WHAT IS IT
1.
What is
cancer?
Cancer is an abnormal growth of a body cell or
group of cells. If it is not destroyed or removed, cancer can spread very
rapidly, and eventually lead to death.
2.
What is the
difference between normal and cancerous
growth?
There are billions of cells in the human body.
Normally, they grow in a well-regulated pattern. When cancer sets in, a group
of cells suddenly starts multiplying haphazardly and forms a lump or "tumour".
3.
How many kinds
of tumours are there?
There are two kinds of tumours - Malignant &
Benign. A benign tumour is more common, and is generally harmless; it doesn't
spread to other parts of the body. A malignant tumour on the other hand, never
stops growing unless until treated and can spread to other parts of the body.
Cancer is the name given to a malignant growth.
4.
Is cancer
contagious or infection?
No. Since cancer is not
caused by a germ, it is not "catching", and cannot be transmitted from one
person to another.
5.
Is cancer is
blood disease?
No, Cancer cells may move through the blood stream
to another part of the body indicating spread of disease. Cancer can, however,
develop in certain tissues, which form the blood cells.
6.
How does cancer
spread?
In 3 ways:
a.
Cancer cells grow thorough the walls of blood vessels and are carried by the blood stream to other parts of the
body.
b.
They enter the lymphatic stream and are carried to the lymph glands.
c.
They grow directly in contiguity from one tissue to another.
7.
How fast does
cancer grow?
There is no definite rate of growth of cancer
tissue. Some cancer grows fast and some are slow growing. For example, it takes
2 to 5 years for breast cancer develops to 1cm.
8.
Is cancer a
single disease?
No. The term "cancer" includes all forms of
malignant growth. Very many varieties are known. These have certain
characteristics in common, such as uncontrolled growth, a tendency to spread
widely in the body and fatal termination if not treated early and adequately.
They differ in certain characteristics, such as location in the body,
microscopic appearance, and response to treatment.
9.
How can you tell
if you have cancer?
There are 7 early warning signals. But the real
tragedy about cancer is that it produces very minor symptoms at first. So you
could have cancer and not know it. The best way to detect cancer is to have a
regular yearly check-up.
10. How does a doctor tell if growth is
cancerous?
By performing a biopsy or FNAC i.e. examining a
small portion of the tissue under a microscope. In advanced cases, physical
examination alone may reveal the diagnosis. But the chances of cure at late
stage are very poor.
11. Are cancer and leprosy
related?
No. A germ causes leprosy. Both the symptoms and
the treatment for the two diseases are entirely different.
12.
Is cancer a
modern disease?
As long ago as 3,000 BC. Egyptian historians made
reference to "tumours and ulcers". Mummies from the Gizeb Pyramids were found
to have cancer involving the bones. But the incidence of cancer is increasing.
It is related tour life styles and urbanization i.e. tobacco, alcohol use,
pollution, preserved and junk food etc. it is becoming a disease of
modernization.
13.
Are some people
more prone to certain types of
cancer?
Yes. Your life-style may make you more prone to
some cancer. e.g. cancer of the colon, lungs and skin are common in Britain and
U.S.A., Cancer involving the oral cavity are more common in India. In women
cancer of the breast, uterus and gall bladder a common.
14.
What are your
chances of getting cancer?
One out of every 8 Indians develops cancer in their
lifetime. There are about 8.5 lakh cancer patients in Indian alone (Year,
2000). Though cancer can occur at any age, the incidence is high after the age
of 40 to 45.
WHAT
CAUSES IT
15.
What Causes
Cancer?
Though it is very difficult to pinpoint the
definite cause. Certain substances, known as carcinogens, Can definitely
increase your chance of getting cancer. For instance, people who smoke or chew
tobacco are more prone to mouth, throat and lung cancer, Contrary to popular
opinion, beedi smoking is twice as dangerous as cigarettes.
Continued irritation of tissue can lead to
cancer. Pollution, preserved food, smoked and junk food are also contributory.
