Prevention against cancer and the ways to reduce its risk helps to bring a greater change in the body. It helps with early detection and successful treatment.

Here is our basic information about the term cancer and what you need to know about it.

Several types in one- Cancer might seem like a single type of ailment, it has broad meaning and variation. Cancer is not just one type of disease that happens to everyone, it is just a disease name and can vary from person to person based on its type.

Develops at any part of the body- It can originate at any part of the body. The basics of cancer development are when cells grow abnormally and take over standard cells. It disrupts the natural cycle of the body and leads to the formation of tumours which eventually spreads to the other parts of the body, making it all cancerous.

Time of occurrence - Cancer can also occur at any age and are efficiently treatable if detected early. While some cancers are highly contagious, others take some time to show their symptoms.

Mode of Treatment - Not all cancers are treatable through one common practice. Some cancer types are either treated with the surgical operation, others respond better with chemotherapy. There are two or more treatment processes required for the cancer treatment to garner the best results.

Witnessed Symptoms - Generally, cancer forms a lump that is known as a tumour, it is the accumulation of new malignant cells. There are also some cancers like leukaemia (cancer of the blood) that do not form any growth or tumour.

Stages in Cancer - Cancer is also identified with their different stages. Terms like Stage 1 and Stage 2 are often employed to describe the state of the cancer development that helps in the treatment. The Lower stage like Stage 1 and 2 signify that cancer has not spread while higher stages like stage 3 and 4 stage cancer have spread widely. The condition of the cancerous growth over the body determines the type of treatment.

There are several treatment options available to cure bone cancer at Oncoplus Hospital, Delhi.

What causes Cancer?

cancer leads to the damage in the genes that either happens via chance or through abundant exposure to malignant chemicals present in the environment. The prime suspect that causes cancer is known as carcinogens. A carcinogen is a chemical that is present in some molecules of tobacco or smoke. However, cancer can happen with environmental agents, genetics or viral factors. The number of growing cancers in the world is not attributed to a single cause, they all vary from each other.

Hence to simply the main causes, we’ve divided them into groups.

• Biological Factors- Aspects such as age, inherited genetic abnormalities, gender, and skin type.
• Environmental Exposure- Natural emitted substance from nature like radon, UV radiation and fine particulate matter.
• Occupational Aspects - Coming in contacts with carcinogens like harmful chemicals, radioactive materials and asbestos.
• Lifestyle Factors - Unhealthy habits, for instance, heavy alcohol Intake, prolonged exposure of UV rays, tobacco consumption and chemicals like nitrites & polyaromatic hydrocarbons through barbecuing food.

Book an appointment with the best oncologists for cancer treatment as well as diagnosis at best cancer Hospital in Delhi.

Cancer Prevention methods

About 30-40% of all cancer is easily preventable. It is true, with changes in your lifestyle and some careful precaution, cancer can be actively prevented. We know it sounds too good to be true, but it is possible. According to the reports from Harvard School of Public Health, it estimates that about 75% of cancer deaths can be prevented with helpful measures taken.

Here are some of the methods that you can use to prevent the development of cancer in your body:

Stop consuming Tobacco

Use of tobacco brings the most prominent risk for developing cancer. Consumption of tobacco kills approximately 6 million people each year. Most of you are unaware of how many damaging chemicals tobacco contains in itself. Tobacco smoke has about 7000 chemicals which have at least 250 that are harmful while the other 50 are known for causing cancer.

Tobacco leads to the causes of many types of cancers such as cancers of the lung, larynx, throat, mouth, kidney, oesophagus, bladder, pancreas, stomach and cervix. The other tobacco, i.e second-hand smoke causes lung cancer. Hence it should be avoided in all forms.

Physical inactivity and Obesity

Lack of exercise and weight gain also contribute to the cause of cancer. There is a link between being obese and overweight that leads to cancers of oesophagus, breast, colorectal, endometrium and kidney. The only solution to getting rid of fat is by doing daily exercise. Addition of a healthy diet and regular physical activity of the body can considerably reduce cancer risk. It’s been said that physical activity leads to a reduced risk of colon cancer. For women as well, regular exercise leads to a reduced risk of breast and reproductive cancers. Exercise itself is a healthy milestone even though you lose weight or not.

