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  • Cancer
    Cancer is a group of diseases characterised by out-of-control cell growth. There are more than 100 different types of cancer. The cancer is named after the area of the body or organ where it originates.
Submitted by Dr S. Patel on 15 October 2015
Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Cancer symptoms depend on the site and size of the cancer and how much it has affected the organ. If the cancer has spread, symptoms may appear in different parts of the body. Common symptoms include:

  • Unexpected weight loss – Unexplained weight loss, without changes in diet or exercise can be a symptom of various cancers, including pancreatic, stomach, oesophageal, and lung cancer.
  • Persistent fatigue and fever that does not improve with the rest, often caused by the body’s immune response to the disease or by the cancer cells.
  • A persistent cough, blood in cough or hoarseness that lasts for several weeks to months could be a sign of lung cancer or throat cancer.
  • A lump or swelling identified in the breast, testicle, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body.
  • Skin colour, texture changes or development of new lesions can be a sign of skin cancer such as melanoma. Non healing ulcers on the skin, inside the mouth or the genital area increase the risk of oral or genital cancers.
  • Loss of appetite or eating problems such as difficulty in swallowing can be an indication of the cancers affecting digestive system.
  • Blood in the stool or urine may be a sign of colorectal, bladder, or kidney cancer.
  • Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency, size, or shape, can indicate colorectal or other abdominal cancers.
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  • Cancers can be prevented if people kept to a normal weight
     Excess weight linked to 10 different cancers Cancers have many causes – some of them genetic and some environmental. But the researchers, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Farr Institute of Health Informatics, have taken account of all the other factors involved in order to come up with a good estimate of the actual number of cancers that could be prevented if people kept to a normal weight. http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/aug/14/excess-weight…
  • New research from A*STAR for early detection and personalised treatment of Ovarian Cancer
    There are no early stage diagnostics for ovarian cancer and by the time they are discovered, they may not respond to standard cancer treatments.  But a new research from A*STAR's Institute of Medical Biology (IMB) and the Bioinformatics Institute (BII) have found new clues to early detection and personalized treatments of ovarian cancer, thus offering hope to millions of women who might be susceptible to it. Their findings were published online in Nature Cell Biology in July…
  • What your body may be trying to tell you
    Abnormally dry skin? Change in hair colour or shape of your nails? Even simple changes in the body may signify an underlying problem that you need to get checked out. By Dr Gita Mathai, paediatrician and family practitioner, shares tips to help you stay vigilant. The Skin should be a healthy colour.  • If it turns yellow, you may have jaundice.  • If it looks pale, get checked for anaemia. Here's how to manage iron-deficient anaemia. • Excessively cracked and…
  • Cancer survivor, 12, rewarded for selflessly volunteering to help other patients
    Cancer survivor Lam Yi-ning is only 12 years old. She was diagnosed with cancer when she was just seven. She underwent brain surgery, four chemotherapy sessions and 30 radiotherapy sessions. Despite frequent headaches and impaired vision, Lam spends a lot of time helping others through volunteer work. She is one of the top 10 "warriors" named by the Regeneration Society - and the youngest to be honoured in the group's 17-year history  http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/…
  • Image of a chemo ward with text overlay on blue strip Role of chemotherapy
    Understanding the Role of Chemotherapy
    Chemotherapy can have different roles in treatment of cancer. It is important to understand the role of the chemotherapy prescribed for the patient. Dr. Kriti Mittal MD, MS Hematology and Medical Oncology explains the roles - curative, non-curative, palliative and adjuvant. It is important to understand the role of chemotherapy in the treatment of your cancer. In some cases of localized or locally advanced cancer that has not yet spread to distant organs, your health care provider may chose to…
  • Don’t shun them
    “Cancer patients in India are not just dealing with a major disease, they have to also deal with the stigma that comes with it” - Dr Purvish Parikh, Medical Oncologist and Hematologist; Health Activist and Editor in Chief at JASCAP Utsa Shah attends a cancer patients meet at Tata Memorial Hospital and experiences the truth of the statement. A middle-aged lady holding her 15-year-old kid’s hand, her eyes watery, said, “My kid is not allowed to play with other children.…
  • Stock pic of Image of family
    Role of family / friend in treatment of cancer patient
    In the words of Kamini Pradhan, a featured Ovarian cancer crusader Family and friends have a major role to play in the treatment of a cancer patient. A cancer patient can be supported in the following ways :- MENTAL / EMOTIONAL  SUPPORT 1.  Acceptance – Do not be in denial mode. Know and understand the implications of the disease so that you can help the patient in getting the best treatment. 2.  Positivity   -  Please remember in this…
  • Overview of Cancer
    Cancer
    Cancer is a group of diseases characterised by out-of-control cell growth. There are more than 100 different types of cancer. The cancer is named after the area of the body or organ where it originates. For example, if the cancer starts in the breast and spreads elsewhere, it is still called breast cancer. Cancer occurs when the body’s normal cell division and regeneration process goes awry. Normal cells in the body follow a sequence of events - growth, division and death. This programmed cell…
  • Image shows herbs and a mortar and pestle
    Ayurvedic doctor kept her out of pain
    A husband recalls his wife’s losing battle with pancreatic cancer. He shares his experience and his advice for families in similar situations. My wife Nirmala, 69, and I had gone on a tour of Eastern Europe, which entailed long trips by bus. Nirmala started complaining of back ache. Well, our reaction was that this was due to sitting in the bus for long spells.  We met our doctor as soon as we got back. The dull back pain persisted. The X-ray showed an inflamed pancreas…