Antioxidants: Role in Cancer Prevention

When we talk about cancer prevention, we must understand that there is no hundred percent guaranteed way for cancer prevention. We should do what we can so as to minimize the chances of getting cancer. Over past 3-4 decades, substantial research has taken place to conclusively find out various nutritional ingredients which will assist us in preventing cancer.

Antioxidants are a group of food substances that have shown very promising tendency for improving our capacity to prevent various health conditions and diseases like cancer.

Role of Antioxidants:-Antioxidants work by removing free radicals from our body and blood stream. The free radicals are naturally produced in our body during metabolism and during conversion of food into energy. These are also produced because of smoking, alcohol consumption, and because of pollution and radiation exposure.  As the name indicates, these are free radicals meaning these are charged particles having negative charge. The most common free radical is negatively charged Oxygen .  Due to this charge, these radicals are more reactive and they combine with cell membranes, DNA structure which can be a cause for the birth of cancer cells.   The role of Antioxidants is to neutralize these charged free radicals.

Sources of Antioxidants: Antioxidant are found in high percentage in fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish and whole grains. The active antioxidant chemicals in these substances are Beta-carotene, Lutein, Lycopene, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Vitamin C.

These food substances which are rich in Antioxidants are also useful to body in many other ways.

§  Beta-Carotene is found in food substances having orange color. For example, carrot, pumpkin, mango, apricots and green leafy vegetables like spinach. Beta-carotene seems to reduce risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and post menopausal age related eye diseases. It helps in improving physical performance in aged people. It is also proved to be useful for patients with asthma and bronchitis.

§  Lutein is found in dark green vegetables and in egg yolk. Lutein improves health of eyes and skin.

§  Lycopene found in red colored fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, watermelon. This substance is proved to be useful for preventing cardiovascular diseases, cancer, osteoporosis and diabetes.

§  Vitamin A is found in fish oils, liver, carrot, milk and egg. The health benefits of this vitamin are very well known. This Vitamin is useful for good eye sight, skin and hair. It is also very strong antioxidant. It is also necessary for healthy bone growth and healthy immune system.

§  Vitamin E is found in corn oil, soybean oil, margarine, wheat germ oil, sunflower oil and in germinating seeds. Apart from being very strong antioxidant, it plays a vital role in improving body immunity and metabolic system.

§  Vitamin C is found in all citrus fruits, vegetables and tomatoes. Apart from being very strong antioxidant, it also improves body’s resistance to diseases, promotes healing, and improves absorption of iron. It improves health of skin, bones and connective tissues.

One can clearly see that it is easy to incorporate sufficient quantity of antioxidants in regular diet. This can help in cancer prevention and also in improving general health.

There are many antioxidant supplements available but it is always advisable to get these antioxidants from natural sources and from balanced diet.

All the means for healthy living are there with Mother Nature.

CANCER SYMPTOMS : One Should Never Neglect

Cancer is a term used to describe different types of diseases involving uncontrolled cellular growth leading to invasion and destruction of other tissues in body.  The impact of cancer is far greater than mere numbers. Its diagnosis causes immense emotional trauma and its treatment, a major economical burden. This disease is associated with a lot of fear and despair throughout the world.

More than 70% of the cases report for diagnostic and treatment services in the advanced stages of the disease, which has led to a poor survival and high mortality rate.

Early detection of this disease can improve survival chances by a great extent.

CANCER SYMPTOMS

      One should never ignore these symptoms as these can help early detection of Cancer.

• Persistent cough or blood-tinged saliva can be bronchitis or sinusitis, but can also be cancer of lung, head or neck. Cough lasting beyond a month or with blood in the mucus needs further investigation.

• A change in bowel habits lasting for more than few days can be due to colon cancer, especially if one has pencil-thin stools. Some people with cancer feel as if they need to have a bowel movement, and still feel that way after they have had a bowel movement.

• Blood in the stools is more likely to be because of Hemorrhoids but can also be due to rectal cancer.

• Anemia can be due to many underlying causes but unexplained anemia needs further investigation, as it can be due to bowel cancer which causes iron deficiency.

• All Breast lumps must be thoroughly investigated.

• Lumps in the Testicles, Most men (90%) with Cancer of testicles have a painless or uncomfortable lump on a testicle. Some men have an enlarged testicle. Other conditions such as infections and swollen veins can also cause changes in your testicles, but any lump should be evaluated.

• Changes in urination such as frequent urination, small amounts of urine and slow urine flow. These symptoms may signal Prostate Cancer. Cancer of the bladder and pelvic tumors can also cause irritation of the bladder and increase urination frequency.

• Blood in Urine can be urinary infection or kidney stone, but also can be due to cancer of bladder.