Even certain viruses can cause cancer (EBV, Hepatitis B, HPV). Amongst other
known causes are asbestos, arsenic, pitch, tar and ultra-violet rays.
16. Is cancer caused by a
germ?
There is no scientific evidence that cancer is
directly caused by a germ. Although certain viruses are known to cause cancer
but they form < 2% of the cancer burden.
17.
Does cancer come
form a single bruise?
No. A single injury to soft tissue or bone does not
give rise to cancer.
18.
What is the
relation of food to cancer?
High fat, low roughage western diet predisposes to
colon cancer. Diet rich in animal fats also contributes to breast cancer. Green
leafy vegetables and fresh fruits contain certain antioxidants, which prevent
cancer. Recently tomato, ginger and cabbage etc. have been found to have
medicinal antioxidant property. Avoid junk food, smoked and preserved food. Be
vegetarian and prevent cancer.
19.
Will
irregularity in eating cause cancer of the
stomach?
There is no scientific evidence that it will, since
cancer of stomach may occur in people who eat most regularly.
20.
Does eating hot
food cause cancer?
There is little evidence that the temperature of
food is an important factor in development of cancer. But recently too hot food
has been correlated with food pipe cancer. Too spicy food may be related to
stomach cancer as is evident from its high incidence in Southern parts of
India.
21.
Does the use of
alcohol bear any relation to cancer?
Alcohol is a predisposing factor for the
development of cancer of oesophagus, laryngopharynx and liver.
22.
Is cancer
hereditary?
There are probably inherited tendencies that may
lead to cancer of different types. The presence of cancer in one or both parent
should be a cause for greater alertness in looking for and recognizing
suspicious symptoms in the individual. Cancer, however, is not inherited except
for one type of eye cancer known as Retinoblastoma. Only 5% of breast cancers
are considered hereditary.
23.
Can cancer be
transmitted by kissing or casual contact between person or
between persons and animals?
No. There is no record of cancer having been
transmitted by kissing or by any contact, accidental or otherwise, between
individual or between person and animals.
24.
Do corns become
cancerous?
Cancer
may occur in any tissue of the body, but a corn does not, as a rule, develop
into cancer.
25.Do freckles turn
into cancer?
Simple freckles do not. However, flat moles
containing form pigment of a bluish-black colour and looking like dark
freckles, any become cancerous and should be checked periodically.
26.
Do piles turn
into cancer?
No. Piles or hemorrhoids are merely enlarged veins
in the rectal wall. Cancer is occasionally found in the tissue above the
hemorrhoids. So "bleeding piles" should be examined carefully to determine
whether cancer is also present. Rectal bleeding can occur due to cancer.
27. Can one's mental condition influence the
course of cancer?
Cancer is disease of body cells. One's mental
condition has no direct effect on the course of the diseases since this
malignant change is apparently due to physical process. But positive attitude,
fighting sprint and healthy thinking helps you to cope with cancer better. So,
it has an indirect bearing on response to cancer treatment.
28. Does Radiation cause cancer? Do Cell phones
cause Cancer?
Indiscriminate use of X- Rays frequently any
increase your chance of getting cancer. Lately, there are certain reports
quoting higher incidence of Leukaemia and brain tumours in person using cell
phones. But this needs farther research.
DEFENCE
MEASURES CALLED FOR
29.
How can one that
against cancer?
Provision is better than cure. More than half of
the cancers are preventable! Avoid smoking and tobacco chewing in any form.
Alcohol should only be taken in moderation. It is better avoided. Take low fat,
vegetarian diet. Avoid ill-fitting dentures, Report to doctor immediately if
you notice any of seven warning signals.
30.
What is meant by
a "precancerous lesion"?
Any abnormal condition that, it permitted to
continued, may develop into cancer with passage of time. Cancer does not
develop in days or weeks time. It takes many years to develop. It passage
through many stage normal cellà
abnormal cellà
Precancerous lesionà
Frank cancerà
Metastasic cancer.
31.
What are some of
the more important Precancerous
lesions?
