The body is made up of trillions of living cells. Normal cells grow, divide to make new cells, and die in an orderly way. Cancer starts when cells start to grow out of control and instead of dying, continue to grow and form new, abnormal cells.
The signs and symptoms of cancer will depend on where the cancer is, how big it is, and how much it affects the organs or tissues. If a cancer has spread (metastasized), signs or symptoms may appear in different parts of the body.
Indiscriminate use of X-rays frequently may increase your chances of getting cancer. Lately, there are certain reports quoting higher incidence of Leukemia and Brain Tumors in persons using Cell phone. But this needs further research.
NO, cancer is NOT contagious. A healthy person cannot “catch” cancer from someone who has it. There is no evidence that close contact or touching, sharing meals, or breathing the same air can spread cancer from one person to another.
Yes, some cancers are genetically linked and may run in families but not all the cancers are hereditary.
Pre-cancerous conditions are diseases or symptoms that might develop into a cancer, so it’s important to monitor your health. Having a pre-cancerous/ pre-malignant conditions doesn’t mean that you have cancer, or that you will definitely develop cancer.
Most cancers are initially recognized either because of the appearance of signs or symptoms or through screening. But neither of these lead to a definitive diagnosis, which requires the examination of a tissue sample by a pathologist. People with suspected cancer are investigated with medical tests.
Some cancers can be found early, before they have had a chance to grow and spread like Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Oral Cancer, Lung Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Prostate Cancer.
You can only 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.
The sooner it is found it is less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. Early cancer can be cured.
Any delay is dangerous. Go at once to a doctor and ask for a thorough examination.
The earlier a cancer is treated the greater are the chances of a cure. Through periodic examinations, cancer may be detected in its early stages, before the individual has noticed any sign or symptom in himself.
By a prompt visit to a physician when suspicious signs or symptoms appear. Intelligent alertness by the individual may well save his life.
By having complete, annual physical examinations, as a routine. Women over 35 should be examined once a year.
By confirming diagnosis at the earliest possible moment, followed by adequate treatment.
Most important is prevention of cancer by change of lifestyles
There is no single vaccine that can protect against all types of cancers.
It must be kept in mind that Vaccines are NOT 100% protective for cancer and so NOT a replacement for periodic screening.
Hence, you should continue regular screening in spite of the vaccination status..
The cure rates for the cancers depend upon the type of cancer and the stage at which it is detected. With the advancement of medical technology the cure rates for cancer has increased significantly. Pre cancers usually can be cured completely.