February 4 is observed as World Cancer Day
Cancer awareness is essential to bring down the number of cancer deaths globally and for this purpose World Cancer Day is observed every year on February 4.
"World Cancer Day aims to prevent millions of deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer, and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease," says the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
Dispelling myths and understanding the key symptoms of cancer are two of the most important ways to increase knowledge around cancer.
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"The common myths we doctors hear about cancer are: Cancer is cancel; Cancer is incurable; Cancer is lifelong," Dr Akash Shah, Senior Consultant, Department of Medical Oncology, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad.
"Cancer is highly curable in the early stages (stages I & II). It can be cured lifelong in 80 to 90 % of early stages of cancer,' Dr Shah adds.
Myth: A biopsy can spread cancer
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Biopsy is a medical process in which a small piece of tissue is taken from the body to test in the laboratory. People experiencing unexplainable signs and symptoms are recommended for biopsy in order to determine the issue.
Myth: Chemotherapy should not be taken since it has many side effects
Dr Shah explains that chemotherapy is a cancer medicine.
“Along with cancer, it kills a few normal body cells too. This causes a few side effects like hair loss, mouth ulcers, vomiting, and diarrhea. But all side effects are transient and last a few days only,” he says.
“There are newer medicines that reduce the side effects allowing patients to experience the lesser impact of side effects. There is no alternative to chemotherapy and is compulsory when required. Few cancers like leukemia and lymphoma can be cured by only chemotherapy,” he adds.
Myth: Radiotherapy burns the body or kills the patient
This is another misconception which discourages cancer patients to go to doctors, says Dr Shah.
He elucidates that radiotherapy kills the cancer cells and the surrounding normal cells too. Hence the skin surrounding the tissue (where the therapy is given) turns black. However, it is normalized within a few days. Radiotherapy is vital in a few cancers, especially post-surgery.
Other common myths related to cancer
Many people are told not to eat sugar once cancer is detected. However there is no scientific evidence to support this.
Many people believe that cancer is not curable. This affects the mental health of patients even when they have a chance to lead a normal life.
Very often we have seen cancer patients being given herbal treatment. However, health experts have warned against this. Just because something is natural does not mean it has the ability to stop a life threatening disease that can only be controlled through advanced medical treatment.
Knowing early cancer signs can save a life
"People should not ignore cancer signs like unexplained weight loss, sudden changes in an old swelling, change in voice, change in size of mole, projectile vomiting, loss of appetite, constant back ache and coughing blood," says Dr Dr Sunny Jain, Sr Consultant & HOD, department of Oncology, MAH Faridabad.
He explains that if an old swelling which did not bother you earlier starts paining all of a sudden you should get it tested immediately.
Similarly, adds Dr Jain, if you see yellow coloration on your skin, or white colored stool or sudden and constant drop in weight do not delay further.
Dr Anil D'Cruz - Director - Oncology Services, Head & Neck Cancer Specialist at Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai shared symptoms of specific cancers. "For breast cancer any lump in the breast should be evaluated particularly if the patient is above the age of 40, any nipple discharge particularly if the blood stains needs evaluation for cancer and lastly if there is any dimpling of the skin of the breast or retraction of the nipple it is a warning sign of the cancer," he says.
Likewise blood stains, intermenstrual bleeding or postcoital bleeding warn of cervical cancer; however, says Dr D'Cruz, timely testing, once in 2 years can detect the cancer even before the signs are detected.
He also stresses on ulcer patches in the mouth which is a sign of oral cancer. Difficulty in urination, recurrent heartburns, nagging cough are indications of cancerous growth in prostate, gastrointestinal tract and lungs.
"KAP gap: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Gap should be reduced," says Dr Jain and stresses on early medical intervention for timely treatment of cancer.