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

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