Globally cancer is the second leading cause of death which is next to heart diseases. If we go by history, the first ever cancer was diagnosed in 1600 BC in ancient Egypt and as per their available literary evidence the incidence of cancer was rare. And worldwide today, 1 in every 6 deaths is due to cancer.
World Health Organization claims that one third deaths from cancer are majorly due to top 5 behavioral and dietary risks, which are:
Apart from these factors; genetics, environment and certain chemicals also contribute to the onset of cancer.
In a healthy human body, cells die when they are worn out or damaged. And, healthy cells undergo a continuous process of division to maintain their predetermined constitution.
Cancer starts when a ‘genetic interference’ happens in the orderly process of cell division. This is when the cell starts to grow uncontrollably to form a mass called ‘tumor.’ A tumor is identified as ‘cancerous’ or ‘benign’ depending upon its growth. A malignant tumor can grow and spread to different parts of the body whereas a benign tumor grows in size, but does not spread.
Cancer is classified based on its origin. Though there are about a hundred types of cancer, it is broadly classified into four main types:
| Type | Origin | Example |
| Carcinoma | It begins on the tissue that covers the surface of internal organs or glands | Prostate cancer, Breast cancer, Lung cancer, Thyroid cancer. |
| Sarcoma | It starts in tissues that connect and support the body. | Joints, tendons, nerves, muscles, bone etc. |
| Leukemia | This begins in the cells of the blood. | Acute lymphocytic leukemia, Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia. |
| Lymphoma | This one originates in the lymphatic system that help fight infection | The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non- Hodgkin lymphoma. |
Cancer may alert you with a group of symptoms depending on its origin, size and the organ or tissues it is damaging. Although it is always hard to relate a symptom to cancer, here are few generalized symptoms which you should never ignore:
Doctors claim that there is no single test to detect cancer accurately. A complete evaluation of medical history along with physical examination and related diagnostic testing is necessary. Tests to detect cancer mostly include:
Hence doctors worldwide recommend getting a complete health screening done annually to keep a check on your overall health. This is one of the best ways to detect and therefore treat cancer at an early stage.
Health experts believe that there is no single super food to treat or reduce the risk of developing cancer. According to the National Institute of Cancer, the popular ‘superfoods’ which claim to prevent cancer, lack enough research and scientific evidence. Because, most of the studies published in journals are performed at cellular level in a lab or on animal models and not directly on human beings.
But there is enough research which backs a healthy diet filled with seasonal and local vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lentils and other plant based foods that can help in reducing the risk of cancer to a large extent.
It is recommended to have 4-5 servings of different varieties of vegetables (1 serving is 100 gm of raw vegetable) and 2-3 servings of seasonal fruits (1 serving is 100 gm of fresh fruit) daily to get nutrients like antioxidants and polyphenols that fight free radicals triggering cancer.
Alcohol, processed meat and other foods rich in fats, salts and sugar are known to harm overall health and can also become the precursor of cancer.
Here are a few commandments that each one us should follow for a healthy life:
