Cancer is an abnormal growth of a body cell or group of cells. If it is not destroyed or removed, cancer can spread very rapidly, and eventually lead to death.
There are billions of cells in the human body. Normally, they grow in a well-regulated pattern. When cancer sets in, a group of cells suddenly start multiplying haphazardly and form a lump or “tumourâ€.
There are two kinds of tumours. Malignant, and benign. A benign tumour is more common, and is generally harmless. It doesn’t spread to other parts of the body.
A malignant tumour on the other hand, never stops growing and can spread to other parts of the body. Cancer is the name given to a malignant growth.
No,though cancer cells may through the blood stream to another part of the body. Cancer can however develop in certain tissues which form the blood cells.
In 3 ways:
a. cancer cells grow through the walls of blood vessels and are carried by the blood stream to other parts of the body.
b. They enter the lymphatic stream and are carried to lymph glands.
c. They grow directly from one tissue to another.
There is no definite rate of grow of cancer tissue. Some types will grow more in a few weeks than other types will, in several years.
No. The term “cancer†includes all forms of malignant growth. Very many varieties are known. These have certain characteristics in common though such as uncontrolled growth a tendency to spread widely in the body and fatal termination if not treated early and adequately. They differ in certain characteristics, such as location in the body, microscopic appearance, and response to treatment. Their histories of development may be quite dissimilar and it is probable that the conditions which may precede them also differ greatly.
The real tragedy about cancer is that it produces very minor symptoms at first. So you could have cancer and not know it. The best way to detect cancer is to have a regular yearly check-up.
By performing a biopsy-i.e examining a small portion of the tissue under a microscope. In advanced cases, physical examination alone may reveal the diagnosis. But the chances of cure at this late stage, are very poor.
No. Leprosy is caused by a germ. But the symptoms and the treatment for the two diseases are entirely different.
No. Even as long ago as 3,000 B.C., Egyptian historians made references to “tumours and ulcersâ€.Mummies from the Gizeb Pyramids were found to have cancer invloving the bones.
Yes. Your life-style may make you more prone to some cancers. E.g. cancers of the Colon, lungs and skin are common in Britain and U.S.A., while cancers involving the head and neck region are more common in India. In women, cancer of the breast and uterus are the commonest.
One out of every 8 Indians gets cancer. In other words, there are about 15 to 18 lakh cancer patients in India alone. Though cancer can occur at any age, the incidence is higher after the age of 40 to 45.
Though it is very difficult to pinpoint any definite cause, certain substances, known as carcinogens, can definitely increase your chances of getting cancer.
For instance, people who smoke or chew tobacco are prone to mouth,throat and lung cancer. Contrary to popular opinion, beedi smoking is twice as dangerous as cigarettes.
Among other known cause are asbestos,arsenic,pitch,tar ultra-violet rays. Continued irritation of tissues can to cancer
There is no scientific evidence that cancer is caused by a germ.
A type of bone cancer may rarely result from a single severe injury. A single injury to soft tissue, such as the breast, will not give rise to cancer.
In certain individuals, Vitamin B deficiency may result in changes in certain tissues, particularly of the mouth and lips, which may ultimately become cancerous. In general, however, so far as is known, no food or combination of foods has any influence on the cause or cure of cancer but heavily fried food or abandoned red meat is today suspect. Green vegetables, cabbage may help in preventing certain cancers.
There is no scientific evidence that it will, since cancer of the stomach may occur in people who eat most regularly.
There is little evidence that the temperature of food is an important factor in the development of cancer.
No. There is no record of cancer having been transmitted by kissinf or by any contact, accidental or therwise, between individuals or between persons and animals (such as pets) (also see answer to question 84).
Not so far as is known. Alcohol may have an unfavorable effect on stomach tissues,but no more so than other substances taken along with food or drink.
There are probably inherited tendencies that may lead to cancers of different types. The presence of cancer in one or both parents should be a cause for greater alertness in looking for and recognising suspicious symptoms in the individual. Cancer however is not inherited except for one type of eye cancer known as Retinoblastoma.
Cancer may occur in any tissue pf the body, but a corn could not as a rule develop into cancer.
Simple freckles do not. However, flat moles containing pigment of a bluish- black colour and looking like dark freckles, may become cancerous and should be checked periodically.