White spots on mucous (lining) members, especially
of the mouth; non healing sores caused by jagged teeth and ill fitting dental
plates; dark coloured moles which itch or bleed. These should all be
investigated by a physician and adequately treated. Sub mucous fibrosis with
inability to open mouth, polyps in large intestine, Barret's oesophagus
associated with reflux oesophagitis is some of the conditions, which should
alarm the patient and physician. These require careful monitoring.
32. What precaution should be taken to avoid
cancer of the mouth?
Cancer of mouth is a largely preventable disease.
Avoid use of tobacco in any form (pan parag, pan masala, gutaka etc.) Any sore
in mouth which does not heal in three weeks time should be examined by doctor
and if required biopsied. Keep the mouth clean. Have jagged teeth filed or
removed. Do not use an ill-fitting dental plate, which causes a sore on the
gums or cheek. If white spots appear in the mouth or on the tongue, stop the
use of tobacco and see a doctor.
33.What precautions
should be taken to avoid cancer of the
skin?
Dark coloured moles and warts, which become itchy
or bleed or ulcerate should be removed. Fair - skinned people should avoid
overexposure to direct sunrays. Recurrent blisters on the lip should be
carefully examined. Skin should always be kept clean.
34.Should all moles
be removed?
No. A flat colourless mole is probably as
harmless as a freckle. Bluish - black hairless moles, especially when subjected
to irritation, should be removed. Any mole or wart
showing changes in size or colour or bleeding should be promptly and completely removed and the tissue examined by
a pathologist to determine if cancer is present.
35.Can immunity to
cancer be acquired as with diptheria or typhoid
fever?
Production of immunity is possible only in
diseases caused by germs. As cancer is not caused by germs, immunity cannot be
developed against it. But scientists are exploring possibilities of vaccines
for cancer.
36.
Why do many people wait before consulting a
physician when cancer may be present or suspected?
Primarily because of fear. Ignorance of the signs
of cancer and the vital importance of early treatment also play a role. Some
people also think there is a social disgrace in having cancer and so hide the
fact form their physicians and often from friends and relatives. This is not a
justifiable attitude.
37.
Can a
tuberculous person ever have cancer?
He can. The presence of tuberculosis or any other
disease gives no assurance that cancer will not develop.
38.
Why don't the
white corpuscles in the blood kill
cancer?
The chief function of white blood corpuscles is
to protect the body against bacteria or germs. They kill germs and combat
infection. Current research is being undertaken to promote such activity by
certain kinds of white blood corpuscles.
39.
How can we
control cancer?
a.
By a prompt visit to a physician when suspicious signs or symptoms appear. Intelligent alertness by the
individual may well save his
life.
b.
By having complete, annual physical examinations, as a routine. Women over 35 should be examined once a year.
c. By
confirming diagnosis at the earliest possible moment, followed by adequate
treatment.
d. By
a widespread knowledge, both layman and professional, of the character of
cancer, its causes, method of spread, and by recognizing the value of early
diagnosis and adequate treatment as the means of protection.
e. Most
important is prevention of cancer by change of lifestyles.
HOW TO DETECT IT
40.
How can you tell
if you have cancer without seeing a
doctor?
You can also suspect. A
regular thorough physical check-up is your best guard against cancer, plus an
examination when one of the seven danger signals or warning appears. You are
the first line of defense against cancer because, you alone, can recognize a
danger signal.
41.
What are some of
the early signs of cancer?
There are seven common ones. They are often
called the Seven Dangers Signals of Cancer.
1. Change
in bowel or bladder habits.
2. A
sore that does not heal.
3.
Unusual bleeding or discharge.
4.
Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere.
5.
Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.
6.
Obvious change in wart or mole.
7.
Nagging cough or hoarseness.
You should at once consult a doctor upon the
appearance of any sign.
42.
Is pain an early
symptom of cancer?
No, except in a cancer involving bone or never
tissue. Pain usually is a late symptom and when it occurs, the growth is often
far advanced.
43.
Why should
cancer be diagnosed and treated
early?
The sooner it is found it is less likely to have
spread to other parts of the body. Early cancer can be cured.
