HUNDRED ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT CANCER
1.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is an abnormal growth of a body cell or group of cell. if it is not destroyed or removed , cancer can spread very rapidly, and eventually lead to death.
2.
What is the difference between normal and cancerous growth ?
There are billions of cells in the human body. Normally, they grow in a well-regulated pattern. When cancer sets in, group of cells suddenly starts multiplying haphazardly and form a lump or “tumor”
3.
How many kind of tumours are there?
There are two kind of tumors –malignant and benign. A benign tumours is more common and is generally harmless. It doesn’t grow beyond a certain limit, and it doesn’t spread to other parts of the body. A malignant tumour on the other hand, never stops growing and can spread to other parts of the body. Cancer is the name given to a malignant growth.
4.
Is cancer contagious or infectious?
No, since cancer is not caused by a germ, it is not ‘catching’, and cannot be transmitted from one person to another.
5.
Is cancer a blood disease?
No, though cancer cells may move through the blood stream to another part of the body. Cancer can however
develop in certain tissues, which from the blood cells.
6.
How does cancer spread?
In 3 ways:
(I) Cancer cells grow through the walls of blood vessels and are carried by the blood stream to other parts of the body.
(II) They enter the lymphatic stream and are carried to the lymph glands.
(III) They grow directly from one tissue to another.
7.
How fast does cancer grow?
There is not definite rate of growth of cancer tissue. Some types will grow more in a few weeks than other types will, in several years.
8.
Is cancer a single disease?
No. The term “cancer” includes all forms of malignant growth. Many varieties are known. These have certain
characteristics in common, such as uncontrolled growth, a tendency to spread widely in the body and fatal termination if no response to treatment. Their histories of development may be quite dissimilar and it’s probable that
the conditions which may precede them also differ greatly.
9.
How can you tell if you have cancer?
The real tragedy about cancer is that it produces very minor symptoms at first, so you could have cancer and not know it . The best way to detect cancer is to have a regular yearly check-up. It also helps to know your body’s behavioral
pattern, and to recognize change when it happens.
10.
How does doctor tell if growth is cancerous ?
By performing a biopsy or fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) i.e. examining a small portion of the tissue under a microscope. In advanced cases, physical examination alone may reveal the diagnosis. But the chances of cure at a late stage, are very poor.
11.
Are cancer and leprosy related?
No, leprosy is caused by a germ. Both the symptoms and the treatment for the two diseases are entirely different.
12.
Is cancer a modern disease?
No even as long ago as 3000 BC., Egyptian historians made references to “ tumours and ulcers”. Mummies from the Giza pyramids were found to have cancer involving the bones.
13.
Are some people more prone to certain types of cancer?
Yes. your life-style may make you more prone to some cancers. E.g. cancers of the colon, lungs and skin are common in Britain and U.S.A., while cancers involving the head and neck regions are more common in India. In women, cancer of the breast and cervix are the commonest.
14.
What are your chances of getting cancer?
One out of every 8 Indians gets cancer. In other words, there are over 120 million cancer patients in India alone.
Though cancer can occur at any age, the incidence is higher after the age of 40-45.
15.
What cause cancer?
Though it is very difficult to pinpoint any 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. Country to popular opinion, beedi smoking is twice as dangerous as cigarettes.
Environmental pollution, smoked foods, high intake of fat, highly processed foods are other factors that contribute to cancer. Amongst other known causes are asbestos, arsenic, pitch, tar, ultraviolet rays. Continued irritation of tissues can lead to cancer. Certain virus such as EBV, HPV, Hep B are known of lead to cancer.
16.
Is cancer caused by germ?
There is no scientific evidence that cancer is caused by a germ
17.
Does cancer come from a single bruise?
A type of bone cancer may rarely result from single severe injury.
A single injury to soft tissue, such as the breast, will not give rise to cancer.
18.
What is the relation of food to cancer
?