Decrease or cease Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol intake is one of the largest contributors of several types of cancer including oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, oesophagus, breast, liver and colorectum. The amount of alcohol you consume, the greater the risk of cancer increases with abundance. The risk turns more deadly when there's a consumption of alcohol and tobacco at the same time. Hence start slow, start by drinking one drink a day to an average.

Maintain a healthy diet

Healthy alternatives are not a major assurance of cancer prevention, it does help to reduce the risk hence it benefits indirectly. Here are some things to add in your habits for maintenance of a healthy diet:

• Eat fruits and Veggies on a larger scale - Your diet must involve vegetables, fruits, and other food that involves plant-based sources such as whole grains and beans.
• Avoid fat-based food - Food rich in oil can lead to obesity which contributes to the risk of many types of cancer in the body. Hence add lighter and less high-calorie food such as refined sugars and animal fat from your food.
• Restrict processed meat - According to the latest report from Cancer Research, it's been proven that eating processed meat in larger amounts can contribute to the risk of developing a certain type of cancer.

Exposure to Radiation

Radiation from either man-made or natural sources leads to an increase in developing leukaemia and other tumours in the body. The risk increases if you are under the exposure of the radiation at a young age or either when the exposure is in abundance. Exposure to radiation causes various types of skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Hence it's vital to seek active prevention from the sun by the use of sunscreen and protective clothing. Try to get medical imaging studies only when it's required. Look out for residential radon that leads to an increase in the risk of lung cancer.

Guard yourself against infections

Many cancers are also attributed via infecting agents such as helicobacter pylori, hepatitis B and C, human papillomavirus, and Epstein-Barr virus. Though there are vaccines available for hepatitis B virus and some types of HPV that can rescue you from the risk of developing liver and cervical types of cancer. Many of these infections are sexually transmitted or through contaminated needles.

Avoid Environmental Chemical Exposure

Contaminants from air, water and soil containing carcinogenic chemicals lead to the development of cancer in varying degrees. Pollution from outdoors is highly malignant to humans as it leads to almost 3.5 million premature deaths and others with lung cancer deaths. Indoor pollution involves households activities like cooking with solid fuels. Especially, cooking with the use of coal fires double the trigger of developing lung cancer mostly in women.

Consult the cancer specialist at Oncoplus Hospital, Delhi.

Lowering The Risk of Cancer

As per WHO, Cancer is the world’s leading cause of death, but approximately 30% cases can be prevented with the onset of advanced diagnistric tools. It is true that there is no magic that can keep one away from cancer, but yes a few efforts can be done to improve the odds.

Lose the Body Weight

People who are overweight or obese have more chances of developing a few types of cancer, including in esophagus, pancreas, colon, kidneys ,thyroid gland and other organs. Losing weight help reduce the risk of cancer also might cut the number of new cases.

Cut on Consuming Red Meat

Red meat along with cured meats like bacon, hot dogs, and lunchmeat is considered to be linked to a higher risk of colon and stomach cancers.

Use Sunscreen everytime you go in Sun

Ultraviolet rays from the sun can be harmful more than a sunburn. UV radiations can cause skin cancer. The risk of developing Skin cancer is higher among people who spend much of their time in the sun. Most cases of skin cancer are curable if they are diagnosed early and ofcourse with the right treatment in real time. But unfortunately,Skin cancer can be life-threatening if it spreads to other parts of the body. Sunscreen with a 30 SPF (sun protection factor) or above is recommended everytime on going out in sun.

Consume More Vegetables

Vegetables and fruits can help prevent a range of cances in mouth, throat, windpipe and esophagus. Vegetables help your prevent damage that may lead to cancer later in life. It is recommended to consume 2.5 cups of fruits and vegetables a day.

Add other diets with Supplements

A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is a better than nutritional supplements to lower the risk of cancer. Supplements do not give the same benefits as whole foods do, and they can throw off the balance of other nutrients in the body. Supplements may help with certain conditions, but do not count on them to prevent cancer.

There are several treatment options available to cure bone cancer at Oncoplus Hospital, Delhi.

