Understanding 2 most common types of Cancer in India

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

As we all know that cancer is a dreaded disease. Even a pinch of doubt of cancer causes terror. But take heart today with such great advancements in technology most cancers are curable, if detected early. Below are the two most common type of cancer in India, let’s get to know few facts and get aware about it: 

1.  Lung Cancer   

Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide.   

Symptoms of developing lung cancer are  

• 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 are:       

• Passive Smoking,  
• Radon exposure  
• Environmental pollution,  
• Chulha cooking in villages  
• Genetic factors  

The numbers in India, lung cancer constitutes 6.9% of all new cancer cases and 9.3% of all cancer-related deaths in both sexes; it is the commonest cancer and cause of cancer-related mortality in men.

Target age group   

It occurs mainly in older people. About two out of three people diagnosed with lung cancer are 65 or older; less than 2% are younger than 45.   

Cut the Risk by

•  Quit smoking and reduce exposure to pollution 

Signs that spell cancer

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

CANCER the word itself is a dangerous one which in literal terms 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. 

Let’s look at the following few signs that spells cancer: 

1. Sudden weight loss: 

you are a gym freak or following any diet that leads you to weight loss then its fine but without working out if you are experiencing the unexpected or sudden weight loss then it is indeed a matter of concern. It might put you at the risk of developing cancer of pancreas or stomach. 

2. Skin problems or developing lumps on body: 

Everything shows on our face from hormonal imbalance to indigestion. It might appear in the form of skin rashes or moles or skin warts.  But if you are getting rashes too frequently, or are experiencing any lumps on your body like on chest, under arms, on breast, legs. It might be cysts, do get yourself checked immediately. 

The Pioneer

3. Constant indigestion:  

Heart burning or indigestion is common and even if you observe a long-term change in your bowel function such as persistent diarrhoea or constipation, it may be a

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