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Recent health survey reports by national agencies have observed that 1 in 9 people in India is likely to develop cancer in their lifetime. With calculated projections for the next decade, this graph is expected to go higher.
What can one do to take care of their health?
Continue reading to find out the most commonly asked questions about cancer, its diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
What is Cancer?
In a normal healthy body, each and every cell has a defined lifetime and a defined role to play after which it perishes. Cancer is an abnormal condition in which cells in the body divide more quickly than usual and grow incessantly. These unnatural cells develop into a tumor.
What are the Stages and Different Types of Cancer?
Cancer is categorized into 4 stages that specifically mark its prognosis. The size of the cancer and how much it has spread in the body are indicated by the stage. The four stages of cancer are:
Stage I
The cancer is limited to a primary location inside the body. (Restricted to its the site of origin)
Stage II
The cancer increases beyond a particular size but has not spread in the body.
Stage III
The cancer has increased in size and affected the nearby tissues and lymph nodes.
Stage IV
The cancer has spread to other organs or body parts. At this stage, it is known as metastatic cancer.
In order to get the finest treatment with the help of the best oncologist in Jaipur, book an appointment now at Manipal Hospitals.
What are the Different Types of Cancer?
The different cancer types are categorized based on the cell type it arises from. These consist of:
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Carcinoma
This type of cancer commonly arises lungs, breasts, pancreas, skin, head, neck and other organs and is termed carcinoma.
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Sarcoma
When cancer arises in muscle, fat, bone, cartilage, or blood vessels they are categorized under sarcoma.
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Melanoma
When cancer arises in the skin's pigment-producing cells such malignancies are known as melanoma.
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Leukemia
Cancer arising from blood cells falls in this category.
How is Cancer Diagnosed?
Cancer cannot be accurately diagnosed by a single test. A thorough history and physical examination, as well as diagnostic tests, are typically necessary for a patient's full evaluation. To identify whether a person has cancer, numerous tests are required. Imaging, laboratory tests (including blood tests, and tests for tumor markers), tumor biopsy, endoscopic examination, or genetic testing are all examples of diagnostic techniques for cancer.
Your doctor will do a thorough physical examination to assess the stage and extent of growth of your cancer before giving you treatment. These tests will also be able to give a prognosis of your particular cancer type.
What Are The Treatment Options Available For Cancer?
Treatment for cancer is a combination of surgery, medication and therapies. Radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery are the most often used treatments. There are many other more targeted treatment options such as hormone therapy, laser therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and others. Here is a summary of the various cancer treatments and how they operate.
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Surgery
Numerous cancer types are commonly treated with surgery. The tumor and some of the surrounding tissue are removed by the surgeon during the procedure.
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Chemotherapy
Drugs used in chemotherapy kill fast-growing cells of the body including cancer cells. The medications may be taken orally or intravenously (IV).
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Radiation Therapy
To eliminate cancer cells, radiation therapy employs X-rays, accelerated particles, or radioactive seeds. The body's regular cells develop and divide more slowly than cancer cells do. Radiation therapy harms cancer cells more than healthy cells because it is most destructive to rapidly growing cells.
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Targeted Therapy
Drugs are used in targeted therapy to halt the growth and spread of cancer. Compared to previous treatments, this method is considered far milder in terms of overall health impact.
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Hormone Therapy
Breast, prostate, and cancers— are driven by hormones—are treated with hormone treatment. The body's natural hormones are stopped or blocked by surgery, medicines, or both.
What are the factors that increase the risk of cancer?
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Unhealthy Lifestyle
Various food habits, lack of exercise and a deficit of fresh and colourful fruits in the diet can promote cancer cells to grow.
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Polluted Environment
The long-term effects of environmental pollutants can trigger cancerous growth in the body.
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Exposure to Radiation
Prolonged exposure to sunlight and other radiations can increase your chances of developing cancer later in life.
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Hormone Therapy
Breast cancer and endometrial cancer risk may be higher in women who use hormone replacement treatment.
How can I Prevent Cancer?
A person’s environment and lifestyle greatly contribute towards their overall risk of developing cancer, hence one should try making healthier choices in their day-to-day life.
Quitting tobacco and alcohol tops this list as the consumption of these is often the cause of multiple health conditions. In addition to these, maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious food, being physically fit and managing stress levels are some other effective ways to consider. If you face any of the cancer symptoms, feel free to visit the cancer hospital in Jaipur.
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