No. piles or hemorrhoids are merely enlarged veins in the rectal wall. Cancer is occasionally found in the tissue above the hemorrhoids, so “bleeding piles†should be examined carefully to determine whether cancer is also present. Rectal bleeding can occur due to cancer.
Not so far as is known. Cancer is a disease pf body cells. One’s mental condition has no effect on the course of disease since this malignant change is apparently due to physical rather than mental processes.
Indiscriminate use of X-ray frequently may increase your chances of getting cancer.
By Preventing, so far as possible, prolonged irritation of any part of the body. Specifically, protection from overexposure to the sun and wind, prompt repair of all birth injuries to the womb, permitting the breasts to function normally early in life, repair of jagged teeth, avoidance of ill-fitting dental plates, avoidance of tobacco,correction of chronic constipation in short, elimination of unnecessary abuse of any tissue is a common sense method of helping to guard against cancer.
Any abnormal condition that, it permitted to continue, may develop into cancer with passage of time.
White spot on mucous (lining)membranes, especially of the mouth; dry, scaly,itching patches on the skin, particularly the face;sores caused by jagged teeth and illfitting dental plates; dark coloured moles subject to irritation; unrepaired injuries die to childbirth. These should all be investigated by a physician and dequately treated.
Keep the mouth clean. Have jagged teeth filed or removed. Do not use an ill-fitting dental plate which causes a sore on the gums or cheek. If white spots appear in the mouth or on the tongue, stop the use of tobacco and see a doctor.
Dark coloured moles and warts, if subject to irritation, should be removed. Itching, scaly patches on the skin should be treated before they become open sores.
No. A flat colourless mole is probably as harmless as a freckle. Bluish- black hairless
moles, especially when subject to irritation, should be removed. Any mole or wart showing changes in size or colour or if bleeding should be promptly and completely removed and the tissue examined by a pathologist to determine if cancer is present.
Production of immunity is possible only in diseases caused by germs. As cancer is not caused by germs,immunity cannot be developed against it as far as our knowledge goes to-day.
Primarily because of fear or ignorance of the signs of cancer and of the vital importance of securing treatment early. Some people also think there is a social disgrace in having cancer and so hide the fact from their physicians and often from friends and relatives. This is not a justifiable attitude.
He can The presence of tuberculosis or any other diseases gives no assurance that cancer may not also develop.
The chief function of white blood corpuscles is to protect the body against bacteria or germs. They kill germs and combat infection. Current research is being undertaken to promote such such activity by certain kinds of white blood corpuscles.
By a prompt visit to a physicians when suspicious signs or symptoms appear. Intelligent alertness by the individual may well save his life. By having complete, annual physical examinations,as a routine. Women over 35 should be examined twice a year. By confirming diagnosis at earliest possible moment, followed by adequate treatment. By a widespread knowledge, both lay and professional, of the character of cancer, its cause, methods of spread, and by recognition the value of early diagnosis and adequate treatment, as the means of protection.
You cannot. A regular thorough physical check-up is your best guard against cancer, plus as examination when one of the seven danger signals or warning appears. You are the first line of defense against cancer because, you alone, can recognize a danger signal and heed its warning.
There are seven common ones. They are often called the Seven Danger Signals of Cancer:
You should at once consult a doctor upon the appearance of any sign.
No, except in a cancer involving bone or nerve tissue. Pain usually is a late symptom and when it occurs, the growth as often far advanced.
The sooner it is found it is less likely to have spread to other parts of the body.
Any delay is dangerous. Go at once to a doctor and ask for a thorough examination.
The earlier a cancer is treated the greater the chance of a cure. Through periodic examinations cancer may be detected in its early stages, before the individual has noticed any sign or symptom in himself.
The Indian Cancer Society runs several check-up clinics. You can find out which is closest to you.(Address at back).
Careful inspection of the entire body surface, Heart, blood vessel and lung examinations. Examination by sight and touch of accessible organs, such as the mouth, nostrils, ears, throat, chest, breast, womb, and rectum. Examinations of stomach and intestines by X-ray when indicated. Microscopic examination of blood, urine, and any suspected tissue. In women, special examination of the breasts. Other examinations as indicated, such as of the eye, bladder and prostate by appropriate methods.
The check- up takes only an hour and is completely painless. You may phone and get an appointment.
Mammography is a special X-ray examination of the breast tissues.