• Hoarseness lasting for more than 3-4 weeks can be due to Cancer of throat

• Persistent lumps or swollen glands lasting for more than 3-4 weeks can be due to cancer. Swelling due to infection or other causes will shrink after a week.

• Change in a wart or a mole with irregular edges or one that bleeds may be cancerous.

• Indigestion and difficulty swallowing can be because of many simple causes but difficulty in swallowing solids especially in elderly persons can be cancer of esophagus

• Unusual Vaginal bleeding or discharge, bleeding after intercourse, between periods, bleeding which comes back and lasts for two or more days, and postmenopausal bleeding can be indicative of various cancers of reproductive system and need proper investigation.

• Unexpected weight loss, night sweats or fever can be present with several types of cancers.

• Continued itching in the anal or genital area not relieved by OTC medications can imply Cancer.

• Change in Skin color can be caused by some cancers.

• Non-healing sores in mouth, white or red patches on tongue and gums are likely to be due to cancer.

• Headaches which do not relent to common OTC medications can be due to Cancer.

• Back pain, pelvic pain, bloating, or persistent indigestion can be due to ovarian cancer.

Many of these symptoms can be because of something other than Cancer but it is better to hope for best but be always prepared for worst.

Happy Mind Is Healthy Mind

Road to cancer cure: Co-enzyme Q10

From the days of shooting in dark, we have come a long way in our goal of complete cure of cancer. Our efforts in fight against cancer can be compared with jigsaw puzzle which is half solved. Now we know which piece is likely to fit where, now we have references and victory in near sight. To our brothers and sisters who are fighting cancer war, now we can say, “Let Us Fight Our Fight Together, The Victory Is Round the Corner”.

The medical profession and all great researchers are doing relentless work and succeeding in their work, too. Our job as patients and as relatives of patients is to compliment their efforts. Many times, car stuck in mud fails to come out with horse powers of four wheel drives but if complimented with a push by driver and passengers, that same car is soon on smooth road.

We all are aware of Cancer prevention, causes and symptoms. Many of us have also read about newer treatments which researchers are trying to formulate for the total cure of cancer. We all know that our contribution can be by way of adopting a healthy life style, improving body immunity and strengthening mental power for preventing cancer and ultimately achieving total cure of cancer.

There are many diets and dietary supplements which are studied for their benefits in prevention and treatment of cancer. One of such substance which has shown promising results is Coenzyme Q10.

Why Coenzyme Q10: Coenzyme Q10 is there in our body all the time and acts as catalyst for converting food into energy.  It is understood that the free radicals moving in our body cause damage to cell membrane, harm DNA leading to many health problems including Cancer. Coenzyme Q10 is useful for cell growth and prevention of cell damage. This cell damage can lead to cancer. Coenzyme Q10 being very strong antioxidant, neutralizes these free radicals and protect us from dreadful health conditions, including cancer.

Sources of Coenzyme Q10: Our regular balanced diet normally contains Coenzyme Q10 in sufficient quantity, but for those advanced in age and those having health problems need additional quantity of this enzyme. Whole grains, organ meats like liver or chicken heart, and oily fish, vegetable oils, vegetables like parsley contain high concentration of Coenzyme Q10. There are many dietary supplements available but normally these supplements are controlled by less stringent laws as these do not fall in the category of medicines. It is important to buy these from very reputed sources and after consulting friendly medical experts.

Study findings of role Coenzyme Q10 in cancer treatment:

1.       It is found in preclinical trials on animals that this enzyme boosts immunity and is helpful in fighting infection and types of cancer. Also it is found that it is likely to stop cancer cells from growing further.

2.       Coenzyme Q10 reduces side effects of many chemotherapeutic agents, as is found in clinical trials on humans. Lot of research is going on for conclusively proving usefulness of CoenzymeQ10 in prevention and cure of cancer.

3.       Precautions for consuming Coenzyme Q10: It is safe to use this enzyme in modest quantity for healthy individuals as a preventive measure and for boosting immunity. For those who are suffering from disease like cancer, it is of utmost importance to take every action including consumption of Coenzyme Q10 in consultation with physician giving the treatment.

The purpose of this blog is that we all must take up informed fight. If we know what we are doing and why, then we can do the same thing whole heartedly and with much better success.

In forthcoming blogs you can find more information about nutritional approach and use of natural products of plant origin in treatment of cancer.  

I want readers of this blog, which I consider as not MY blog but as OUR blog, to contribute their experiences, information about various foods and diets which have shown positive effects on prevention and cure of Cancer.

Happy Mind Is Healthy Mind

Cancer Treatment: Cure is near!!

There was this man who was trying to scale mountain peak as quickly as possible. His first attempt took him 2 hours to reach to the peak. He exercised and tried again and again, and managed to scale the same peak in 1hour 30 minutes. But beyond that, no matter how hard he tried, he could not reduce the time required. Then one day, he flew to the top of the mountain in 10minutes, in Hot Air Balloon.

