Get to know colon cancer

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

Colon cancer is one of the common cancer in men and women in India.  It is a cancer of lower part of digestive system or large intestine which is responsible for reabsorption of fluids and processing the waste products for final elimination. It develops when cells grow uncontrollably and do not die like a normal cell. Both environmental and genetic factors are responsible for it. 

Please go by the following factors responsible for developing colon cancer: 

1. Diet pattern plays a pivotal role in developing colon cancer 

Observational studies suggest that colon cancer risk increases significantly in people when their dietary pattern changes from low-fat high-fiber to high-fat low-fiber or who eat high quantities of red meat and processed meat. It is believed that your diet impacts the microbes that live in the colon, and hence may affect the risk of colon cancer.  

2. Obesity 

Exactly how obesity increases the risk of developing colon cancer is unclear. Excessive body fat may also increase the risk and severity of chronic inflammation, oxidative DNA damage which has been associated with increased risk of cancer 

3. Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption 

Excessive Alcohol and smoking increases the risk of cancer upto 9 times. Over indulgence in alcohol can damage liver and lead to inflammation. Chronic inflammatory conditions are a leading cause of colon cancer. 

Reduce Your Risk by making few lifestyle changes    

• Go for Balanced diet 
• Get creative with exercise. Pick out interesting ways to move your body 
• Eat three meals everyday breakfast, lunch and dinner 
• Eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables in a day 
• Limit the fat, sugar and salt in your diet. Consult your GP for that 
• Quit smoking and drinking 
• Go for brisk walking twice in a day for 30 minutes 

Symptoms of colon cancer may not show for a long time. However, it is advised to go for regular screening tests to identify before anything develops into colon cancer. Also, if you notice any signs and symptoms of colon cancer like blood in your stool or a persistent change in your bowel habit, make an appointment with your doctor.

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

Diabetes raises risk of Cancer

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

Diabetes and Cancer both are prevailing diseases in India which are increasing globally. Diabetes as we all know is a chronic disease caused when either pancreas do not produce enough insulin or the cells in the body that do not respond properly to the insulin. There are three types of diabetes Type 1 corresponds to first condition and Type 2 corresponds to the second condition and Gestational Diabetes formed during pregnancy. 

While on the other hand Cancer means a group of more than 100 diseases in which cells begin to grow out of control or a disease where abnormal cells begin to grow in an uncontrolled way. Diabetes is also a deadly disease which gives rise to many other diseases as well in your body. One of them we can say would be Cancer. 

A study conducted in Australia in 2014 by National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS) says that people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are diagnosed with more of some types of cancer and are more likely to die from cancer than people without diabetes. 

It is also found that females with type 1 diabetes  were at the increased risk of cancers of the pancreas, liver, esophagus, thyroid, brain, and lung, as well as ovarian and

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

Being obese puts you at the risk of cancer

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

Obesity is a condition in which a person has an abnormally high and unhealthy proportion of body fat. Obesity is diagnosed by a number called the Body Mass Index (BMI), which calculates the amount of body fat. Your BMI is calculated from your current height and weight. The higher the BMI the more body fat a person has. 

According to a study published in the noted Lancet, India is just behind US & China in this global hazard list of top 10 countries with the highest number of obese people. India is truly under siege: junk food, alcohol & sedentary lifestyle are leading us to silent self destruction, making one in every Indian men & women either obese or overweight. Experts believe obesity has to do with the lifestyle issues of the major population in urban India. The urban populace has easy access to high-calorie packaged foods such as burgers, chips and colas. Moreover, people in cities follow a sedentary lifestyle. Little or no physical activity and a predilection for gizmos such as video games, computers are to blame. 

Extra fat in the body can have harmful effects, like producing hormones and growth factors that affect the way our cells work. This can raise the risk of several diseases, including cancer. The higher the BMI, the higher the risk of cancer. 

A recent study conducted by WHO's International Agency for Cancer on Research (IARC), reveals that excess body weight puts you at the risk of various types of cancer such as

Liquid biopsy: The new wave in treatment of cancer

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

Biopsies can be difficult and painful for cancer patients, but it is very important to precisely diagnose the disease and determine the best course of treatment. 

Many researches have been done in the past and recently researchers of University of California reported that a new blood-based "liquid biopsy" could be a revolutionary alternative. Liquid biopsy can accurately detect mutations in cancer DNA; in Liquid biopsy the blood is drawn from a patient's arm to analyze DNA that tumors typically shed into the bloodstream. It provides valuable information for doctors using targeted therapies to treat cancer. 

In India, the most common types of cancer are lung cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer. It's been known for decades that tumors release their DNA into the bloodstream, particularly in advanced cases where cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The question has always been whether this can serve as an alternative to a biopsy for diagnosis and for the assignment of appropriate targeted therapy and it’s been found that genetic analysis of blood-borne cancer DNA very accurately detected cancer-causing mutations that were also found in tumor tissue samples collected for research. 

The overall result says that the liquid biopsy revealed possible treatment options for more than 63 percent of patients tested during research, including FDA-approved drugs as well as eligibility for clinical trials. The cost of a liquid biopsy could be

5 Most widespread cancers in India

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

CANCER in the most literal term means a group of more than 100 diseases in which cells begin to grow out of control or a disease where abnormal cells begin to grow in an uncontrolled way. 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. 

