Got Questions?
Common questions about cancer, its causes, prevention, and treatment, answered by Dr. Shilpi Sharma.
Cancer is abnormal and uncontrolled multiplication of cells. The body normally controls cell growth through genetic mechanisms, but when cells escape this control and multiply uncontrollably, spreading throughout the body, this constitutes cancer.
Over 200 cancer types exist affecting various organs. The most common organs affected include breast, colon & stomach. Geographic and lifestyle factors influence prevalence — oral cancers are more common among Indians, while prostate cancer affects people of African descent more frequently.
Cancer DOES NOT spread from person to person. No transmission risk exists among household members.
Certain infections cause cancer. Cervical cancer (HPV) and liver cancer (hepatitis virus) are the most common among them, typically spreading through sexual or blood contact.
Prevention involves healthy lifestyle choices and vaccines (primary prevention) or early detection enabling cure (secondary prevention). Secondary prevention can cure most patients when implemented.
Cancer can be cured if detected early. Awareness of bodily changes enables timely medical consultation.
Warning signs include: unexplained lumps, anemia, weight loss, slow-healing wounds, changing moles, blood in bodily fluids, bowel changes, indigestion, persistent hoarseness, oral patches lasting over 15 days, and abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Tobacco abuse accounts for nearly 70% of mouth cancers. Contrary to assumptions, tobacco-related cancer can develop anywhere in the body.
Known risk factors include smoking and infections. However, cancer can occur even if you do not have any of these predisposing causes. Approximately 1 in 4 people develop cancer, mostly after age 60.
Yes, incidence is rising globally. Present statistics indicate that about 70 per lakh of population develop cancer every year. Increasing life expectancy contributes to higher rates.
Recurrence results from microscopic cells surviving treatment. These cells could be hiding in far away organs with no symptoms at all and may suddenly grow after months or years due to resistant stem cells.