May be this is what we need for treating cancer. We are treating cancer patients with various chemotherapeutic agents since World War II. We are using radiation and surgery for a long time and still we are taking the survival rate as five years. We rarely talk about total cure from the disease. Is it not painful? ,But now cure seems to be near!!

Before antibiotics, we were treating skin infections with Sulphur, wounds with honey and syphilis with mercury. We were treating internal infections with Sulphonamides. These were not effective enough and had lots of side effects. Even the first antibiotic Penicillin had lot of side effects and many patients had to suffer from severe reactions which even led to death at times. Then science moved on and now we have safe and very effective antibiotics and antibacterials to fight diseases.

It is accepted fact that body immunity plays vital role in the fight against cancer and most of the chemotherapies and radiation therapy reduce body immunity drastically. There are many scientifically proved regimes which one must follow to improve immunity.

The scientists are working in various directions to find out perfect treatment for cancer. Following are some of the latest treatments:-

1.    Cancer Detecting Bra

2.     Microwaving Cancer

3.    Gold Nanorods Target Tumors

4.    Slowing Cancer Metabolism

5.    Treat cancer with Purple Tomato

6.    Bombing Cancer with Virus

7.    Use of Newer contrast agents to fight cancer

8.    New methods for detecting cancer very early

9.    Killing of stem-cells of Breast cancer

10. Micro-bubbles activated by Ultrasound for killing cancer cells

11. Use of Electric field for killing cancer cells.

12. Use of Laser micro-scalpel to kill individual cancer cell 

13. Capturing cancer cells with magnets

14. Blocking Proliferation of Beta cells in Leukemia

15. Interferon based drugs to cure breast cancer

16. Latest endoscopic techniques to detect pancreatic cancer at very early stage.

 The science has very conclusively proved the usefulness of Vitamins like C and D in treatment of Cancer. The cure for the disease is round the corner. We have managed to eradicate Smallpox, and Leprosy. We have managed to cure Polio, TB, Typhoid and many other dreadful diseases and very soon we will be having complete cure for cancer.

Happy Mind Is Healthy Mind

Is Cancer a type of Infection??

Infection is defined as colonization of our body by organism alien to our body. If the definition is applied in total sense then yes, ‘CANCER IS A TYPE OF INFECTION’.  

Human body is made up of various types of cells. Out of these, Nerve cells and Muscle cells do not divide or multiply. Liver cells do not divide in normal case but can be stimulated to divide. The cells which constantly divide and that too with astonishingly high speed are skin cells, epithelial cells, sperm cells and bone marrow cells. One can be surprised to note that in our body, nearly 2 trillion cell-divisions occur every day. 

When all is well, nearly all these divisions take place in orderly manner and life goes on. The number is very large and a few of these divisions do not take place properly, something similar to rejection on assembly line in a factory.   These cells which are called cancer cells do not follow regular and defined pattern of division and they become alien to our body and start causing problems by colonizing and forming lumps or tumors. Thankfully, this factory called human body is prepared and ready for all eventualities. We have cells in the body which immediately notice these cells which have gone wayward and kill those. These soldier cells in our body treat these cancer cells as outsiders, as invaders and kill them. That is why I feel, considering cancer as infection can be correct.

These solider cells are part of our defense system which is called immunity. This immunity also has its limitations. Sometimes, this system can be overwhelmed by alien attack and we fall sick. The same applies to attack of cancer cells.  The most basic and obvious thing to do is to keep our immune system in perfect condition. This will not only help in minimizing danger of cancer but will also help in having healthy disease free life.

1.       Adopt life style and diet  which will boost body immunity

2.       Avoid unhealthy habits and diet which can be stressful to body

3.       Stay away from infections so that immunity is conserved to fight cancer

Adopt: Green Tea, Chilies, Ginger, Garlic, Turmeric, Tomatoes, Colorful fruits and vegetables and light and well balanced diet containing all vitamins and micronutrients. Drink lots of water, get enough sleep, and do regular exercises.

Avoid: Smoking, tobacco in all forms, alcohol, heavy food, and obesity. Avoid all substances likely to be carcinogenic.

Stay away from: All infections and STD by maintaining complete cleanliness, and clean environment.

It is simple, is it not? 
If you know what you are fighting, then fight can be a game.

APART FROM THIS, HEALTHY BODY IS DOMAIN OF HEALTHY MIND!

Enjoy Happy Healthy Life!

·         Indian spices mainly, Ginger, garlic, chilies, turmeric are useful in boosting immunity. There is scientific study which has conclusively proved that Indian diet, mainly vegetarian diet helps in developing resistance to cancer by increasing body immunity. This fact is noted that first generation of Indian immigrants to USA have same lower rate of cancer incidence as that of India but the second generation of Indian immigrants have much higher rate of cancer incidence nearly matching western world.

