ABOUT CANCER THE COMMON ADVERSARY

The tissues, structures and organs of our body, are constituted by numerous cells. These cells grow constantly in an orderly and controlled manner. When this control is lost, the cells grow rapidly, excessively and chaotically - resulting in cancer. Although more in number, they do not do their desired function. On the contrary, they cause:

  • Mechanical compression of vital neighbouring structures, nerves and vessels
  • Obstruction of tubes and pathways
  • Bleeding and perforation
  • Fall in immune status, causing infection

These cells get transported to nearby lymphnodes, by lymphatics, and to distant organs and bones, by blood. This is called metastasis.

So, the symptoms and signs of cancer depends on its primary site (origin) or its areas of metastasis (spread). Sometimes (8%), certain systemic effects of cancer can be found, away from the site of its origin or spread - due to hormonal and immunological effects. This is called paraneoplastic syndrome.

Based on the symptoms of a person, detection of cancer is done by Oncologists (cancer specialists), through physical examination, blood tests (includes tumor markers), X-rays, scans and endoscopies. However, the diagnosis is always through (there are exceptions although) pathological examination of the material obtained through aspiration or biopsy from the tissue or organ, suspected to have cancer. The next step in the management of cancer is to know the extent of the disease - The staging. This again, is by physical examination of the patient by the oncologist, scopies if necessary, and by radiological examination.

Treatment of cancer depends on

  • Site of cancer (breast, lung, blood, etc.,)
  • It's type (Carcinoma, Lymphoma, etc.,)
  • Age of the patient
  • Stage of cancer
  • Grade
  • General condition of the patient and co-morbidities

Treatment modalities for cancer are:

  • Medicine or chemicals
  • Radiation
  • Surgery

Depending on the site, type, stage and grade of the cancer diagnosed, one or more of the above modalities are used to treat - the aim being cure (curative or adjuvant) or alleviation (palliative).

With the advances made in cancer treatments recently (minimal access and conservation surgeries, cyber knife radiation, intensity modulated radiotherapy, targeted medical therapies, antiangiogenic therapies and monoclonal antibody therapy) curing cancer is possible in early stages and has become easier.

TYPES OF CANCER

Cancers can be classified according to:

  • The site of its origin

  • The Cells with which they are made up of

   e.g., Carcinoma, Melanoma, Sarcoma, Lymphoma, etc.,

CAUSES OF CANCER

There is a broad consensus that cancer is, in essence, a genetic disease, and that accumulation of molecular alterations in the genome of cancer cells is the basis in cancer progression.

In about 80% of cancers, these genetic molecular alterations are brought about by living habits and environmental status - smoking, alcohol, diet, sexual behavior, UV radiation, lack of exercise, body habitus, certain infections and socioeconomic status.

Side - Effects of Cancer Treatments

Cancer treatments being harsh and aggressive, it is absolutely not possible to prevent injury and damage to normal cells during treatment. This damage manifests as side - effects of treatment.

Common side - effects being vomiting, tiredness, loss of appetite and taste, loose stools or constipation, skin changes, loss of hair, fever, etc.,

DIET IN CANCER PATIENTS

While undergoing Chemotherapy and Radiatiotherapy

  • Avoid spicy foods, do not starve
  • Drink plenty of liquids
  • Fruit juices and tender coconut water on the advice of your doctor,    especially if you are a diabetic or having renal dysfunction.
  • Light food before therapy on treatment days.
  • Ice creams, milk shakes, jelly, custard and porridge especially if you    have mouth ulcers.
  • Butter milk to improve your gut microbial flora.
  • Hygienic food and water. No outside food.
  • Avoid aerated drinks, and alcohol.

After surgery

  • Small, frequent feeds
  • Easily digestible non - greasy food
  • High protein intake (if no jaundice)
  • Fiber rich food to avoid constipation.

To Prevent Cancer

  • Fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereals
  • Avoid maida containing spicy food
  • Avoid drinking well - water
  • Strictly do not use tobacco - in any form and alcohol.
  • Avoid fatty foods
  • Take fibre rich food