has shown that barbecueing meats releases cancer causing chemicals.
4. Exposure to x-rays and gamma rays and chemicals are linked to an increase in cancer.
5. Flavorings. Popcorn lung, officially called bronchiolitis obliterans, afflict people who work in microwave popcorn plants mixing large vats of flavors.
6. Chemicals—chlorine. Though it helps disinfect water, its byproducts are capable of causing a range of illnesses, including lung cancer.
7. Viruses can cause genetic change in cells that can make them vulnerable to cancers.
8. Cervical cancer and the genital wart virus, HPV is linked together.
   So is primary liver cancer and the Hepatitis B and C virus.
9. In adults human T cell leukaemia virus is linked with Tcell leukaemia.
   Helicobacter pylori virus that cause stomach ulcers target stomach cancer.
   Epsteinbar virus is known to cause burkitts lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The Catalyst—It pays to know about a disease that is the fourth-largest killer disease in India. What can cause cancer?

o Genetic makeup

o Advancing age

o Obesity

o Lack of exercise

o Diet lacking in fruits and vegetables

o Tobacco—cigarettes and gutka

o Carcinogens

Doc Speaks

Dr. S.V.S Deo, Associate Professor of Surgical Oncology with AIIMS gives FIVE hot tips to defeat cancer.

1. Cancer is largely a preventable disease. 60 to 70% of cancer is preventable.
2. Stay away from tobacco in all forms.
3. Cut down on red meat, alcohol, fight obesity and use sunscreens when outdoors.
4. Annual physical examination.
5. Male above 50 years should get themselves screened against prostate and colon cancer; women more than 40 should go for their mammograms, once in three years

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