Latest in Scientific Cancer Treatments:

Latest in Scientific Cancer Treatments:

Nitrogen Mustard a compound similar to Mustard gas used in World War II can be considered as first chemotherapeutic agent used to fight cancer. This substance was first used in Dec 1942. Since then scientists have developed many chemotherapeutic agents with higher effectiveness and with lesser side effects.

Majority of people are aware of drastic side effects of cancer treatment which can be Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy or surgery.  Even the medical and scientific world is aware of the shortcomings of treatments which are used at present for Cancer treatment.

Following are some of the treatments which are under advanced stage of research. These tests are yet to get approval from authorities like FDA for actual use on humans but majority have shown very encouraging results in clinical or animal trials.

1.    Cancer Detecting Bra

2.     Microwaving Cancer

3.    Gold Nanorods Target Tumors

4.    Slowing Cancer Metabolism

5.    Fight Cancer with Purple Tomato

6.    Bombing Cancer with Virus

7.    Use of Newer contrast agents to fight cancer

8.    Detect cancer very early

9.    Killing of Stem cells of Breast cancer

10. Micro-bubbles activated by Ultrasound for killing cancer cells

11. Use of Electric field for killing cancer cells.

12. Use of Laser micro-scalpel to kill individual cancer cell 

13.Capturing cancer cells with magnets

14.Blocking Proliferation of Beta cells in Leukemia

15.Interferon based drugs to cure breast cancer

16.Latest endoscopic techniques to detect Pancreatic cancer at very early stage.

1. Cancer Detecting Bra

Scientists from the Centre for Research and Innovation at the University of Bolton in the United Kingdom, led by Professor Elias Siores, are using an existing technique for detecting breast cancer at its early stages.

An innovative bra currently under development might be able to detect the cancerous growths before they spread to additional areas, thus preventing metastasis and a more severe course of disease. The bra will notify the wearer of a problem and advise them to seek professional help.

Thermography is a type of infrared imaging science. A thermographic camera detects changes in the infrared radiation range and produces images of this radiation. The bra can use this technique because of the way cancerous tissue stands out metabolically against the healthy background tissues. Since tumors are constantly growing, they need a greater blood flow to supply them with nutrients and oxygen. A greater blood flow causes temperature to be elevated. This information is then analyzed by a separate controller unit which then sets off an alarm if the normal breast tissue temperature is exceeded.

2. Microwaving Cancer

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a therapeutic strategy against breast cancer, using chemotherapy and microwave energy. The method involves heating the cancer cells with special radar while conducting traditional chemotherapy treatment. This combination of microwave-generated heat strategy, known as thermotherapy, and traditional chemotherapy caused cancer patients' large tumors to shrink drastically and completely destroyed smaller tumors. The new method is now pending large scale clinical trials in Canada and the United States.

The microwave energy is generated using two applicators located near the patient's breast. This energy heats the cancer cells while leaving normal cells almost intact. The treatment attacks cancer cells that contain more water and ions than normal cells. The energy, applied in microwaves, makes the ions and water molecules vibrate and heat the cell. The cancer cells reach temperatures as high as 42.2 degrees Celsius (108 degrees Fahrenheit), making them inanimate. So far, the treatment has had very little side effects in clinical trials. 

The treatment developed in MIT showed promising results in several clinical trials. In the latest clinical trials, 15 patients with large cancerous tumors were treated using a combination of chemotherapy and thermotherapy. On average, the tumors decreased in size by 50 percent more than tumors treated with chemotherapy alone. In another series of clinical trials, which were conducted earlier on patients with small tumors, all the cancer cells were successfully eliminated prior to surgery using the combined thermotherapy-chemotherapy method. 

3. Gold Nanorods Target Tumors

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed tiny gold rods capable of singling out tumorous cells and destroying them without damaging nearby healthy tissue. The gold nanorods absorb energy from near infrared light and then focus that energy at the tumors in the form of heat. The particles could also be used to locate and diagnose hidden or hard to reach tumors that don't necessarily show themselves with conventional imaging techniques.

4. Slowing Cancer Metabolism

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts are exploring new cancer drugs that work to slow or block cancer metabolism, effectively starving cancer cells to death. According to their study, the scientists identified a new way that such cells speed up their metabolism and divert energy to new cell creation. They are developing new drugs that slow or block this alternate mechanism to fight cancer.

5. Fight Cancer with Purple Tomato

Don't you just love it when simply eating something tasty helps you fight and prevent disease? Researchers from the John Innes Centre in Norwich, U.K. have genetically modified a tomato so that in addition to having a ravishing purple hue, it can also help prevent cancer.

