“You know, he was diagnosed with cancer and he was such a healthy person!” This is a statement that we seem to be hearing too much today. From knowing someone, who knew someone with Cancer, this disease has spread to such an extent that we all know someone in our immediate circle who lives with Cancer. In fact, cancer is the second leading cause of death in India, right after heart attacks.

In India, Dr. Arvind Kumar, Director of the Institute for Robotic Surgery at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, claims that cancer is responsible for 700,000 deaths with 1.1 million new cases each year. In addition, there are more than 3 million patients suffering from cancer on any given day. Furthermore, the ICMR (Indian Council for Medical Research) has found that nearly 1,300 cancer patients die every day. The research also showed that men are reporting higher cases of lung, stomach, esophagus, and mouth cancers, while women are heavily affected by cancers of the breast, cervix, mouth, and esophagus.

What is cancer?

Cancer in simple terms is the abnormal growth of cells in our body that attack healthy cells and can cause a harmful growth known as a tumor. When left untreated, these abnormal cells spread to tissues and other parts of the body, increasing the area of ​​disease. There are more than 100 types of cancer that can affect the body in different ways.

Causes of cancer

There is no basic cause of cancer, but there are certain conditions that increase the chances of getting this disease.

• Sedentary lifestyle / obesity: People who do not exercise regularly have a much higher risk of cancer due to poor circulation in the body that negatively affects cells.

• Tobacco: Tobacco is a major cause of lung and mouth cancer and should be avoided at all costs, be it smoking or chewing tobacco leaves.

• Sugar: A lesser known killer, sugar is responsible for numerous diseases in the human body, primarily cancer. This treat may taste good, but it has a negative impact on our cells, as well as increasing weight gain and diabetes, both of which increase the chances of cancer.

• Junk food: a healthy diet is non-negotiable for a healthy body. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables for good nutrition and cut down on junk and fast foods.

• Exposure to radiation: constant exposure to radiation has a negative impact on cells and increases the chances of cancer. Avoid prolonged exposure to smartphones and do not sleep with the phone on your bed.

• Family history: Genetics play an important role in cancer, and someone with a family history of cancer is more susceptible to this disease.

Cancer signs and symptoms

Here are some signs to watch out for.

• Recurrent fever

• Sudden weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Blood in urine / stool

• Lumps / patches on the skin

• Headaches, sometimes accompanied by dizziness and nausea

These symptoms can be caused by a number of factors other than cancer, leading many to ignore them. Apart from these common signs; Persistent cough, sore throat, fatigue, and body aches are also early symptoms of cancer. As small as a problem may seem, it is always recommended that your doctor instantly check for any persistent or sudden symptoms. Late detection is a common cause of cancer severity in India, with over 80% of cancer patients suffering at an advanced stage due to late detection.

Prevention tips

Living healthy is the best way to protect yourself against cancer. Certain precautions and lifestyle changes can help you stay fitter and stronger, with a greater chance of preventing this disease.

• Avoid tobacco and cut down on sugar

• Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Exercise regularly

• Avoid stress

• Keep a healthy weight

• Go for regular checkups

Although a great deal of work is being done to raise awareness about fighting and even preventing this disease, some people choose to remain ignorant out of fear or the belief that they will not be affected. Also, it is unfortunately still considered taboo in some households to talk about cancer, causing it to be caught in the later stages when treatment becomes more difficult. However, it is important to know that while cancer sounds like the scariest phenomenon, there are cures and treatments, especially if caught in the early stages, that allow you to continue living your life in a healthy and happy way.