44.
How long it is
safe to wait before consulting a
physician?
Any delay is dangerous. Go at once to a doctor
and ask for a thorough examination.
45.
Why are periodic
examinations necessary?
The earlier a cancer is treated the greater are
the chances of a cure. Through periodic examination, cancer may be detected in
its early stages before the individual has noticed any sign or symptom in him.
46.
Where can you
get a Cancer check-up?
RGCI & RC has all screening facilities. Any
individual with or without warning signals can come for check-up, Indian cancer
society also runs several check-up clinics.
47.
What comprises a
thorough cancer check-up?
Thorough cancer check-up means examination of all
accessible body parts like head and neck, oral cavity, chest, abdomen, breast,
vaginal and rectal examination. Cancer screening at RGCI & RC also includes
certain blood tests, X- Ray chest, US whole abdomen, mammogram, pap's smear,
sputum exam, stool for occult blood and PSA (for prostate). Clinical
examination and all investigations are done at nominal rates.
48.
Is the check-up
painful?
The check-up takes only an hour and is completely
painless. You may phone and get an appointment.
49.
What is
mammography?
Mammography is a special X- Ray
examination of the breast tissue. It is a quite sensitive test to pick up early
lesions of the breast.
50.
What is a pap
smear?
The pappanicolaou Test (or pap
smear) is in fact microscopic examination of the cells exfoliated from the
uterus and cervix. The doctor takes a swab from the tissue surface for
examination. This test warns patients of the presence of early pre-cancerous
lesion.
51.
Is bleeding
always a sign of cancer?
No. Bleeding should be promptly and carefully
investigated, to determine if it is due to cancer. A small percentage of
patients with blood stained discharge from nipple have cancer. Bleeding from
other body openings, such as rectum or bladder, should be carefully
investigated to rule out cancer. Unnatural vaginal bleeding, especially after
the age of 50 can be a very suspicious sign of cancer.
52.
Does blood in
stool indicate cancer?
Stool streaked with bright blood or the
occurrence of black or "tarry" stools should lead to prompt and thorough
investigation. The assumption that rectal bleeding is merely due to
hemorrhoids, or piles, is most dangerous, since such bleeding may be due to
multiple causes, including cancer.
53.
Does blood in
the urine indicate cancer?
It may. But it may also be caused by conditions
other than cancer. A careful examination is essential to rule out cancer.
54.
Is it true that
cancer generally develops among people in poor
health?
There is no known relation between the status of
one's health and the development of cancer. Poor genital hygiene and poor oral
hygiene may be contributory factor in cancer causation.
55.
How can we
diagnose cancer of the stomach?
Upper G-I endoscopy id the best investigation for
diagnosing stomach cancer. A flexible tube (Endoscope) is passed through mouth
and introduced into food pipe and stomach for telescopic visualization. Biopsy
can be taken if any lesion is found in stomach or food pipe.
56.
How are cancer
in the head and neck region
diagnosed?
Cancer in the head and neck region can be
diagnosed by simple clinical examination which includes visualization of oral
cavity and voice box with the help of head light and mirror. Any growth, ulcer
or white patch is biopsied to confirm the clinical diagnosis. This is then
reported by an experienced Histo-pathologist in the laboratory. In India more
than 40% of male cancers arise in mouth and throat.
57.
What techniques
are used to detect cancer?
There is no substitute to good clinical
examination. Ultrasound, X-Ray, CT scan, MRI & Mammography are some of
diagnosis imaging tools. Various blood tests (PSA, AFP) and endoscopic
procedures are also available to clinch the diagnosis. Cytology (FNAC) or
Biopsy of lesion is desirable before staring any treatment.
58.
How should
cancer be treated?
By surgery chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a
combination of all these in the earliest possible stage of the disease. All
these methods are available in India at various Hospitals. RGCI & RC
provides all diagnostic and treatment facilities under one roof. The emphasis
on cancer treatment should be on multimodal Management.
59.
Are radiation
treatments good for all kinds of
cancer?