High fat and low fibred diets predisposes you to cancer of the colon. Diet rich in animal fat creates problems in the
breast, intestine and gall bladder, vitamin B,C and carotenoids deficiency may result in changes in certain
tissues, particularly of the mouth and lips, which may ultimately become cancerous. In general, however, so far as
is known, no food or combination of foods have any proven influence on the cause or cure of cancer, but
today smoked and salted, heavily fried food or red meat is suspected. Green vegetables, cabbage may help in preventing certain cancers. Ginger and tomato are also good preventives of cancer.
19.
Will irregularity inn eating cause cancer of the stomach?
There is no scientific evidence that it will, since cancer of the stomach may occur in people who eat most regularly.
20.
Does eating hot food causes cancer?
Yes, drinking hot liquids causes mouth and oesophagus cancer. Highly spiced food may be related to stomach cancers, as evident from data available.
21.
Does the use of alcohol bear any relation to cancer of the stomach?
Yes, it increases the risk of stomach cancer. It is a predisposing factor in cancers of the oesophagus, laryngo pharynx and liver.
22.
Is cancer hereditary?
There are probably inherited tendencies that may lead to cancers of different types. The presence of cancer in one
or both parents should be a cause for greater alertness in looking for and recognising suspicious symptoms in
the individual. Cancer however is not inherited expect for one type of eye cancer known as Retinoblastoma. 5% of breast cancers are considered hereditary.
23.
Can cancer be transmitted by kissing or casual contact between persons or
between persons and animals?
No, there is no record of cancer having been transmitted by kissing or by any contact, accidental or otherwise, between individuals or between person and animals (such as pets) (also see answer to question 84).
24.
Do corns become cancerous?
Cancer may occur in any tissue to the body, but as a rule, a corn cannot develop into cancer.
25.
Do freckles turn into cancer?
Simple freckles do not. However, flat moles containing pigment of a bluish-black colour and looking like dark freckles, may become cancerous and should be checked periodically.
26.
Do piles turn into cancer?
No, piles or hemorrhoids are merely enlarged veins in the rectal wall. Cancer is occasionally found in the tissue above
the haemorrhoids, so “bleeding piles” should be examined carefully to determine whether cancer is also present. Rectal bleeding can occur due to cancer.
27.
Can one’s mental condition influence the course of cancer?
Cancer is a disease of body cells. One’s mental condition has no direct effect on the course of the disease since this
malignant change is apparently due to physical rather than mental processes. Positive attitude and healthy thinking help the body fight better. The mind body connection is a subject of much research.
28.
Does radiation cause cancer? Do cell phones cause cancer?
Indiscriminate use of x-rays frequently may increase your chances of getting cancer. A higher incidence of leukemia and Brain tumours has been reported in cell-phone users. The jury is still out on this question.
DEFENCE
MEASURES CALLED FOR:
29.
How can one guard against cancer?
Prevention is better than cure. Nearly 60% of cancers are preventable. Certain precautions are easy to follow:
By preventing, as far as possible, prolonged irritation of any part of the body.
Protection from overexposure, to the sun and wind.
Prompt repair of all birth injuries to the womb.
Regular self-examination of breasts.
Repair of jagged teeth, avoidance of ill-fitting dental plates.
Avoidance of tobacco, if any form.
30.
What is meant by a “precancerous lesion”?
Any abnormal condition that, if permitted to continue, may develop into cancer with passage of time. The cell passes through many stages from normal to abnormal to precancerous and finally to a frank cancer.
31.
What are some of the more important precancerous lesion?
White spots on mucous (lining) membrane, especially of the mouth; dry, scaly, itching patches on the skin, particularly the
face; sores caused by jagged teeth and ill-fitting dental plates; dark coloured moles subject to irritation; unrepaired injuries
due to childbirth. These all should be investigated by a physician and adequately treated. Inability to open the mouth, caused by a submucous fibrosis, and a reflux from the food pipe also need investigation.
32.
What precautions should be taken to avoid cancer of the mouth?
Cancer of the mouth is a preventable disease. Avoid use of tobacco if any form. Any mouth sore which does not heal in 3
weeks’ time should be suspected. Keep the mouth clean. have jagged teeth filed or removed. Do not use an ill – fitting
dental plate, which causes a sore on the gums or cheek. If white spots appear in the mouth or on the tongue, stop the use of tobacco and see a doctor.
33.
What precautions should be taken to avoid cancer of the skin?
Dark coloured moles and warts, if subject to irritation, bleeding or ulceration should be removed. Itching, scaly patches on the skin should be treated before they become open sores. Fair skinned people, especially, should avoid over exposure to direct sun rays. Recurrent fever blisters on the lip should be carefully examined. Keep the skin clean.
34.
Should all moles removed?
No. A flat colourless mule is probably as harmless as a frackle. Bluish-black hairless mules, especially when subject to irritation, should be removed. Any mole or wart showing changes in size or coloured or if bleeding, should be promptly and completely removed and the tissue examined by a pathologist to determine if cancer is present.
35.
Can immunity to cancer be acquired as with diphtheria or typhoid fever?
Production of immunity is possible only in diseases caused by germs. As cancer is not caused by germs, immunity cannot be developed against it as far as our knowledge goes today.
36.
Why do many people wait before consulting a physician when cancer may be
present or suspected?
Primarily because of fear or ignorance of the signs of cancer and of the vital importance of securing treatment early. Some
people also think there is a social disgrace in having cancer and so hide the fact from their physicians and often from friends and relatives. This is not a justifiable attitude.
37.
Can a tuberculous person ever have cancer?
He can. the presence of tuberculosis or any other disease gives no assurance that cancer may not develop.
38.
Why don’t the white corpuscles in the blood kill cancer?
The chief function of white blood corpuscles is to protect the body against bacteria of germs. They kill germs and combat
infection. Cancer is a mutation of the body cells, and thus do not alert white blood corpuscles to fight them. Current research is being undertaken to promote such activity by certain kinds of white blood corpuscles.
39.
How can we control cancer?
a. By a prompt visit to physician when suspicious signs or symptoms appear. Intelligent alertness by the individual may save his life.
b. By having complete, annual physical examinations, as a routine. Women over 35 should be examined once a year.
c. By confirming diagnosis at the earliest possible moment, followed by adequate treatment.
d. By a widespread knowledge to both layman and professional, of the character of cancer, its causes, methods of spread, and by recognizing the value of early diagnosis and adequate treatment, as the means of protection.
e. Most importantly, by making changes in lifestyle that promote healthy living.
HOW TO
DETECT IT?
40.
How can you tell if you have cancer without seeing a doctor?
You cannot. A regular through physical checkup is your best guard against cancer, plus an examination when one of the
seven danger signals or warnings appear. You are the first line of defense against cancer because, you alone, can recognize a danger signal and heed its warnings.
41.
What are some of the early signs of cancer?
There are seven common ones. They are often called the seven danger signals of cancer.
1. Change in bowel or bladder habits.
2. A sore that does not heal.
3. Unusual bleeding or discharge.
4. Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere.
5. Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.
6. Obvious change in wart or mole.
7. Nagging cough or hoarseness.
You should immediately consult a doctor upon the appearance of any sign.
42.
Is pain an early symptom of cancer?
No expect in a cancer involving bone or nerve tissue. Pain usually is a late symptom and when it occurs, the growth is often far advanced.
43.
Why should cancer be diagnosed and treated early?
The sooner it is found it less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. Early cancer can be cured.
44.
How long is it safe to wait before consulting a physician?
Any delay is dangerous. Go to a doctor immediately and ask for a through examination.
45.
Why are periodic examinations necessary?