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring pigments found at particularly high levels in berries such as blackberry, cranberry and chokeberry. These bioactive compounds offer protection against certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and age-related degenerative diseases. There is also some evidence that anthocyanins also have anti-inflammatory activity, promote visual acuity and hinder obesity and diabetes.

 But since most people eat a small variety of vegetables, scientists are investigating ways to increase the levels of health-promoting compounds in fruits and vegetables that are more commonly seen on our plates. (Eat More Vegetables)

6. Bombing Cancer with Virus

Researchers from the North Carolina State University have modified a common plant virus to deliver drugs specifically into cancer cells without harming the surrounding tissue. This discovery could increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy as well as reduce the side effects of the treatment.

Viruses are often used for the delivery of therapeutic drugs and recently the creation of tiny medical “smart bombs” has become one of the hottest areas of research in nanotechnology. These bombs are able to attach themselves to specific cells and deliver a chemical substance. While such devices would be useful to treat a variety of disease, they are usually used to fight cancer.

7. Use of Newer contrast agents to fight cancer

Researcher Kristina Djanashvili, from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, has developed a new contrast agent which can be used in MRI scans in order to better identify tumors. Her discovery should lead to earlier and more precise cancer detection and treatment.

Kristina Djanashvili, a postgraduate researcher from TU Delft, has recently developed a new contrast agent with greater tumor affinity and contrast induction characteristics. Greater affinity means that a smaller amount of cancerous growth can be picked up by the MRI and tumors can be found at earlier stages and visualized more accurately than by use of existing substances

8. Detect cancer very early

Scientists from Stanford University have developed a device that can scan blood and find signs of cancer, even at its earliest stages. Early detection will allow early treatment and greatly improve the survival chances of patients.

Stanford University scientists have developed a system based on MagArray's biodetection chips that are capable of detecting cancer-associated proteins in a blood serum sample in less than an hour. MagArray is a startup company in the Panorama Institute for Molecular Medicine, a not-for-profit incubator in Sunnyvale, California. The device was created using magnetic nanotechnology and can detect cancer proteins with a far greater sensitivity than that of existing commercial devices. As a result of this enhanced sensitivity, cancer can be detected at a very early stage, while there are relatively few proteins released into the bloodstream.

9. Killing of Stem cells of Breast cancer

Researchers at the Broad Institute and Whitehead Institute (both in Cambridge, Massachusetts) have discovered a chemical that kills breast cancer stem cells in mice. These cells are believed to be the cause of the spread of cancer and also of the recurrence of some cancers that previously appeared to be eradicated. By killing these stem cells, both the spread and reappearance of cancers could be decreased and, ultimately, prevented.

10. Micro-bubbles activated by Ultrasound for killing cancer cells

Philips is currently developing a new technology, which will administer drugs into specific locations using Ultrasound-Activated Microbubbles. This new technology will increase the effectiveness and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy for several types of cancer.

The system is designed to help ultrasound operators locate tumours based on their density and the tumour-specific network of small blood vessels. When the tumour is located, the system shatters the shells of the microbubbles by means of a focused, high-energy ultrasound pulse. Once the shells are destroyed, the contents of the microbubbles spill into the surrounding area and the drugs reach the tumour directly instead of going through the whole bloodstream. This localized release technique prevents the drugs from influencing other systems in the body, thus preventing gruelling side-effects and improving the quality of life of the patient undergoing chemotherapy.

11. Use of Electric field for killing cancer cells.

A group of scientists headed by Yoram Palti from the Technion Institute in Israel, succeeded in killing dividing cells without harming non-dividing ones using electrical charges. It turns out that an electrical field in a small enough voltage doesn't damage living cells. The scientists used this fact to treat a cancerous organ with an altering current (AC) electrical field. Using the AC electrical field, normal cells remain unharmed while the dividing cancerous cells are destroyed.

Ref.: http://thefutureofthings.com/news/1112/microwaving-cancer.html

The researches as mentioned above and many similar researches going on around the world will one day certainly result in complete cure of all types of Cancers.

Readers are requested to share any similar scientific information which they may come across.

Happy Mind Is Healthy Mind

Cancer: In The Doctor’s Cabin

Most of us have faced interviews sometime or other in life. The interview can be for job, admission to school or college, talent hunt, and passport or visa application. We all go prepared and we are ready with probable questions and answers. If one is an interviewer, then one is ready with the questions one wants to ask for making informed balanced decision.