Large number of ageing population, unhealthy lifestyles, use of tobacco and tobacco products, unhealthy diets, lack of diagnostic facilities, etc. are some of the factors that can be attributed to the increase in the number of cancer deaths. The biggest problem behind the rising numbers is that most Indians don't suspect they may have cancer, or simply they IGNORE the warning signals. Let’s see what are the top 5 common cancers that are prevailing in India: 

1. Breast Cancer: A cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Women who have menstruated early, with late or no pregnancies, late menopause, which have not breast fed their babies, are particularly at risk. Also, if you have any family history of breast cancer when your mother, sister, nani or masi has detected then you have a higer risk of developing it too.  If you notice any lump in the breast or abnormal swelling then please do not ignore it, immediately go for the screening tests. 

2. Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is one of the most common form of cancer worldwide. Symptoms of developing lung cancer can be chronic cough, blood in sputum, change in voice , weight loss or distant symptoms like bone pain or seizure etc.  The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking, tobacco consumption, urban pollution, chulha cooking in villages. 

3. Cervical Cancer: Cervical cancer develops in women who menstruate early, marry early, having sex with multiple partners; many children and poor anti natal care, as well

Warning signs that every woman should know about Ovarian Cancer

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries. Women have two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. Ovaries produce eggs which helps a woman to become pregnant. Ovary cancer is one of the most common cause of death among women with gynecological cancers. The most common reason for such high mortality is a late diagnosis of this disease. The disease has been labeled as Silent killer as the symptoms don't manifest till the disease has spread considerably or because the symptoms masquerade so much that it is often ignored by the patient and dismissed at the primary care physician. 

Early diagnosis is of utmost importance in ovary cancer cases but unfortunately effective screening policies have not yet been made. So, the awareness is one important tool that is also needed from a woman’s point of view. Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen. 

Let’s look for the following symptoms or warning signals of ovary cancer: 

1. Progressive abdominal bloating or heaviness 
2. Loss of appetite or quickly feeling full when eating 
3. Discomfort in lower abdomen 
4. Pain during sexual activity 
5. Change in bladder or bowel habits such as constipation 
6. Low back pain  

The suspicion for something threatening should be high if / or when to see a doctor:   

1. If the symptoms are new to a lady in the past 1 year    

OR  

Are you at the risk of Lung cancer?

By Dr. Vikas Goswami   

Lung cancer is one of the most common form of cancer worldwide. Symptoms of developing lung cancer can be chronic cough, blood in sputum, change in voice , weight loss or distant symptoms like bone pain or seizure etc.  The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking.   

In India apart from cigarette smoking other forms of smoking like bidi , hukka, chewing tobacco in various forms  is part of culture.  

Cigarette smoking is increasing in younger age . Risk of lung cancer is up to 30 times higher in long term smokers compared with lifetime non smoker.   

Smoking cessation decreases risk of lung cancer. Lung cancer chances decrease by 25 to 90% by abstinence of more than 15 years.  The risk nevertheless is more than a non smoker. Adults who quit smoking on a long term basis can gain 5-10 years of life.   

If cessation is not possible even a reduction of smoking also helps in reducing the number of cigarettes to half decrease the chance of lung cancer by 25%. Surprisingly up to 20% of lung cancer can happen in non/never smokers.    

The primary reasons are:    

1) Passive Smoking : Relatives and close associates of a smoker who inhale smoke exhaled by the smoker or room smoke are at increased of lung cancer esp. people who have inhaled passive smoke on long term basis like children, this form of exposure is called as second hand smoke.   

2) Environmental pollution: WHO (World Health Organization) has labeled pollution especially the vehicular exhaust and industrial emission as carcinogen. That means people living in polluted cities are constantly exposed to cancerous agents- there is no escape.   

3) Asbestos : Asbestos means a highly heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral that can be woven into fabrics, and is used in brake linings and in fire-resistant and insulating materials.  It’s exposure leads to lung cancer. It is used in industry (textile shipping, insulation, construction). The workers of such industry are at increased risk of developing lung cancer.  This product is banned in various countries but asbestos industry continues to thrive in India.   

4) Radon exposure:  This colorless and invisible gas is naturally occurring in nature. It has a tendency to accumulate in the basements of buildings.  Those working for long hours

Expert Views about Holi in popular dailies

Dr. Vikas Goswami’s quotes have appeared in popular English and Hindi dailies on Holi special. Dr. Vikas gave his advice on playing holi with toxic colors and its ill effects. Read them here..

Amar Ujala

Sunburn can cause skin cancer

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

Many people love to be in sun whether in winters or on a beach holiday unaware about its causes. Too much exposure in sun causes wrinkles and ageing spots on the face. Tanned skin is very much IN these days which are obtained from exposure to sun but many of us don’t know that it increases the risk of skin cancer. 

Over exposure to the UV which is ultraviolet rays from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. A UV ray also is responsible for sunburns. Sunburn is a clear sign that the DNA in your skin cells has been damaged by too much of UV radiation. Getting painful sunburn, just once every 2 years, can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer. You cannot feel the heat of UV rays as the heat from the sun comes from infrared rays, which can’t burn you. This is why people cannot distinguish between the burn and the warmth of sun. The UV radiation from the sun is the number one cause of skin cancer, but UV light from tanning beds is just as harmful. Exposure to sun during the winter months puts you at the same risk as exposure during the summertime. 

When you get a sunburn your skin turns red and might and even sore . this sore can be downright painful. In fact, it can hurt a lot when you move. Exposure to ultraviolet light also can cause your skin to bruise and tear more