No. Treatment depends on type and location of the
growth. Some cancer will not respond to radiation treatment but must be treated
by surgery or with hormones and chemotherapy.
60.
How does
Radiation act?
Radiation destroy dividing cells are also
damaged. But now sophisticated machines are available which spare normal tissue
and destroy cancer tissue with precision.
61.
What is Internal
Radiation?
Wires or tubes containing radioactive material
are inserted into the cancer growth or in the tissue surrounding it, and
removed after treatment is concluded. Radio - active material in suitable
containers may also be placed in contact with the growth as in cancer cervix.
Now a days, endo-luminal RT is also available for cancer of tubular structures
like bronchus.
62.
How effective is
surgery?
Surgery is most effective in the early stages
when cancer has not yet spread. Major advance in plastic and reconstructive
surgery, and anesthesiology have ensured a very high degree of success.
63.
What is
Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy implies treatment with anti-cancer
drugs and injections. Today we have a large number of highly effective drugs
for cancer control.
64.
Can the spread
of cancer be stopped or retarded
temporarily?
At time only. Certain types of cancerous growths,
which can not be expected to be curable, may be controlled temporarily by
CT/Hormones/RT. Sooner or later, however, these growth fail to respond to
further treatment.
65.
What should you
do if you think you may have cancer?
Report at once for a thorough examination by the
Cancer Specialist.
66.
Is cancer
curable?
More than 80% of cancers today are completely
curable if treated early. At times, however, cures have been obtained after the
cancer and stage of cancer have an important bearing on its curability.
67.
Is it ever
possible to state that a cancer has been completely cured? If
so, how much time must pass before the "cure" is
recognized?
After a cancer patient has been treated and has
remained free of recurrence of disease for a period of five years, the chances
for re-appearance of the tumour are small. Occasionally cancer recurs ten or
twenty years later. So, a life long follow up is a must for cancer patients to
detect recurrence of disease as well as detect other cancer.
68.
If you have been
cured of cancer, can you develop another cancer? In the same
place? In some other parts of body?
Yes. Regardless of a patient's past medical
history including reconstructive surgery, and anesthesiology have ensured a
successful treatment of a previous cancer, he/she should be examined at regular
intervals. Because of the tendency for cancer to re- appear at the place of a
previously existing growth or nearby, a patient should have a regular follow up
as advised by the Doctor. A new cancer may also appear at another part of the
body.
69.
Is there any
known vaccine cure for cancer?
No. A vaccine is of value in its treatment, but researches are ongoing to find
tumour vaccine for different cancers.
70.
Is it ever safe
to rely on salves to "cure" cancer?
No. Past or salves cannot penetrate the tissue
deep enough to destroy deep-seated cancer cells.
71.
What are side
effects of Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy causes temporary side effects like
nausea, vomiting, and loss of hair and bone marrow suppression. Side effect of
chemotherapy varies with drug schedule used.
72.
Will hormones
cure cancer?
There is evidence today to indicate that
treatment with certain hormones may prolong life, and alleviate pain and
suffering in certain breast and prostate cancers. Hormones are also useful as
adjuvant after definitive treatment.
73.
What is
Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a new development based on the
theory that the human body can be taught to defend itself against diseases
including cancer. Immunotherapy is being tried in cancers like melanoma, renal
cell carcinoma etc.
74.
What is the
latest and most successful of the recently reported cancer
treatments?
There is no single modality of treatment, which
can achieve cure. Emphasis is on multimodal treatment e.g. combination of
surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone treatment. Now gene therapy
& Immunotherapy are upcoming modes of treatment but they are in
experimental.
75.
Is any real
progress being made in cancer research? Along what
lines?
A lot of progress has been made in cancer
research. We have understood cancer behaviors better. Diagnostic facilities
have improved. Operation methods and radiation techniques have also improved.
Newer chemotherapy drugs have been launched. Future is not far off when we will
have gene therapy and vaccines for cancer treatment.
76.
What are your
chances of getting cured?