When you are in Doctor’s cabin, at first it is doctor’s turn to be the interviewer. Doctor will ask questions to get all relevant information; he / she will go through all reports, lab findings which are like resume. The doctor reaches to informed, balanced decision and the diagnosis is made. At this point, the roles change. Here onwards, patient becomes interviewer. It is doctor’s duty to clarify all doubts in patient’s mind and they all are willing to perform their duties; but it is patient’s responsibility to bring all his doubts to the doctor’s notice. Most of the visits to Doctor’s cabin are for simple cough, cold, joint pains or fever, but some of us have to be there for reasons much more sinister than that.

It may start as a simple persistent cough, bad bowel habits, and unexplained loss of weight, disturbed urination, bone pain or some lump somewhere. Then there are tests, scans, markers, and biopsies. At the end of this, one is in doctor’s cabin and the verdict is what one fears the most. All the same, doctor says, “No need to worry. There is problem but science has made tremendous progress and there are good chances of full recovery. We shall start the treatment immediately”.  The patient looks at heaven, to accompanying relative or friend and again to doctor and he says to the doctor, “All right, let us do what we can and hope for the best”. At this point, I feel patient should ask for ‘Time Out’. The ‘Time Out’ can be 1-2 hours or few days. The time is needed for changing role from being interviewed to being interviewer. The time-out is needed to understand the situation and to gather all possible information.

The cancer information is freely available on internet. One can use this tool to gather information. One can consult other doctors to take second opinion or discuss the situation with whom or whose close person has been through the same situation. One can even visit public library to get detailed information. Spending few days in getting such information is not likely to cause any harm. This in-depth information is also necessary to understand the answers which doctor is going to give to one's queries.

All patients must know answers to following questions:

1.    What is the type of cancer and has progressed to which stage? Cancer is not one single disease. Knowing the name is first step in knowing the enemy. Medical science has scientifically classified all cancers in ‘4’ stages depending on progress of disease and chances of cure.

2.    Is the diagnosis 100% correct or there is need of doing any other additional tests, investigations before starting the treatment? Normally not doctor will be give ‘Cancer’ verdict unless being 100% sure, but it is better to ask. It is also better to confirm that there is no computer mistake or clerical error. This is necessary because these doubts will always be lingering in minds of patient. The clarification of all doubts is really necessary for waging full fledged fight against disease.

3.    Is the cancer Non-Invasive or Invasive, and the speed with which is it expected to spread if untreated?

4.    What manner of the treatment will slow down or cure the disease?

5.     What are expected stages as disease progresses or gets cured?

6.    What is the percentage of occurrence of this type of cancer in our society? This is purely academic question but it helps to know that one is not the only unlucky one.

7.    What is going to be the line of treatment?  There are mainly three types of treatments which a doctor will consider. Chemotherapy, Radiation or Surgical. Cancer doctor may choose to opt for only one type or may opt for combination of two or all three. Patient must ask for reasons for doctor’s choice and must confirm that doctor is expert in all three types of treatments. There are various drugs available for treating each cancer. It is necessary to know why doctor has chosen the particular drug therapy. It is sadly noticed that often there is unhealthy tussle or competition between oncologists and onco-surgeons. In order to protect his own interests, patient must get opinion from all fields. Also, one must ask if there is any other treatment available such as hormone, stem cells etc.

8.    What are going to be the side effects of the treatment? This the most troubling question in all those who are going to have cancer treatment. All scientists, chemists and doctors are relentlessly trying to create newer molecules with the least side effects. Modern therapies have comparatively lesser side effects.

9.    Is there any other therapy with proven results in treating similar cancer? Is the alternative medicine treatment likely to interfere with therapy prescribed by the doctor? There are many claims of treating various cancers with help of plant extracts and alternative medicines. These are mainly instances where patients are seen to be cured with these methods.

10.  Are there any drugs which are in experimental stage? Is it advisable to participate in such experiments? What are the risk factors?

11. Who is the most reputed doctor or is considered the ultimate authority in treating similar cancer?

12. Which are the medicines prescribed by doctor for treating the symptoms of the disease?  It is important to know which drugs are given only for treating symptoms and side effects of treatment and which drugs should be taken if symptoms become very severe and unbearable.

13. Which part of the treatment can be taken at home and which parts needs hospitalization and what is the duration of hospitalization?

14. What is likely to be the cost of treatment in worst and best case scenario? Patient must get full information of cost involved in various regimes along with pro and cons of these regimes. This helps patient and relatives to take decision about the line of action.

15. What changes are needed to be made in life style, in relation to diet, exercises and other habits?

16. Which food supplements, vitamins and nutritional agents are needed to keep mind and body at maximum possible efficiency?

17. What is percentage of totally cured cases and what percentage cases have beyond ‘5’ years survival?

18. How to monitor progress of cure? It is important to know if the disease is getting controlled by noticing changes in symptoms and by diagnostic means.

19. What are the ways to contact doctor in case of emergency or if there is any query or if any advice urgently needed? Whom to contact in case doctor is not available? It is better to note down doctor's residential phone number and phone numbers and timings of all clinics, hospitals he/she must be visiting. 