Less intake of Sugar

Foods or drinks with a lot of sugar tend to have more calories. If one has them often, he/she is more likely to take in more calories than he/she burns in a day. That can increase the body weight -- and possibly increase the risk of cancer. It is not necessarily required to skip the sugar entirely, but keep an eye out for things with added sweeteners.

Get Vaccinated for HPV

HPV i.e, Human papilloma virus is often passed from person to person through sexual activity. It can stay in the body for years and one might not even notice. It is the cause of nearly all cervical cancers in women and also can cause cancer of the vagina, penis, anus, mouth, and throat. Vaccine is available for girls between the ages of 9 and 26, and boys from 9 to 21. In addition,using condoms can also lower the chances of getting HPV.

Book an appointment with the best oncologists for cancer treatment as well as diagnosis at best cancer Hospital in Delhi.

Jump off the Couch and workout

Those who exercise have less chances to get cancer of the colon, breast, or uterus. After getting up and doing our routine activities, our body uses more energy, digests food faster, and prevents a buildup of some hormones that are linked to cancer. Being active also can help reduce the chances of developing other health problems like heart disease or diabetes.

Quit Smoking

Smoking causes various kinds of cancer, as well as heart and lung disease. Smoking tobacco is considered to be the major causeing factor for developing cancer. It is wise to quit smoking as early as possible.

Cut on alcohol consumption

Drinking too much alcohol can raise the risk of cancers of the digestive system including stomach, liver, and colon, among others -- as well as breast and throat cancer. It can hurt tissues in the body, damage liver, and mix with other chemicals to harm the cells in body. Men should not have more than two drinks a day, and women should limit it to one.

Get a Hepatitis B Vaccination

Patients with hepatitis B virus are more likely to get liver cancer which is one of the fastest growing cancer. And those with chronic liver problems, having multiple sex partners, or those who share needles to use drugs are at a high risk of getting hepatitis B. It can be prevented with the vaccination.

Right screening

As a famous saying,The sooner the better, works in prevention against cancer as well. If primary signs of cancer are spotted early, possibly recovery is better. There are certain tests available to check for different types of cancers such as breast, colon, prostate, or skin. It is advised to consult your doctor to know which screening tests one should go for and when to get .

Consult the cancer specialist at Oncoplus Hospital, Delhi.

Life of Cancer Patient After Survival

A cancer survivor is that the patient who had cancer and has been cured in real time. Patients who have survived cancer may expect to travel back to their normal lives.
With advancement of diagnostic tools cancer survival rate has been improved in times as compared to what it's going to are 20 years ago. However, still some cancers are more survivable than other types.

Higher survival rates could also be thanks to the subsequent major improvements in cancer prevention and treatment:

Screening tests may find cancers earlier. These tests include:

• Mammography for carcinoma
• PSA for prostatic adenocarcinoma
• Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer
• pap smear for cervical cancer
• Existing treatments are getting used in better ways
• Less side effects, which keeps planned treatments on schedule
• Newer treatments like targeted therapy and immunotherapy

There are several treatment options available to cure bone cancer at Oncoplus Hospital, Delhi.

Understanding survivorship

Cancer survivorship has a minimum of 2 common meanings:

• Having no signs of cancer after completing treatment.
• Cancer survivorship typically starts at diagnosis. It includes patients who receive treatment over a extended time. Their treatment can lower the prospect of the cancer returning or help to contain the cancer from spreading to other organs in body.

Book an appointment with the best oncologists for cancer treatment as well as diagnosis at best cancer Hospital in Delhi.

There are 3 phases of survivorship:

1. Acute survivorship: starts at diagnosis and aims at completing the initial cancer treatment.
2. Extended survivorship: focuses on the consequences of cancer and treatment. It starts at the top of initial treatment and goes through an extended time- the months after.
3. Permanent survivorship: focuses on Long-term effects of cancer and treatment is when years have passed since cancer treatment ended. there's less of an opportunity that the cancer may come.

Living with a history of cancer is different for every patient. But most patients have the common belief that life is different after cancer.