The earlier a cancer is treated the greater the chance of a cure. Through periodic examinations, cancer may be detected in its early stages, before the individual has noticed any signed or symptom in himself.
46.
When can you get a cancer check-up?
The Indian cancer society runs a cancer detection centre at 48 Babar Road, Bengali Market, New Delhi – 110001.
47.
What comprises a through cancer check-up?
Careful inspection of the entire body surface, heart, blood vessel and lung examinations, examination by sight and touch of
accessible organs, such as the mouth, nostrils, ear, throat, chest, breast, womb and rectum. Examination of stomach and
intestines by x-ray or ultrasound when indicated, microscopic examination of blood and my suspected tissue. In women
special examination of the breast and annual pap smear. Other examinations as indicated ,such as of the eye, bladder and prostate appropriate methods.
48.
Is the check-up painful?
The check-up takes half an hour and is completely painless. You do not need to phone and get an appointment.
49.
What is mammography?
Mammography is a special x-ray examination of breast tissues.
50.
What is a pap smear?
The papanicolaou test, (or pap smear) is infact microscopic examination of the cells exfoliated from the uterus and cervix.
The doctor takes a swab from the tissue surface for examination. This test warns patients of the presence of cancer even as
tiny as pinhead or gives evidence of a lesion, which is a precursor of cancer.
51.
Is bleeding always a sign of cancer?
No, but bleeding should be promptly and carefully investigated, to determine if it is due to cancer. A small percentage
of bleeding nipples are due to concern. Bleeding from other body openings, such as rectum or bladder, should
be carefully investigated to rule out cancer. Unnatural vagina bleeding, especially after the change of life can be a very suspicious sign of cancer.
52.
Does blood in bowel movement indicate cancer?
Movements streaked with bright blood or the occurrence of black or “tarry” stools should lead to prompt and through
investigation. The assumption that rectal bleeding is merely due to haemorrhoids, or piles, is most dangerous, since such
bleeding may be due to a multiplicity of causes, including cancer, which require prompt treatment.
53.
Does blood in the urine indicate cancer?
It may, but it may also be caused by conditions other than cancer. A careful examination is essential to rule out cancer.
54.
It is true cancer generally develops among people in poor health?
There is no known relation between the status of one’s health and the development of cancer. Regular check-ups provide the
best safeguard against cancer as well as against various other disease. Poor genital and/or oral hygiene can be a contributory factor.
55.
How can we diagnose cancer of the stomach?
The best method is an x-ray examination. The outline of the interior of the stomach when filled with a radio-opaque material
such as barium sulphate, can give clues to the presence of cancer. Chemical tests of stomach contents are also of value.
Only in late stages a lump may be felt through the body wall. Upper Glendoscopy is the latest technique. A biopsy can be taken if a lesion is found.
56.
How are cancers in the head and neck region diagnosed?
The most important test is an examination of the mouth and throat with a headlight and mirror, to check for ulcerations,
growths and white patches on the lining membranes called mucosa. A “biopsy” specimen is always taken to confirm the
clinical diagnosis. This is then reported by an experienced Histopathologist in the laboratory. In India nearly 40% of male cancer arises in this region.
57.
What techniques are used to detect cancer?
There is no substitute to good clinical examination. Ultra sounds, X-ray, CT Scan, MRI and Mammographs are only diagnostic imaging tools. Biopsy/FNAC is desirable before starting any treatment.
HOW TO
TREAT IT?
58.
How should cancer be treated?
By surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination of all these in the earliest possible stage of the disease. All these methods are available in India at various hospitals. The emphasis is on multi-modal management.
59.
Are radiation treatments good for all kind of cancer?
No, treatment depends upon type and location of the growth. Some cancers will not respond to radiation treatment but must be treated by surgery or with hormones or chemotherapy.
60.
How does radiation act?
Radiation destroys dividing cells including cancer cell. Normal cells are also damaged. But now sophisticated machines are available which spare normal tissues and destroy cancer tissue with precision.