Never ask what one could  have done to avoid the tragedy? This is useless question as it relates to past which one cannot change. No need to have guilt-trips.

Take second opinion, may be third, till one is convinced that this is the best line of treatment. It is necessary that one must be sure of getting the best treatment. This will help one in having positive approach leading to better immunity and will help body become synergistic with the treatment.

There can be a situation where answers to the very detailed inquiries can be the worst and patient might come to know that there are not many days left for him/her on this earth. In such cases as well, it is necessary that patient knows the facts. The initial reaction of the patient might be of shock and sorrow, but patients soon overcome that and plan to finish unfinished jobs in the days available. The majority of these patients live these remaining few days in a very determined manner and actually give support to loved ones who are emotionally broken down.

I am not a doctor nor am I a cancer patient at present; but I have accompanied number cancer patients to doctor’s cabin. I have seen the dilemma and confusion in minds of patients, relatives and friends after hearing cancer verdict. This has prompted me to write my thoughts.

Happy Mind Is Healthy Mind

Cancer: Does one need to Quit Smoking?

Cancer: Does one need to Quit Smoking? (Part I of IV)

I know a cancer patient aged around 70-75, suffering from lung cancer. As we all know screen heroes holding cigarette in the corner of lips were idols to imitate for all young people in 50’ and 60’ of last century. This old man was also no exception and had started smoking at very young age. He enjoyed his cigarette a lot and would always say, “With cigarette in my lips, I feel I am the king of my world”. As per the natural course, smoking had its effects and the man was diagnosed as suffering from lung cancer about 3 years ago.

The fellow was suffering. The problem started as simple cough which would not get cured even with strong cough mixtures. Cancer had invaded his entire body. He was enduring loss of weight, bloody cough, bone pain, breathlessness and not to mention side effects of chemotherapy. 

The relatives had taken all efforts to give him the best palliative treatment. One particular day, there was this new nurse on duty. She was most sincerely doing all the nursing work that was expected of her and was also having small talk. Naturally, talks drifted to topic of smoking and the nurse started enumerating ills of smoking. She continued for nearly 10-15 minutes giving lecture on how smoking is bad and causes cancer. The old man was helplessly listening to her endorsing how stupid he was to smoke.

Suddenly somebody shouted loudly from other room of the house. The tone of the scream was very intense and angry. The nurse really got scared and asked, “Who is that shouting so desperately?” The old man answered, “That is my 95 year old father. He must have run out of his Cigarettes.”

 This is the story all smokers will tell in defense of their smoking, as 95 year old man is seen to be enjoying smoking and has no problems.

At the same time, all smokers will not take any notice of the fact that the other man is dying because of smoking. Every smoker tends to think that he will have no problems due to smoking.

Smoking has been killing, is killing and will be killing.

It is easy to Quit Smoking if one accepts that he or she is no different from others and has no immunity against ill effects of smoking.

Happy Mind Is Healthy Mind

Cancer:It is a War

It is a War

We are at war, all the time. We cannot relax nor have loopholes any time, all the time. Apart from this, we must know that chances of recovery are nearly zero if we allow the enemy to invade even in a small way. I am talking about our war against cancer.

Like in any other battle, our approach towards this ever-impending danger should be from all four sides;

·       Enemy’s strength, strategy

·       Our weakness, strength

·       Our action plan and implementation

·       Confirmation of progress

1.    Enemy’s strength and Strategy: The enemy is cancer. Cancer is very strong danger for all human beings. It is known that cancer cells are in our body all the time, waiting for the right opportunity to multiply uncontrollably and form colonies. The enemy’s strength is that these cells are part of our body and our body does not get any signal of their presence. Often, by the time our body starts noticing symptoms like pain, loss of weight, lumps, unexplained anemia etc., the situation is already beyond control.  The other most powerful weapon in the armory of cancer is the creation of fear. This fear is the main cause for many persons ignoring the initial symptoms. When we notice some abnormalities in our body, we think of every other possibility but cancer.  This convenient denial of facts delays the treatment. The strategy of Cancer enemy is to attack the bodies which have become vulnerable due to obesity and unhealthy life style. Cancer attacks those who are weakened due to consumption of tobacco, alcohol and due to exposure to industrial pollutants and other carcinogens. The enemy’s strength is also the general lack of awareness, ignorance about the disease, fear and delay in action on our part.

2.     Our weakness, strength: Our weakness becomes enemy’s strength. The fear of the disease is understandable. All living beings fear suffering and death; but this fear can be conquered with strength of knowledge and awareness. We are fairly clear about the manner in which cancer attacks us and the precautions we can take. The main contributing factor for our weakness is demands of modern life.  We are leading very stressful life. We are going away from nature. The newer inventions, newer materials we use and the newer technologies have come with the cost. Most of the times, benefits from these outweigh risk of cancer associated with them. The science is constantly making progress in developing materials which are safe to use. Medical science clearly tells us how we should adopt healthy life style so as to stay away from the cancer.