More than 80% of the patient treated adequately
in the early stages can be cured. Your chances of recovery are excellent, if
you report for treatment very early after the cancer has developed.
77.
Can you lead a
normal life after cancer?
The sooner you come for treatment, the better the
quality of life after cancer. Most cancer patient can return to their normal
lives, even during treatment.
CANCER IN MEN
78. Are cancer in men and women
different?
There are no fundamental differences in cancer in
men and women. Most important thing is that common male cancers (lung and oral)
are preventable because they are caused by tobacco. Female cancers (Breast,
cervix) can be detected early and cured.
79.
What forms of
cancer are more common among men than
women?
Cancer of the mouth, throat, gullet, stomach,
rectum, larynx, lung, skin and brain are all more thyroid cancer are more
frequent in women.
80.
Does smoking or
tobacco and pan chewing cause
cancer?
Smoking and tobacco chewing are known to cause
cancer of the mouth, throat, lungs etc. Therefore, it is best to play safe. If
you smoke or chew tobacco, make every effort to stop. Stop smoking and tobacco
chewing and prevent cancer!
81.
Can cancer
result from sexual intercourse?
No. There is no known relationship between cancer
and sexual activity on the part of the male or female. However women who have
multiple sexual partners run a greater risk of getting cervix cancer.
82.
Is cancer of the
prostate common? At what age does it generally
occur?
Is one of the most common forms of cancer in
older men in USA. Men should be on guard against this form of cancer especially
as they approach 60. A thorough physical examination, blood test (PSA) and TRUS
are the only ways to discover this hidden cancer early enough for cure.
CANCER IN WOMEN
83. Do more women than men die of
cancer?
No. The misconception that cancer is primarily a
woman's disease is due to the frequency of cancer of the breast and cancer of
the reproductive organs in women, in comparison with the more varied occurrence
of cancer in men.
84.
Does cancer
occur more frequently among married or unmarried
women?
Reports from death certificates show that above
the age of 40, the cancer death rate is higher among single women than among
married women of the same ages. Single women have higher death rates from
cancer of the breast and married women have more cancer of the cervix.
Physicians believe that having the first child around the age of 20 is
preventive against cancer of the breast. Multiple sexual partners increase the
risk of cancer of the cervix.
85.
Is there danger
in watching a lump in the breast to "see what
happens?"
Yes, a very grave danger. Time is the most
important factor in the control of cancer and waiting to "see what happens" may
permit a curable cancer to become incurable. This may allow it to spread to
other parts of the body and make the treatment more difficult.
86.
Are all breast
lumps cancerous?
No. Only small percentages of lumps are
cancerous. Careful physical examination and mammography can differentiate
benign from malignant lump. Biopsy &FNAC of lump by a competent pathologist
can clinch the diagnosis.
87.
What precautions
should be taken to avoid cancer of the
breast?
Every woman above the age of 40 should have her
breasts examined annually by a physician. Every woman after the age of 35 years
should be taught how to examine her own breasts (monthly after her periods).
Screening Mammography should be encouraged at the age of 40 years onward and
then every 2 yearly. Soon we will have genetic markers to detect high-risk
group of women who are likely to develop breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
88.
How should you
examine your breasts?
Self-examination of the breast should be done in
the following ways after periods are over. Postmenopausal women should examine
their breasts every month.
i.
Sit or stand in front of a mirror, with your arms relaxed at a your sides, and examine your breasts carefully for
any changes in size and shape. Look for any puckering or dimpling of the skin,
and for any discharge or change in the nipples. Compare one breast with the
other.
ii.
Raise both your arms over your head, and look for exactly the same changes. See if there is any change since you
last examined your breast.
iii.
You should feel for a lump or thickening in the breast tissue. Lie down on your bed, or on the floor. Put a pillow
or a bath towel under your left shoulder, and place your left hand under your
right hand held together flat, press gently but firmly with small circular
motions to feel the inner, upper quarter of your left breast, starting at your
breast bone and going outward toward the nipple line. Also feel the areas
around the nipple.
iv.
With the same gentle pressure next feel the lower, inner parts of your breast.
v.