At the top of treatment, survivors may have the subsequent concerns:

• Appreciating life more.
• Being more accepting of themselves.
• Feeling more anxious about their health.
• Not knowing the way to cope after treatment ends.
• A sense of relief that their treatment is over
• Not sure about their disease in future
• Increased anxiety and stress
• A fear that the cancer would come
• Physical, psychological, sexual or fertility problems
• Struggles with Relationship
• Discrimination at some workplaces

Life of cancer patients After Survival

Patients should have information about the psychological also social issues that they're getting to face once they return to home after completing their treatment.
Cancer is usually described as a journey that starts at diagnosis. During treatment, some patients feel that their life is on hold. After treatment ends, it's going to be hard to understand the way to resume normal activities.

Survivors may expect life to return to what it had been like before the cancer diagnosis. for several patients, though, it's not that straightforward . the truth is usually more emotionally and physically complex. Some cancer survivors find they can’t or don’t want to travel back to how life was before their treatment.

Many survivors say that cancer changes them. After treatment, they'll feel different, albeit they appear an equivalent. With time, survivors often find a replacement way of living. Some feel they ought to be happy and filled with wisdom because they survived, but instead feel guilty that this isn’t the case.

Some patients feel as if they need fought a battle and wish time to rest. Others want to return immediately to their previous life.How does a patient feel and cope up with the disease depends on the sort of cancer and treatment.

Many cancer survivors have ongoing health concerns thanks to the cancer or due to treatment. These may include fatigue, difficulty sleeping, pain and depression. The after-effects of treatment can make lifestyle difficult.

Certain major changes in such patients’ life are explained below:

Changes in relationships

When active treatment is over, some survivors’ needs change and relationships may shift. For example:

• Some friends may become closer, while others keep themselves at a distance.
• Families can become overprotective.
• Relationship problems from before the cancer diagnosis can surface again.

What you'll do:

• Understand that the whole family changes from the cancer experience in ways they'll not remember of.
• Work through these changes to urge the support you would like.
• Maintain open and ongoing communication.

Getting back to work

Going back to a daily work schedule may be a thanks to revisit to a traditional routine and lifestyle. most of the people need their job and therefore the insurance it provides.

People with cancer may:

• Work during treatment
• Take day off for treatment and return to figure when treatment ends
• Unable to return to figure thanks to the consequences of the cancer or its treatment

At work, you'll find that, Co-workers might want to assist but parallelly some employers are reluctant to rent someone who has had cancer due to fears the person won't physically be ready to handle work.

The Fertility Issue

Of the issues faced by cancer survivors, damaged fertility is one among the smallest amount understood. The side effects of radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery can leave a patient infertile.

Cancer patients can take special fertility-saving measures before treatment. Adult and adolescent males can make deposits during a depository for future use.
For women the problems are more complex. A woman's fertility-saving measures depend entirely on her cancer treatment and her particular physiology. Eggs are often extracted and frozen, as can embryos. From there, the measures become increasingly tailored to a private woman's needs.

That's why all women cancer patients who have the potential in touch a toddler got to see a fertility specialist during the cancer treatment. Oncologists at Oncoplus Hospital, Delhi encourage our female patients also as male patients to undergo fertility evaluation periodically while their treatment.

Word of advice by Oncoplus Team of oncologists

• Focus on every day and expect both good and bad days.
• Do things at your own pace. Plan rest time between activities. Avoid pressure to form decisions or start new activities immediately.
• Be prepared for mixed reactions from family and friends. If people don’t skills to react, try to not get upset. Some people avoid contact because cancer brings up difficult emotions. they're handling it in their own way.
• Share your feelings and worries with family and friends. Allow yourself time to regulate to those changes, and to elucidate to your friends and family that you simply need their support.
• Talk to your doctor if you're concerned about sadness or low moods.
• Practise some sort of relaxation, like meditation, visualisation, yoga or deep breathing.
• Keep a journal. many of us find it helps to write down down how they’re feeling.
• Join a support group. Speaking with other cancer survivors may assist you cope and cause you to feel more optimistic about the longer term . Learn from their experiences and mistakes.
• Attend a survivorship program, if there's one in your area.
• Read other survivors’ stories. Learning how people have made meaning of a cancer diagnosis may help.

Consult the cancer specialist at Oncoplus Hospital, Delhi.