About Cancer
What is Cancer?
Cancer involves unregulated cell growth. It is of two types; Malignant (with metastasis which means cancer cells spread and affect tissues and organs) and Benign (tumor cells which are localized to an organ and do not grow uncontrollably or spread to other tissues or organs in the body). Benign tumors are not cancerous but could become malignant later on. Malignant tumors are more dangerous and need to be treated as early as possible.
What causes Cancer?
Causes of cancer are complex to understand although cancer is genetic in nature. It is not known as to what a specific cause for a specific cancer is. How do you get cancer is still not very clear.
Risk Factors for Cancer
Substance abuse particularly use of tobacco, infection, radiation, poor diet, obesity, environmental pollutants, exposure to chemicals can directly damage genes or genetic components within cells and cause the disease. Heredity is a factor in a small 5-10% of cancers.
Symptoms of Cancer
The cancer is treatable if detected early.
Warning Signs of Cancer
Rapid weight loss is the first sign that should put you on alert mode for further investigations.
CAUTION needs to be exercised when the following symptoms are seen -
C hange in bowel or bladder habits
A wound that does not heal
U nusual bleeding or discharge
T hickening or Lump in the Breast or elsewhere.
I ndigestion or difficulty in swallowing
O bvious change in a wart or mole
N agging cough or hoarseness of voice.
Please contact your nearest Health Centre, if you have any of these warning signs.
Many times it is asymptomatic; which means no symptoms are seen and by the time it is detected, it is too late and the carcinoma has already advanced to Stage III or Stage IV.
Home Remedies for Cancer
Cancer treatment is usually surgery followed by radiation and/ or chemotherapy. Treatment options vary depending upon which part of the body has been affected, the extent of damage done and type of cancer. It’s important to know that diet is one of the most important supportive therapy in cancer patient care.
Top 20 Anti-Cancer Tips
- Reduce stress
- Maintain weight as close to ideal body weight as possible. Stay lean.
- Get Regular exercise
- Limit dietary fat no more than 30% of total calories, less than 10% of total calories from saturated fats.
- Stay away from hydrogenated fats.
- Increase roughage – High fibre food intake between 25 -35 grams a day.
- Five a day program: Make sure you consume 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
- Antioxidants are helpful. Eat foods rich in Vitamin C, E and beta-carotene.
- Replace red meat with fish and soya products.
- Eat calcium rich foods.
- Decrease exposing yourself to carcinogens – cancer causing chemicals, pollutants, irritants or substances in your diet.
- Boost immune system to be able to fight off precancerous cells.
- Consume foods that decrease growth or formation of potentially malignant cells.
- Stay away from processed food as far as possible and eat fresh natural foods which are well washed several times before eating or cooking.
- Avoid oil that is used for repeated frying and refrying.
- Limit fried, burnt, smoked, fermented, salted and pickled food.
- Whole grain cereals and pulses should be used as a source of energy and protein rather than refined foods like white breads, white flours or white rice.
- Foods like green tea, flax, soy, garlic and onion are anti-cancerous.
- Always maintain a positive mindset. Stay away from negative environments and people.
- Wheatgrass juice works wonders for cancer patients but should be given under judicious advice of a dietitian or qualified nutritionist who monitors intake in relation to the blood profile.
Cancer Diet is a high protein, high calorie diet, low in refined sugars. The most important thing in cancer patient care is strong supportive family members. Caregivers who take care of oncology patients should take care to ensure a positive attitude, maintain good nutrition by following above guidelines. There will be times during patient therapy when there is appetite loss, changes in taste and fatigue. It is essential for the caregiver to exercise patience, love and proper care to ensure frequent healthy feeds and make sure that patient maintains his/ her ideal body weight as far as possible. Make use of high protein cancer supplements if needed, in addition to a healthy diet.