61.
How are radium or radioactive isotopes used?
Radium in hollow needle radioactive isotopes wires are inserted into the cancerous growth or in the tissue surrounding it,
and removed after treatment is concluded. Radium or radioactive isotopes in suitable containers may also be placed in contact
with the growth as in cancer of the skin or cervix. In larger quantities, they may be used at a distance from the body, the rays passing through an opening in the container into the cancerous growth.
62.
How effective is surgery?
Surgery is most effective in the early stages when cancer has not yet spread. Major advances in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and anaesthesiology have ensured a very high degree of success.
63.
What is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy implies treatment with anti-cancer drugs and injections. Today we have large number of highly effective drugs for cancer control.
64.
Can the spread of cancer be stopped or retarded temporarily?
Only at time. Certain type of cancerous growths, which cannot be expected to be curable, may be controlled temporarily by proper treatment. Sooner or later, however, these growths fail to respond to further treatment.
65.
What should you do if you think you may have cancer?
Report once for a through examination.
66.
Is cancer curable?
More than 80 % of cancers today are completely curable if treated early. At time, cures have been obtained after the cancers have been present for a long time. The type of cancer always has an important bearing on its curability.
67.
It is ever possible to state that a cancer has been completely cured? If
so, how much time must pass before the “cure” is recognised?
After a cancer patient has been treated and has remained free of recurrence of disease for a period of five years, the chances
for reappearance of the tumors are extremely small. (in a few rare instances however cancer has recurred ten or twenty years later. So, a semi-annual physical examination is a must for cancer patients.)
68.
If you have been cured of cancer, can you develop another cancer? In the
same place? In some other part of the body?
Yes, regardless of a patient’s past medical history, including the successful treatment of a previous cancer, he/she should be examined at regular intervals. Because of the tendency for cancer to re-appear at the place of a previously existing growth or nearby, a patient should have a regular follow-up atleast every six months. A new cancer may also appear at another part of the body.
69.
Is there any known vaccine cure for cancer?
No. A vaccine is of value only against a disease due to a germ. Cancer is not caused by a germ, therefore serums are of no value in its treatment.
70.
Is it ever safe to rely on salves to “cure” cancer?
No, a paste or salve cannot penetrate the tissues far enough to destroy deep-seated cancer cells. Research continues to seek “tumour vaccines” for certain cases.
71.
Is there any chemical that destroys cancerous tissue?
There are some evidences that a few chemical substances such as the nitrogen mustards and other chemicals can destroy certain kinds of cancer. This treatment is known as chemotherapy.
72.
Will hormones cure cancer?
There is evidence today to indicate that treatment with certain hormones may prolong life, and alleviate pain and suffering in certain breast and uterine cancers and in prostate cancers. Hormones are also used as adjuvant therapy after other treatment.
73.
What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is new development based on the theory that the human body can be taught to defend itself against diseases including cancer. It is often tried in cancers like melanoma and renal cell cancers.
74.
What is the latest and most successful of the recently reported cancer
treatments?
While many “cures” are constantly being evaluated by various laboratories, surgery, radiation treatment and chemotherapy
remain the chief weapons in the physicians fight to cure cancer. Certain hormones and isotopes also offer some promises of
assistance in their fight but it is much too early to claim that they can be called “cures” . Gene therapy and immunotherpay are increasingly used in treatment.
75.
Is any real progress being made in cancer research? Along what lines?
Real progress is being made in cancer research which has thrown new light on normal and abnormal growth processes.
However, the goal of finding the cause of cancer and thus its prevention is still in the future. Various avenues of investigations
have recently opened up in all sides; in chemistry, by a study of the hormones and chemicals and complex role they play in
cancer; in physics, by application of radioactive materials; in surgery by more radical excision of tumors; and of a through
study of enzymes, genetics, nutrition, cytochemistry, etc. Scientific disciplines of various types are being utilized to study the complex nature of cancer.
