Awareness is the key to beat cancer

Mail Today: On World Cancer Day

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

Let’s see some facts first:   

• Worldwide cancer is the leading cause of  death; accounted for 8.2 million deaths as per WHO statistics  
• Every year nearly 1.1 million new cases of cancer are reported. In all, the disease affects about 3.3 million people in India at any given point in time.
• Every 13th new cancer patient in the world is an Indian says a report by National Cancer Institute (NCI) which is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS).
• World Cancer Day falls on Febraury 4

Cancer as we all know is the most dangerous disease that has affected people from all over the world. In India, the biggest problem behind the rising number of cancer patients is that the most Indians don't suspect they may have cancer, or simply they IGNORE the warning signals. But, thankfully, today with the advancement in medical sciences and commitment from researchers and doctors, superior treatments have been developed resulting in success stories. 

Your lifestyle habits especially your diet as in what you eat plays a multitude of roles in the development of cancer. The first is exposure to ingested substances that initiate cancer (carcinogens). The second is exposure to substances in the diet that can either enhance or inhibit the growth of the cancerous cells. These include compounds that influence our immune system as well as those that have a direct effect on cancer cells 

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) which is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS), every 13th new cancer patient in the world is an Indian. India is also witnessing a steep rise in cancer cases and significantly, more and more people are falling prey to this life threatening disease. 

Look for these signs that spell cancer Sudden weight loss, Skin problems or developing lumps on body: Constant indigestion, constant pain or

blood clots, Swelling or irritation. Please take your body seriously and if you see any of the above mentioned signs then please get yourself properly checked.   

Different cancer types have certain precise symptoms, which help to detect and treat them successfully. Treatment of cancer entirely depends on the stage and size of the tumor, which helps a doctor to design and advance to specific treatments. One might be suggested to undergo a surgery or radiation or a combination of both. What type of treatment given at a particular time depends on patient’s condition too. Treatment like Surgery;Radiation, Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, Targeted therapy, Stem Cell Transplant etc should be given.  Out of all these treatments, Immunotherapy in today’s time is an advanced and latest treatment that has resulted in successful reduction for all cancer types and it also complements other treatments. 

The Statesman: Dr. Vikas Goswami

Please go by following tips to combat cancer by changing your diet and exercise rules: 

• Target Plant based diets. 
• Consume omega-3 
• Eat more and more yogurt. 
• Reduce meat consumption 
• Try cancer fighting foods 
• Stay hydrated; 
• Wash your veggies and fruits in a different manner by using vinegar and salt. 
• Include some supplements in your routine like folic acid which helps in reducing the risk of breast cancer; Folic acid (with B12) can help prevent cancer of the colon; Vitamin D reduces risk of prostate, colorectal and other forms of cancer etc.