Now bring your left arm down to your side, and still using the flat part of your fingers, feel under your armpit.
vi.
Use the same gentler pressure to feel the upper, outer quarter of your breast from the nipple line to where your
arm is resting.
vii.
And finally, feel the lower, outer section of your breast, proceeding from the outer part to the nipple.
viii.
Repeat the entire procedure, for the right breast
89.
What precaution
should be taken to avoid cancer of the uterus
(womb)?
Have all unnatural vaginal discharges
investigated. Up to the age of thirty-five have an annual examination by
Gynaecologist. Bleeding after the age of 50 years. (After Menopause) calls for
a physician's examination at once. Avoid multiple sex partners. Cervix cancer
can be prevented by screening.
90.
Do uterine
fibroids ever become cancerous?
Fibroid tumours only very rarely undergo
malignant change.
CANCER IN CHILDREN
91.
Can cancer
develop in children? At what age?
No age is free from cancer. Certain forms of
cancer, especially of the eyes and blood are found in young children.
92.
If a parent dies
of cancer, are the children more likely to have the
disease?
The answer is no. In many families where a parent
had cancer, the disease does not appear in the children. Again, a person whose
family has no record of cancer may develop it. A tendency to develop breast
cancer however runs in families. Even colon cancers are known to be familial.
93.
Does cancer
develop more quickly in children than in older
people?
The rate of growth at any age
depends upon the type of cancer, though cancer does grow faster at younger
ages.
94.
If detected in
time, can cancer in a child be cured more quickly than in an
adult.
The cure of cancer has little relationship with
age. It depends upon the extent of growth at the time it is detected, the
adequacy of the treatment given, as well as the type of cancer detected.
CANCER AND YOU
95.
How can death be
reduced?
Cancer deaths can be reduced by following means:
i.
Cancer is preventable by living simple life like no tobacco chewing or smoking, vegetarian high roughage low fat
diet, no alcohol and use of fresh vegetables. Half of the cancers can be
prevented by changing our own life styles.
ii.
Early detection by screening before symptoms appear.
iii.
Early detection in symptoms patients. Treat them stage. Early with multimodal treatment.
iv.
Provide good care under one roof with all ultramodern gadgetary. Even if it is advanced cases".
96.
Does cancer
usually cost more to cure, than other major
diseases?
It often does. It depends upon the type of cancer
you have and how much must be done to treat it. Many Hospitals provide free
treatment to those who cannot afford to pay.
97.
Why are quacks
dangerous?
For the following reasons, among others:
i.
Few quacks are medically trained; therefore, they have no fundamental knowledge about cancer.
ii.
They cause the patient to lose valuable time that should be used to obtain correct treatment.
iii.
The pastes and "medicines" used by quacks have no value in curing cancer.
iv.
The quack takes the patient's money under false pretenses, thus depriving him of the means for obtaining competent
treatment in time to enable him/her to be cured.
98.
How can I
different a quack from a reputable
physician?
If a person advertise a cure, guarantees a cure,
or employs a method of diagnosis or treatment not generally accepted or
endorsed by the medical profession, may be classed as a quack. No reputed
ethical physician will do any of these things.
99.
Is cancer
frightening?
Only if you neglect it. Today more and more
people are not only winning their fight against cancer, they are also able to
lead a normal, active lives.
100.What is Home Care Service of RGCI &
RC?
Home Care Services are provided to those
patients, who are terminally ill and in whom all treatment modalities have been
exhausted. These facilities are provided free of cost. Doctor, Psychologist,
Nursing Staff and Technician visit the home of patient and provide advice
regarding nursing care medicines etc. they also provide medicines free of
charge to patients.
101.What is Cancer Insurance Scheme" of RGCI
& RC?
Cancer Insurance Scheme is like life insurance.
If you develop cancer in your lifetime, treatment will be provided free.
(Details available at RGCI, Reception Counter). You have to deposit only Rs.
6000/- once in the lifetime. Don't forget your chances of getting cancer in
lifetime are 1 in 4 in India.