The papanicolaou Test, (or Pap smear) is in fact a microscopic examination of the cells exfoliated from the uterus and cervix. The doctor takes a swab from the tissue surface for examination. This test warns patients of the presence of cancer even as tiny as a pin-head or gives evidence of a lesion which is a precursor of cancer.
No, but bleeding should be promptly and carefully investigated, to determine if it is due to cancer. A small percentage of bleeding nipples are due to cancer. Bleeding from other body openings, such as rectum or bladder, should be carefully investigated to rule out cancer. Unnatural vaginal bleeding, especially after the change of life can be a very spicious sign of cancer.
Movements streaked with bright blood or the occurrence pf black or “tarry†stools should lead to prompt and thorough investigation. The assumption that rectal bleeding is merely due hemorrhoids, or piles, is most dangerous, since bleeding may be due to a multiplicity of causes, including cancer, which require prompt treatment.
It may, but it may also be caused by conditions other than cancer. A careful examination is essential to rule out cancer.
There is no known relation between the status of one’s health and the development of cancer. Regular checkups provide the best safeguard against cancer as well as against various other diseases.
The best methods is an X-ray examination. The outline of the interior of the stomach when filled with a radio-opaque material such as barium sulphate, can give clues to the presence of cancer. Chemical tests of stomach contents are also of value. Only in late stages a lump may be felt through the body wall.
The most important test is an examination of the mouth and throat with a head- light and mirror, to check for ulceration, growths and white patches on the lining membrane called mucosa. A “Biopsy†specimen is always taken to confirm the clinical diagnosis. This is then reported by an experienced His-pathologist in the laboratory. In India nearly 40% of cancer arises in this region, in men.
Xerographs, mammographs, thermographs, CAT Scans, etc.are some of the highly sophisticated methods of cancer detection, in addition to clinical and pathological examinations.
By surgery, chemotherapy, X-ray or cobalt therapy and high density electron therapy or a combination of all these in the earliest possible stage of the disease. All these methods are available in India at various Hospitals.
No. Treatment depends on type and location of the growth. Some cancers will not respond to X-ray radium treatment but must be treated by surgery or with hormones and Radio- active isotopes.
There is no essential difference. When correctly used both will destroy cancer cells without seriously injuring the normal cells with which they come in contact.
Radium in hollow needles radio-active isotope wires are inserted into the cancerous growth are in the tissue surrounding it, and removed after treatment is concluded. Radium or radio-active isotopes in suitable containers may also be placed in contact with the growth as in cancer of the skin or cervix. In larger quantities they may be used at a distance from the body, the rays passing through an opening in the container into the cancerous growth.
Surgery is most effective in the early stages when cancer has not yet spread. Major advanced in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and anesthesiology have ensure a very high degree of success.
Chemotherapy implies treatments with anti- cancer drugs and injections. Today we have a large number of highly effective drugs for cancer control.
At times only. Certain types of cancerous growths, which can not be expected to be curable, may be controlled temporarily by proper treatment. Sooner or later, however, these growths may fail to respond to further treatment.
Report at once for a thorough physical examination.
More than 80% of cancers today are completely curable if treated early. At times, however, cures have been obtained after the cancers have been present for a long time. The of cancer always has an important bearing on its curability.
After a cancer patient has been treated and has remained free of recurrence of diseases for a period of five years, the chances for reappearance of the tumour are extremely small.(In a few rare instances however cancer has recurred ten or twenty years later, so that a semi- annual physical examination is a must for cancer patients).
Yes. Regardless of a patient’s past medical history, including the successful treatment of a previous cancer, he/she should be examined at regular intervals. Because of the tendency for cancer to reappear at the place of a previously exiting growth or nearby, a patient should have a regular follow-up at least every six months. A new cancer may also appear at in another part of the body.
No. A vaccine is of value only against a disease due to a germ. Cancer is not caused by a germ; therefore, serums are of no value in its treatment.
No. A paste or salve can not penetrate the tissues far enough to destroy deep-seated cancer cells.
There is some evidence that a few chemical substances such as the nitrogen mustard and other chemicals can destroy certain kinds of cancers. This treatment is known as chemotherapy.
There is evidence today to indicate that treatment with certain hormones may prolong life, and alleviate pain and suffering in certain breast and uterine cancers and in prostate cancers.
Immunotherapy is new development based on the theory that the human body can be taught to defend itself against diseases including cancer.