3.    Our action plan and its implementation: We must accept that cancer is a dreadful disease and this acceptance is necessary to decide on action plan and its implementation. Once we know what we are fighting and how we are fighting, then planning action becomes fairly simple. We know that our body will most probably not give us any signal till it might be too late. This means, we have to be vigilant all the time. We must be ever watchful for any signs and symptoms that we might notice in our body. We have to avoid getting exposed to those items which are likely to cause cancer. Adopting healthy life style, regular exercises, maintaining proper body weight, eating healthy food containing required nutrients, vitamins, fibers and containing not more than required fatty substances is basis of action plan in our fight against cancer. Body immunity plays very vital role in fighting cancer. We can boost our immunity by having healthy body and mind. The implementation of this plan is a never-ending process. We can never be complacent; one small cling in armor is enough to bring down the entire castle.

4.    Confirmation of progress: Cancer attacks in a very secretive manner. We have to confirm our progress and ascertain impregnable defense 24X7.  We have to constantly watch our body functions and parameters. Regular health check up by qualified professionals is essential. We have to undertake screening for cancer at reputed cancer clinics at regular intervals as specified by our physicians. We must learn self examination techniques for ruling out cancers like those of breast and testicles.    

The regular screening is necessary for detecting the disease that can arise in spite of all the precautions.

One would find every cancer site stating prominently that ‘Cancer is Curable if Detected Early’. Our efforts are to avoid having any weeds in our gardens but if they appear then they must be nipped in the bud.

Happy Mind Is Healthy Mind

Irritation And Cancer

Consistent Irritation And Cancer

It is accepted that there is impending threat of cancer for every human being. There is fear of cancer in everybody’s mind. There are many reasons for this fear. The fact is that the disease is likely to be life threatening more often than not. The sufferings due to the disease are normally very severe. The treatment is not yet fully proved and at times the treatment makes sufferer more miserable than the disease itself.   Apart from these, the main reason behind the fear is that majority of us know very little about the enemy, its mode and reasons for attack and what precautions we should take so as to reduce our chances of getting cancer to minimum.

Nobody can learn to swim by reading books. The knowledge or actually the information available on internet is vast, but for a person not connected with medical field, this information rather adds to confusion than giving a solution. Most of us cannot understand basic medical terms, and when we read these topics without understanding terminology, and then it is like driving a car with the help of GPS giving instructions in a language unknown to us.

There can be many reasons and causes of Cancer. When we read various causes of cancer, we find one thing common in most of the cancers. Every Cancer cause is associated with ‘IRRITATION’. Constant irritation over longer duration of any particular body part can be the cause for Cancer.

·         Tobacco is the foremost cause of various cancers. Smoking causes irritation to lungs and other parts of respiratory system. Smoking tobacco regularly for many years increases probability of getting cancer of respiratory tract, and of lungs by many folds.

·         Chewing tobacco causes oral cancer, esophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Those who chew tobacco keep tobacco under their tongue or lips for long time causing irritation to oral cavity, esophagus.

·         Obesity is major cause of cancers of the esophagus, colon and rectum, pancreas, breast, endometrium, and kidneys. Obesity burdens these organs excessively, causing constant pressure and irritation.

·          Alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, colon and rectum, and breast; and also causes cirrhosis, which raises the risk of liver cancer. A neat shot of any alcohol can give exact idea of the irritation it must be causing to the inner lining of digestive systems. Cirrhosis is caused as ultimately the alcohol one consumes gets broken down in liver.

·         Red meat and processed meat were convincingly linked to colorectal cancer. These foods are very tough to digest. They put extra burden on our digestive and excretory system. This constant irritation leads to cancer of various parts of alimentary canal.

·         Radiation causes skin cancer and exposure to radioactivity in high doses can cause cell-mutation leading to cancer.

·         Harmful chemicals, industrial pollutants, synthetic materials and proved carcinogenic substances are also predominantly source of irritation to body organs that get exposed to them. The prolonged exposure can lead to cancer.

There are many other reasons and causes for cancer. Some are understood and some are yet to be understood, but we can safely say long exposure to ‘Irritants’ can cause cancer.

We should take whatever precautions we can to reduce the chances of getting Cancer.

No one needs to be told what is healthy for oneself. Everybody is aware of what is necessary for maintaining perfectly healthy body. What one needs is ‘Realization’.

This ‘Realization’ can be achieved by us sharing our knowledge, ideas and experiences.

Happy Mind Is Healthy Mind