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

Air Pollution can cause cancer

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

DNA

Every year after Diwali, India suffers air pollution problems. It is so obvious that air pollution triggers major health issues in adults as well as children.  The most recent data from the Global Burden of Disease Project indicate that in 2010, 3.2 million deaths worldwide resulted from air pollution, including 223,000 from lung cancer. 

As we know that heavy smog has covered up various cities these days and this smog contains dangerous chemicals like carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, manganese dioxide, zinc oxide, nitrates etc. Chemical pneumonitis is the irritation of the lungs or we can say it created breathing difficulty due to inhaling above mentioned few chemical fumes or breathing in and choking on certain chemicals. Chemicals from firecrackers and presented in the smog will penetrate deeper into the lungs which further may lead to stiffness of the lungs, which decreases the ability of the lungs to get oxygen to the body. If left untreated, this condition may ultimately lead to respiratory failure, lung cancer or even death.  

Yes, you heard it right, air pollution is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. Most of us think about the risk associated with lung cancer is through smoking cigarettes, but little did we know that air pollution can also causes lung cancer. Actually everyone

Protect your lungs this Diwali

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

Diwali is the festivals to spread joy, happiness, and share and increase relationship bond. But people spread worst kind of air and noise pollution making this festival a nightmare for many. The fire crackers busted during this month produces the nastiest kind of gases in air and intoxicating the air we breathe. 

Fire crackers are the major part of Diwali celebration. Crackers like gola bomb, anar, chakris, phuljharis, even rockets contains heavy metals and pollutants like copper, cadmium, sulphur, aluminium and barium, which not only harming the environment but also giving major health hazards, The toxicity spread by these crackers in the air is not only dangerous for those suffering from pulmonary diseases, but it also causes breathing problems in others. It also causes irritation in the eyes, nose, throat and causing skin allergies; asthma and other respiratory issues and major changes in lung-cell structure causing life taking disease Cancer. 

What happens is when crackers are lit, they produce different oxides of heavy metals like sulphur, barium, cadmium etc as mentioned above too; which are harmful for lungs and gets absorbed into the circulation and affect other organs of the body. So, every year we suggest people not to burst crackers for their health sake. Diwali is such a beautiful festival, instead of crackers lit candles, diyas, electrical lights. 

Following are the few important measures to be taken during diwali: 

1. It is advisable for children and the elderly persons or people with lung or heart disease and are especially sensitive should stay indoors and