Breastfeeding Sore Lump
Cancer Awareness Among Youth of India
1. Do you know about the origin of the word “cancer”?
The origin of the word cancer is credited to the Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BC), who is considered the “Father of Medicine.” Hippocrates used the terms carcinos and carcinoma to describe non-ulcer forming and ulcer-forming tumors. In Greek, these words refer to a crab, most likely applied to the disease because the finger-like spreading projections from a cancer called to mind the shape of a crab. The Roman physician, Celsus (28-50 BC), later translated the Greek term into cancer, the Latin word for crab. Galen (130-200 AD), another Roman physician, used the word oncos (Greek for swelling) to describe tumors. Although the crab analogy of Hippocrates and Celsus is still used to describe malignant tumors, Galen’s term is now used as a part of the name for cancer specialists — oncologists.
2. Which type of cancer is more prevalent in males in our country today?
Oral cancer is the most common cancer in males in India today. The possible factors responsible for oral cancer, are tobacco-chewing, snuffing, betel nut chewing (supari), smoking.
3. Which type of cancer is more prevalent in females in our country today?
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women in India. It is mostly seen in woman above 35 years of age. If detected at a pre-cancerous stage ie when the cells are not normal, but are not yet cancerous then it can be prevented.
HPV (Human papilloma virus infection): HPV is the main and necessary virus for this cancer. It is a sexually transmitted virus.
SYMPTOMS
- Pelvic Pain
- Excessive bleeding from the vagina
- Post-menstrual bleeding
- Discharge from the vagina
Risk factors for cervical cancer:
- Having many pregnancies
- Having many sexual partners
- Using birth control pills for 5 or more years
- Consuming any form of tobacco
PREVENTION
- Cervical cancer vaccine
- Usage of preventive measure during intercourse
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide.
Risk factors for breast cancer:
- Age
- Lack of childbearing or breastfeeding
- Higher hormone levels
- Race
- Economic status
- Dietary iodine deficiency
- Overweight
- Close relative with cancer
- Genetic link
4. Is cancer curable?
Yes, cancer is curable provided it is detected in early stages.
5. Are there any vaccines for cancer available?
Yes, vaccine for cervical cancer is under post-trial phase.
6. Which age group of people is more prone to cancer today?
People of age group 35-40 years of age are more prone to cancer. Earlier, people of age above 50 years of age were more prone but because of the changing lifestyle the cancer is affecting people in younger age group. Looking this trend of cancer, we can expect cancer to affect still younger age group of 25-35 years in near future.
7. Do you know the common warning signs/symptoms of cancer?
The warning signs/symptoms of cancer are:
- Persistent hoarseness or cough
- Lump or thickening in breast or elsewhere
- A sore that does not heal
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Persistent indigestion, difficulty in swallowing
- Change in bowel or bladder habits
- Obvious change in wart or mole
- Unexplained persistent fever, bleeding or discharge
- A thick white patch in the mouth, tongue or cheek
8. Which is the common test to know about breast cancer?
The common test to know about breast cancer is mammography.
9. Which is the common test to know about the cancer of cervix?
The common test to know about cervical cancer is Papanicolaou (PAP) Smear test.
HPV test: The HPV test is ideal for the detection of cervical cancer. It is slightly more accurate than the PAP test, but is not recommended for woman below 30 years of age
Colposcopy test: It enlarges the image of the cervix and the cells can be then seen clearly
10. Can your current lifestyle make you prone to cancer in future?
Yes the unhealthy lifestyle that includes irregular sleep intervals, too much consumption of beverages (hard and soft), stress (work at home), irregular and inappropriate eating habits may make you prone to cancer in future.
About the Author
I am Chahna Mashru, a Bio-medical Engineer and an MBA in Healthcare Management. I have a website of my own (www.indiacuring.com) that provides information on medical tourism in a simple language explaining the procedure and providing guidelines to medical travelers.
Baby Bites While Breastfeeding? – The Bump