76.
What are you chances of getting cured?
More than 80% of the patients treated adequately in the early stages can be cured. Your chances of recovery are excellent, if you report for treatment very early after the cancer has arisen.
77.
Can you lead a normal life after cancer?
The sooner you come for treatment, the better the quality of life after cancer. Most cancer patients can return to their normal lives, even during treatment.
CANCER IN
MEN:
78.
Are cancers in men and women different?
There are no fundamental differences in cancer appearing in men and women.
79.
What forms of cancer are more common among men than women?
Cancer of the mouth, throat, gullet, larynx, lung, stomach, rectum, kidney, bladder, skin and brain are all more common in men than in women.
80.
Does smoking or tobacco and pan chewing cause cancer?
Smoking and chewing are known to cause cancer of the mouth, throat, bladder, lungs, etc. Therefore, it is best to play it safe. If you smoke or chew make every effort to stop.
81.
Can cancer result from sexual intercourse?
No. There is no known relationship between cancer and sexual activity on the part of the male or female. However, women who have multiple sexual partners run a greater risk of getting cervix cancer.
82.
Is cancer of the prostate common? At what age does it generally occur?
Yes. Cancer of the prostate is one of the mo common forms of cancer in older men. Men should be on guard against this form of cancer especially as they approach 60. A through physical examination, including a rectal examination, and a simple blood test (PSA) is the only way to discover this hidden cancer early enough for cure.
CANCER IN
WOMEN:
83.
Do more women than men die of cancer?
No. The misconception that cancer is primarily a women’s disease is due to the frequency of cancer of the breast and
cancer of the reproductive organs in women, in comparison with the more varied occurrence of cancer in men. Cancer in
men often occurs in the less accessible areas of the body and is sometimes more difficult to diagnose and treat that cancer in women.
84.
Does cancer occur more frequently among married or unmarried women?
Reports from death certificates show that above the age of 40, the cancer death rate is higher among single women than
among married women of the same ages. Single women have higher death rates from cancer of the breast and married
women have more cancer of the uterus. Physicians believe that having the first child around the age of 20 is a preventive
against cancer of the breast and that injury at childbirth of having multiple sexual partners increases the risk of cancer of the
uterus.
85.
Is there danger in watching a lump in the breast to “see what
happens”?
Yes, a very grave danger. Time is the most important factor in the control of cancer and waiting to “see what happens” may permit a curable cancer to become incurable by preventing it to spread to other tissues.
86.
Are all breast lumps cancerous?
No. Only small percentage o flumps are cancerous. A careful pathological examination of the excised lump can definitely determine if it is due to cancer.
87.
What precautions should be taken to avoid cancer of the breast?
Do not wear garments that press the breast tissues tightly against the chest wall. Lower the fat in your diet. Every
women should have her breasts examined annually by a physician. She should request her physician to instruct her in the
proper technique for examining her own breasts in the erect and reclining positions and should examine her breast once a
month shortly after her menstrual period. An annual examination by a Gynaecologist and screening mammogram at the age of 40 years and thereafter as advised, is recommended.
Self-examination of the breasts should be done one day after the periods are over. Post menopausal women should choose one day of the month and do BSE on that date.
1. Sit or stand in front of a mirror, with your arms relaxed at your sides and examine your breasts carefully for any changes in size
and shape. Look for any puckering or dimpling of the skin, and for any discharge or change in the nipples. Compare one breast with the other.
2. Raise both your arms over your head and look for exactly the same changes. See is there’s been any change since you last examined you breasts.
3. Note: from step 3 to step 8, you should feel for a lump or thickening in the breast tissues.
Lie down on your bed or on the floor, put a pillow or a bath towel under your left shoulder and place your left hand under
your head. With the fingers of you right hand held together flat, press gently but firmly with small circular motions to feel the
inner, upper quarter of your left breast, starting at your breastbone and going outward toward the nipple line. Also feel the area around the nipple.
