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Rise Above Cancer

CANCER!!! This should not be a new term for us. As every day we come across someone in our circle with this. The reason for cancer could be simple and in some cases it is inherited from his/her family. The chances of survival depend on the type. In some cases you could be saved, but in numerous cases one has to stick to his/her fate. Here are some patients and their loved ones who have shared their experiences in combating cancer.

Causes of cancer vary from person to person. Cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol as well as excessive consumption of red or even processed meat is considered to be the common causes. If you have a diet that lacks green leafy vegetables and a lack of physical activity could also cause cancer. In US, around 2 million are diagnosed with Skin Cancer and out of that around 75,000 with Melonoma that occur due to over exposure to Sun curtailing the Melanin levels of your skin.

22 per cent of the cancer cases as on date are due to tobacco consumption (Thanks to the availability of gutkha, cigarettes and tobacco in all forms). Followed by that is the Hepatitis B and C infections, which account for 20 per cent of the cases. 10 per cent of the cases are diagnosed with cancer also due to obesity. A meager 5-10 per cent inherits cancer from their parents and grandparents.

"My mother had severe stomach pain. We were asked to take scan and we noted there was a big stone in her stomach, which weighed at least 5 Kgs. Seeing that the doctor first said it has to be removed immediately and they were all set to operate her. The stone was sent to biopsy and what we heard after that was a disaster. It was reported as Stage II. Then they conducted chemotherapy in six cycles once in 21 days,” says Neha.

She further said, "She was not even aware of the fact that she had cancer until she faced severe hair loss. Strands of her hair was shredding heavily during chemotherapy.  Anyway in due course of time, her hair started growing normally.”

Like Neha’s mother, most of the women nowadays develop uterine cancer. On average, many women today are diagnosed with breast cancer and uterine cancer. While Esophageal, lung, oral, stomach and Lymphoma is types common among men, breast, cervical, ovarian and leukemia are common among women. Comparatively women are more vulnerable than men.

In case of Neha’s mother, it is far simpler. But look at the late father of Sanju Mathew, who was diagnosed with cancer just three months before his death.  

"Doctor called my brother separately to his room and asked him to be strong as he has only three months left out,” Sanju said.  

Sanju’s father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which will be only being known at the final stage and that is when things are out of control. When cells in your pancreas begin to multiply out of control and form a mass, it is a pancreatic cancer. Pain in the upper abdomen and jaundice are the major symptoms for this type of cancer. Consumption of red and processed meat as well as smoking could lead to pancreatic cancer. This type is common in men and rarely women are affected due to this. In case of Sanju’s father, consumption of red meat could’ve caused as he has been consuming red meat often.

Still, Indian medicines like Ayurveda and Siddha offer treatments for cancer cure. However the cure rate depends on the severity of disease’s progression and location. But the stigma continues because of mushrooming of too many alternate medicine clinics and their tall claims, which limits the patients approach. Maybe in future more scientific approach and evidences can throw more confidence on patients.

Stay away from the Cancer risk
If once affected you cannot save yourself from the certain types of cancer. But you can always reduce the severity of the disease.
• If you feel pain in abdomen for long, approach a doctor near you immediately 
• Cut consumption of red or processed meat quite often and if possible even restrict completely
• Have a check on your weight. Unexplained weight loss is a serious issue. So have a check on that quite often
• If you’re obese, have a check on your diet and ensure you take medicines for it on time 
• Have a regular exercise routine
• Add Vitamin C rich foods in your daily diet. Also add gooseberry, broccoli and peanuts 

War On Cancer Still On
Way back in 1971, US President Richard Nixon declared War on Cancer with the National Cancer Act of US Federal Law. Through increased research, the act is trying to improve treatments for curing cancer. There was also significant progress in improving the treatments for certain types of cancer.

But overall, still an effective treatment for cancer cure is not available and hence in exceptional cases, death is certain.

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