Dr. Sunil Chopade

Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.

The body is made up of trillions of living cells. Normal cells grow, divide to make new cells, and die in an orderly way. Cancer starts when cells start to grow out of control and instead of dying, continue to grow and form new, abnormal cells.

Cells become cancer cells because of changes to their DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). In a normal cell, when DNA is damaged the cell either repairs the damage or dies. In cancer cells, the damaged DNA is not repaired and the cell goes on making new cells that the body does not need.

Though it is very difficult to pinpoint the definite cause. Certain substances, known as carcinogens, can definitely increase your chances of getting cancer.

Some of the common causes of cancer are as follows :-

1. Smoking ,chewing tobacco or bedi smoking.
2. Pollution.
3. Continued irritation of tissues can lead to cancer.
4. Preserved food, smoked and junk food are also contributory.
5. Genetics & family history of cancer.
6. Exposure to radiation Asbestos, Arsenic, Pitch, Tar, UV rays.
7. Even certain viruses can cause cancer (EBV, Hepatitis B, HPV)

There are seven common ones. They are often called the Seven Danger Signals of Cancer:

• Change in bowel or bladder habits.
• A sore that does not heal.
• Unusual bleeding or discharge.
• Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere.
• Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.
• Obvious change in wart or mole.
• Nagging cough or hoarseness.

A yearly check up should be a part of life. After a certain age as per doctor's advice go for screenings.

Cancer risk can be reduced by:

• Not using tobacco.
• Maintaining a healthy body weight.
• Eating a healthy diet, including fruit and vegetables.
• Doing physical activity on a regular basis.
• Avoiding or reducing consumption of alcohol.
• Getting vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B if you belong to a group for which vaccination is recommended.
• Avoiding ultraviolet radiation exposure (which primarily results from exposure to the sun and artificial tanning devices) and/or using sun protection measures.
• Ensuring safe and appropriate use of radiation in health care (for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes).
• Minimizing occupational exposure to ionizing radiation; and
• Reducing exposure to outdoor air pollution and indoor air pollution, including radon (a radioactive gas produced from the natural decay of uranium, which can accumulate in buildings - homes, schools and workplaces.

The sooner it is found it is less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. Early cancer can be cured.