4. With the same gentle pressure, next feel the lower, inner parts of your breasts.
5. Now bring your left arm down to your side and still using the flat part of your fingers, feel under your armpit.
6. Use the same gentle pressure to feel the upper, outer quarter of your breast from the nipple line to where your arm is resting.
7. And finally, feel the lower, outer section of your breast, proceeding from the outer part to the nipple.
8. Repeat the entire procedure, from step 3 as described above, for the right breast.
9. Remember to check your armpits is the same manner.
89.
What precautions should be taken to avoid cancer of the uterus (womb)?
Have all birth injuries repaired soon after they occur. Have all unnatural vaginal discharges investigated. Upto the age of
thirty-five have an annual examination. Bleeding after the change of life calls for a physician’s examination at once. Avoid
multiple sex partners. Try to have a pap smear done at a reputed centre. Cancer cervix can be prevented with regular screening.
90.
Do uterine fibroids ever become cancerous?
Fibroid tumors only very rarely undergo malignant change.
CANCER IN
CHILDREN:
91.
Can cancer develop in children? At what age?
No age is free from cancer. Certain forms of cancer, especially of the eyes and blood are most occasionally found in young children.
92.
If a parent dies of cancer, are the children more likely to have the
disease?
The answer is no: in many families where a parent has had cancer, the disease does not appear in the children. Again, a
person whose family has no record of cancer may develop it. A tendency to develop breast/ovary cancer however runs in families. Even colon cancers are known to be familial.
93.
Does cancer develop more quickly in children than in older people?
The rate of growth at any age depends upon the type of cancer, though cancer does grow faster at younger ages. But younger
people also tolerate therapy better.
94.
If detected in time, can cancer in a child be cured more quickly than in
an adult?
The cure of cancer has little relationship with age. It depends upon the extent of growth at the time it is detected (stage), the
adequacy of the treatment given, as well as the type of cancer detected.
CANCER
AND YOU:
95.
How can cancer deaths be reduced?
Cancer deaths can be reduced by 4 means:
1. Live a simple lifestyle, with no tobacco smoking or chewing. Eat more vegetables (5-a-day), with more roughage, low fat diet.
Limit alcohol to one drink a day. Over 60% cancers can be controlled in the manner.
2. Regular screening before symptoms appear, and prompt and adequate treatment when cancer is diagnosed.
3. Discovery of newer and more effective treatment. On going education of the medical fraternity.
These form the basic principle that govern the cancer control programme of the indian cancer society where education, awareness, screening and research are sought to be provided.
96.
Does cancer usually cost more to cure, than other major diseases?
It often does. Here again, it depends upon the type of cancer you have and how much must be done to treat it. Many hospitals provide free treatment to those who cannot afford to pay.
97.
Why are quacks dangerous?
For the following reasons, among others:
1. Few quacks are not medically trained; therefore, they have fundamental knowledge about cancer.
2. They cause the patient to lose valuable time that should be used to obtain correct treatment.
3. The pastes and “medicines” used by quacks have no value in curing cancer.
4. The quack takes the patient’s money under false pretenses, thus depriving him of the means for obtaining competent treatment in time to enable him/her to be cured.
98.
How can I tell a quack from
a reputable physician?
If a person advertises a cure, guarantees a cure, or employs a method of diagnosis or treatment not generally accepted or
endorsed by the medical profession, he may be classed as a quack. No reputed, ethical physician will do any of these things.
99.
Is cancer frightening?
Only if you neglect it. Today more and more people are not only winning their fight against cancer, they are also able to lead normal, active lives. There is no disgrace in having cancer any more than having a broken arm.
100.
Diet during cancer treatment?
Eating a healthy well balanced diet containing fresh fruits and vegetables should be continued during cancer therapy to give energy and promote healing.