HEADLINES:  

This very special Day of Cancer awareness observed on 7th November is to stress upon the early detection and cure of cancer. National Cancer Control Programme was started in 1975 to make people aware of this deadly disease.

Cancer is defined as an unrestricted outgrowth of cells. The specific cells start dividing and multiplying giving rise to a lump. Often these lumps are non-malignant, causing no harm. But sometimes these lumps grow into diseased or malignant form in the body, often causing death, if not treated earlier. Hence, need of the hour regarding this disease is not to be fearful amd consult a doctor. the best remedy of it is to live a clean and healthier life style with proper diet and peace of mind. At the same time we must be aware of the disease.

Any type of cancer has four stages. If diagnosed in early first or second stage, it could be treated and cured as early detection can save almost 60 to 70 percent of cancer patients. To detect it, oneself must know the signs and symptoms, so that one can comprehend and consult a doctor. A cancer has the following signs and symptoms:

• Lump or swelling.
• A sore that doesn't heal.
• Recent change in a mole.
• Unusual bleeding or discharge.
• Change in bladder or bowel habit

Thus having any of the above symptoms or suspicion abouy cancer, consultation for early detection, diagnosis and treatment should be done. Radoitherapy or chemo-raditation for treatment of cancer are available in our country. The tests for cancer detection are like PAP smear, FNAC, VIA(Visual inspection with Acetic Acid for cervical cancer) and ultrsound. Mammography is a test for cancer detection of breast. Cervical cancer is the most commonly occuring cancer amongst females in India. For it early detection, a PAP smear is done. Self-examination of lump or ulcers in breast mouth and genitalia is very helpful. Chewing of Pan Masala, Gutkha, Supari and Tobacco are most important causes of cancer of mouth, throat, food pipe, stomach, and liver. Immoral or genetical sex may lead to HIV infection, causing cervix cancer.