Cancer has been the cause of death of millions worldwide. According to the World Cancer Report, the disease can lead to 50 per cent newer cases worldwide by 2020. Back home in New Delhi, the Cancer Atlas, recently published by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), indicates that incidence of gall bladder cancer in women in the city one of the world's highest.
Not just that, women across the country top the list in cervical and breast cancers. Conservative estimates predict around 2.5 lakh new cases of breast cancer in India by 2015. The ICMR atlas says, in India, 40 per cent of rural women suffer from cervical cancer due to early marriage and high number of pregnancies, whereas 25 per cent of urban women suffer from breast cancer due to late marriage and late pregnancy.
According to Dr. R K Grover, director, Delhi State Cancer Institute, “A woman should have her first child by the age of 21-22 years to save herself from the high risk of breast or cervical cancers.”
Men too are at high risk. According to a report by International Agency for Research on Cancer, shared by Dr. Grover, lung cancer due to smoking may soon account for 20 per cent of all male deaths and five per cent of all female deaths among Indians between the ages of 30 and 69. Majority of cases, he points out, come to hospitals in the third stage when treatment is difficult. He notes here a few warning signals to look out for.
Unusual bleeding or discharge, especially if painless
A lump, nodule or swelling in the breast or any part of the body
An ulcer or wound anywhere in the body, including the cavities of the mouth that does not heal
Persistent irritating cough or hoarseness of voice
Indigestion or pain/difficulty in swallowing food
Recent change in bowel or bladder habits
Obvious change in shape, size or appearance of a wart or mole
Repeated headaches, progressive change in vision, convulsions or progressive weakness of one part or side of the body
Unexplained irregular fever, progressive weight loss, persistent loss in appetite or progressive weakness
If any of these symptoms persists for more than two week, immediately consult a doctor, advises Dr. Grover.
“A healthy diet with lots of anti-oxidants and an active lifestyle will help reduce the risk. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed cheaper will be its treatment and lesser the pain. Remember, cancer is curable if diagnosed and treated early,” he concludes.
