Cancer is a body cell whose growth is out of control, and thus it invades surrounding normal tissues as well as lodges in distant parts, if not checked on time.

The process

Our body is made up of numerous healthy cells. These cells grow, divide, and are replaced in an orderly manner under normal circumstances. These cells reproduce themselves at a rate fast enough to replace cells that are dying or damaged. The multiplication of these cells is controlled.

Sometimes when the normal process fails, it triggers an abnormal growth in the cell. This abnormal cell can reproduce itself forming a second cell with its own characteristics.These cells are irregular in shape and are disorganised. The nucleus is longer and darker.The cell growth in these cells is no longer under control. They grow in a haphazard manner; different from parent cell and give rise to tumour.

Types of Cancer

1. Benign

Benign tumour remains localised and are harmless as it doesnot have the tendency to spread to distant tissues or invade neighbouring structures.

2. Malignant

Malignant tumours have the ability to spread and hence can be removed surgically but they frequently reoccur.

Causes of Cancer

Though it is very difficult to pinpoint any definite cause, the use of or exposure to certain cancer producing substances called carcinogens increase the risk of getting cancer.

Symptoms

• Persistent hoarseness or cough
• A lump or thickening in breast or elsewhere
• A sore that doesnot heal
• Unusual bleeding or discharge
• Persistent indigestion, difficulty in swallowing
• Change in bowel or bladder habits

Diagnostic Techniques

• Cytology test eg. Pap smear (reveals the shedding of abnormal cells)
• Urine cytology test ( to detect bladder cancer)
• Laboratory Test
• Imaging Techniques (to detect early cancerous stages)
• Direct Inspection
• Scanning (to check early symptoms)
• Mammography ( X ray examinations of breast)

Treatment Method

• Radio Therapy
• Chemo Therapy
• BMT
• Surgery
• Hormonal Therapy
• Biological Therapy
• Gene Therapy

 Is Cancer Curable?

• The cancers, which have a known cause, as in the case of most of the cancers occurring in the Indian population are preventable by following some healthy habits and by regular medical checkup.

• Majority of other cancers for which a definite cause has not been found, can be detected at an early stage by some preventive cancer checkups.

• Majority of cancers, if detected early, are curable to a large extent.

• The early the detection, the greater are the chances of cure.