dedicated to eliminate cancer – a community based voluntary health organization, by:
- Preventing cancer through Awareness & Screening
- Saving lives through emotional & financial support of patients
- Diminishing suffering from cancer through education, advocacy and service
- Offering educational & recreational inputs to child patients
- Creating awareness and providing information, especially through the media, regarding cancer
- Inter-linking with cancer societies in India and internationally for mutual benefit
- (Homepage).
Jagriti; Dedection; Cancer Sahyog; Prashanti; CanKids; ICS Gurgaon;
Address: Indian Cancer Society, Q-5A, Jangpura Extn., New Delhi – 110014, India;
Contact.
About Cancer: What Is Cancer? In simple terms, cancer is an abnormal growth of body cells. Each one of us is born with a potential for cancer. One can not « Catch » it as one would an infection or a cold.
When the programming of a cell or a group of cells is affected, growth may become uncontrolled. Some of the factors that can alter the code are chronic irritation, tobacco, smoke and dust, radioactive substances, age, sex, race and heredity . While one cannot control many of these factors , we need to be aware of the ones we can control of. Prevention is definately better than treatment of cancer. No one yet talks of cure, treatment.
What is the difference between normal and malignant cells? Normal cells grow in a well regulated pattern. When cancer sets in, a group of cells suddenly starts multiplying in a haphazard and uncontrolled way, forming lumps or tumours. a malignant tumour never stops growing and can spread to other parts of the body.
Broadly, There are 19 cancers that can be generally related to life style:
- 1. Cancer of the Bladder. This is a slow growing cancer, and responds well to treatment. Tobacco and chronic irritation are prime causes. House Painters, hair dressers, truck drivers, textile workers and printers are at a risk due to the chemicals they are constantly in touch. Blood in urine and painful passing of urine are symptoms to beware.
- 2. Breast Cancer. Women who have mensurated early, with late or no pregnancies, late menopause, who have not breast fed their babies, are particularly at risk. If there is a family history of cancer – your mother, sister, massi or naani – please treat it as an early warning sign. Learn and practice Breast Self Examination, and have Mammograms as recommended by your gynaecologist. Evaluate diet too, too much of fat in your diet is a certain culprit. Selenium found in the soft bones of the fish , as well as whole grain protect against breast cancer. Excercise on regular basis.
- 3. Cervical Cancer. The most common of women’s cancer in India . This is a slow growing cancer that can easily be detected by a Pap smear. Not all Dysplasia become cancerous, women who mensurate early, marry early, with many sex partners, many children and poor anti natal care, as well as poor genital hygiene are likely to get this cancer. Intake of vitamin A and C and B folate are good as preventives. Intake of tobacco increases the chances of getting this cancer by 50%
- 4. Colorectal Cancer. This is linked to high fat and low fibre diet. It is a rich mans’ disease, and prevalent in the richer countries. Diarrhoea, pain in the abdomen, lower back or bladder, or a change in bowel habits are symptoms of this cancer.
- 5. Esophagal Cancer. Tobacco and alcohol predispose you to this cancer. Also pickled foods and too much spice. Symptoms are trouble in swallowing, choking, pain and spasms in the throat. Vitamin A and C are recommended as retardents.
- 6. Cancer In the Eyes. It can be of several types. Intense exposure to U/V rays of the sun may cause it. Light eyed persons are at greater risk of melanoma.
- 7. Kidney Cancer. It affects most men than women. Blood in the urine, backache, fullness or lumps in the upper abdomen, loss of appetite, are signs of Renal Cell Cancer. Renal pelvic cancers affect people over age of 60 years. Battery makers, eletro-platers, and rubber workers are at particular risk. Tobacco, cadmium, high protein and sacchrine are prime suspects.
- 8. Laryngeal Cancers. Hoarseness and discomfort in the throat are symptoms to look out for . Tobacco, alcohol, asbestos and nickel are suspected causes.