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| About cancer: You need to know | | |  About CANCER: You need to know: In India, cancer is increasing rapidly and it is essential to step up cancer literacy and knowledge amongst the population. It is important to dispel the myths that people wrongly believe, inform them about the signs and symptoms, and make them aware about the value of screening for early detection. It is also vital to follow a healthy lifestyle, an active life combined with healthy food habits.
Myths :
Once one gets cancer, death is inevitable
Cancer is contagious
Cancer treatment is worse than having cancer itself
Tissue diagnosis with a biopsy triggers the spread of cancer to other parts
Cancers are always hereditary
Some forms of tobacco do not cause cancer
No history of substance abuse excludes any possibility of having cancer
Healthy lifestyle entails:
Not smoking or chewing tobacco
Limiting alcohol consumption
Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains
Not being overweight
Leading an active life and exercising
Sleeping for minimum 7 hours a day
Developing means to de-stress like meditation or yoga
Getting screened and doing medical check-up regularly
Signs and Symptoms:
Red or white patches and non-healing ulcers in the mouth
A lump in any part of the body
Unexplained bleeding from any part of the body
Change in mole or wart
Hoarseness, shortness of breath or difficulty in swallowing
Change in bladder or bowel habits
Change in appetite or early satiety
Unexplained fever, weight loss, night sweats, generalised weakness and feeling of unease
Breast Cancer is rapidly rising in urban areas and it is the most common cancer among women in India. Early detection is essential in its management and treatment. Due to ignorance, fear, and social stigma many women present with stage III or IV cancer which requires surgery and extensive treatment. If detected early, then in most cases there will be less aggressive treatment and better recovery.
Cervical Cancer is the second most common cancer amongst women in our country. It can be detected in the pre - cancerous phase and cured and can be prevented with the help of a vaccine.
Oral and Lung cancers are highest among men and women in the urban as well as rural population and these can also be prevented to a large extent. Therefore, making people aware of the dangers of chewing tobacco and smoking is of great benefit.
For many people, cancer can be treated successfully. In fact, more people than ever before lead full lives after cancer treatment. It is imperative that we bust the myths surrounding cancer diagnosis and care so that the developments made in cancer management can be extended fully to the general population. |
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