While many “cures†are constantly being evaluated by various laboratories,surgery, X-ray treatment, and chemotherapy remain the chief weapons in the physicians’ fight to cure cancer. Certain hormones and isotopes also offer some promise of assistance in their fight but it is much too early to claim that they can be called “curesâ€.
Real progress is being made in cancer research which has thrown much new light on normal and abnormal growth processes. However, the goal of finding the cause of cancer and thus its prevention is still in the future. Various avenues of investigations have recently opened up on all sides: in chemistry by of the hormones and chemicals and the complex role they play in cancer:in physics by application of radioactive materials and the development of X-rays of very high voltages; in surgery by more radical excision of tumours; and of through a study of enzymes, genetics, nutrition, cytochemistry, ect. Scientific disciplines of various types are being utilised to study the complex nature of cancer.
More than 80% of the patients treated adequately in the early stages can be cured. Your chances of recovery are excellent, if you report for treatment very early after cancer has arisen.
The sooner you come for treatment, the better the quality of life after cancer. Most cancer patients can return to their normal lives, even during treatment.
There are no fundamental differences in cancers appearing in men and women.
Cancer of the mouth, throat,gullet, stomach, rectum, larynx, lung, kidney, bladder, skin and brain are all more common in men than in women.
Smoking and chewing are known to cause cancer of the mouth, throat, bladder, lungs ete. Therefore, it is best to play it safe and, if you smoke or chew make every effort to stop.
No. There is no known relationship between cancer and sexual activity on the part of the male or female. However women who have multiple sexual partners run a greater risk of getting cervix cancer.
Yes, cancer of the prostate is one of the most common forms of cancer in older men. Men should be on guard against this form of cancer especially as they approach 60. A thorough physical examination, including a rectal examination, is the only way to discover this hidden cancer early enough for cure.
No. The misconception that cancer is primarily a woman’s disease is due to the frequency of cancer of the breast and cancer of the reproductive organs in women, in comparison with the more varied occurrence of cancer in men. Cancer in men often occurs in the less accessible areas of the body and is sometimes more difficult to diagnose and treat than cancer in women.
Reports from death certificates show that above the age of 40, the cancer death rate is higher among single women than among married women of the same ages. Single women have higher death rates from cancer of the breasts and married woman have more cancer of uterus Physicians believe that having the first child around the age of 20 is a preventive against cancer of the breast and the injury at child birth or having multiple sexual partners increase the risk of cancer of the uterus.
Yes, a very grave danger time is the most important factor in control of cancer and waiting to “see what happensâ€may permit a curable cancer to become incurable by preventing it to spread to other tissues.
No. only a small percentage of lump are cancerous. A careful pathological examination of the excised lump can definitely determine if is due to cancer.
Do not wear garments that press the breast tissue tightly against the chest wall. Every woman should have her breasts examined semi-annually by a physician. She should request her physician to instruct her in the proper technique for examining her won breasts in the erect and reclining positions and should examine her breasts once a month shortly after her “periodâ€.
Have all birth injuries repaired soon after they occur. Have all unnatural vaginal discharges investigated. Up to the age of thirty-five have an annual examination;thereafter a semi- annual one . Bleeding after the change of life calls for a physician’s examination at once. Avoid multiple sex partners.
Fibroid tumours only very rarely undergo malignant change.
No age is free from cancer. Certain forms of cancer, especially of the eyes and blood are most occasionally found in young children.
The answer is no. In many families where a parent has had cancer, the disease does not appear in the children. Again,a person whose family has no record of cancer may develop it. A tendency to develop breast cancer however runs I in families.
The rate of growth at any age depends upon the type of cancer, though cancer does grow faster at younger ages.
The cure of cancer has little relationship with age. It depends upon the extent of growth at the time it is detected, and the adequacy of the treatment given as well as the type of cancer detected.
There is no more disgrace in having a broken arm.
It often does. Here again, it depends upon the type of cancer you have how much must be done to treat it. Many hospitals provide free treatment to those who cannot afford to pay.
If a person advertises a cure, guarantees a cure, or employs a method of diagnosis or treatment not generally accepted or endorsed by the medical profession, may be classed as a quack. No reputable,ethical physician will do any of these things.
Only if you neglect it. Today more and more people are not only winning their fight against cancer, they are also able to lead normal, active lives.
