Cancer
The word ‘cancer‘
comes from the latin "carcinoma" meaning crab. It is the most dreaded
disease and refers to all malignant tumors caused by the abnormal
growth of a body cell or
a group of cells. It is today the second largest killer in the world,
next
only to heart ailments. The term covers more than 200 diseases.
The majority of
cancers occur in the age group 50-60. Sex does not affect the incidence
of the disease. It does affect the site of growth. In men, cancer is
usually found in the intestines, the prostate and the lungs. In women,
it occurs mostly in the breast tissues, uterus, gal-bladder and thyroid.
Symptoms
The symptoms of
cancer vary according to the site of the growth. The American Cancer
Society has prescribed seven signs or danger signals in general which
may indicate the presence of cancer. These are: a sore that does not
heal; change in bowel or bladder habits; unusual bleeding or discharge;
thickening or lump in
breast or elsewhere; indigestion or difficulty in swallowing; obvious
change
in a wart or a mole, and a persistent and nagging cough or hoarseness.
Other symptoms may include unexplained loss of weight, a change in skin
color
and changes in the menstrual periods, especially bleeding between
periods.
Causes
The prime cause of
cancer is not known. Certain cancer causing substances, known as
carcinogens increase the chances of getting the disease. About 80% of
cancers are caused by environmental factors. 40% of male cancers are
linked with tobacco. The consumption of
pan, tobacco and slaked lime has been linked with lung and throat
cancers.
Heavy consumption of alcoholic drinks can cause esophageal, stomach and
liver
cancers. Occupational exposure to industrial pollutants such as
asbestos,
nickel, tar, soot and high doses of X-rays can lead to skin and lung
cancers
and leukemia. Other factors contributing to cancer are vital
infections,
trauma, hormone imbalance and malnutrition. Many well-known biologists
and
naturopaths believe that a faulty diet is the root cause of
cancer.
Treatment
|