Understanding The Rising Cancer Rates in India: key factors, causes and preventions

Cancer means “crab” and is considered one of the deadliest diseases today. Hearing the word “cancer” is enough to fill us with fear. But why is this disease so dreadful and fierce? Let’s try to understand “The Rising Cancer Rates in India.”

Today, we are here to spread general awareness—a must for everyone, not just healthcare professionals. Understanding cancer basics can help individuals recognize and detect precancerous stages early.

In this discussion, we will delve into the ways to prevent cancer and the measures that should be taken if someone is suspected of having it.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is neither a bacterial nor a viral disease—so what is it? We all know the microorganisms around us can be good and evil. Most bacteria are beneficial, while some are harmful and cause illnesses and diseases. But what kind of disease is cancer? No, it isn’t caused by bacteria or viruses. 

Cancer occurs when the body starts making cells in an unusual way, which goes against the normal process of cell growth. Our body works by constantly replacing old or damaged cells. Millions of cells break down daily, and new ones take their place. This is how we grow and stay healthy. Life goes on like this, with cells being replaced as needed. However, in cancer, the cells grow uncontrollably instead of following this natural process.

Let’s imagine that your body is supposed to make 50 new cells, but for some reason, it makes 55. The extra 5 cells are abnormal and don’t have a purpose. Usually, your body has a “clean-up” process, like a team of scavengers, that removes these unwanted cells and keeps everything in balance. But if your immune system or this clean-up process is slow or weak, these “scavenger” cells might not notice the extra five cells. As a result, these cells keep growing, turning five into 10, 10 into 20, and so on, causing the problem to spread.

When these cells grow too much, they form a lump called a “tumour” in medical terms. These cells keep growing until you start proper treatment to stop them. Cancer cells are your own body’s cells, but they grow abnormally! This is what makes cancer so dangerous and frightening.

Symptoms of Cancer:

Cancer is not just one disease; it’s a broad term used to describe more than 100 different types of cancer. These types are usually named after the part of the body where they start. For example, skin cancer, oral cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and many others. It’s interesting to know that at stage 0, cancer is almost asymptomatic, or it may show very mild symptoms. As cancer progresses to higher stages, the symptoms become more noticeable and severe. Listing all the symptoms of every type of cancer would be difficult, but here are some common symptoms that appear in many cancers. Let’s take a look.

1. Recurring fevers where cause remains a mystery 
2. Unexplained and severe weight/muscle loss. It is also called cachexia in medical terms.
3. Fatigue: if the person feels tired even after taking proper rest and diet, then this might be the initial stages of leukaemia or other cancers
4. Unusual lumps or grittiness beneath the skin
5. Changed skin color, specially on moles 
6. Persistent pain in bones and joints
7. Blood stains in stool and urine can be a sign of intestinal or stomach cancers

Causative agents of Cancer:

Till now, we have understood how cancer is caused. It is the uncontrolled growth of cells that goes against the body’s needs. Sometimes, mutations in DNA disrupt the normal process of cell growth, causing too many cells to develop. This also affects wear-and-tear, where old or damaged cells are not replaced correctly.

However, many other factors can also cause cancer in our body, such as obesity, alcohol and tobacco consumption, DNA damage due to ageing, Hepatitis, huge exposure to chemicals, overexposure to UV rays and many more. 

How Important Is It to Detect Cancer at Stage 0?

Firstly, it is very fortunate if you never face any cancer in your lifetime! However, if you do, detecting and diagnosing it early—or even better, at Stage 0 is always advisable.

So, what is Stage 0? It is also called “Carcinoma in situ” (CIS). This stage is rare for the general public because it is mostly asymptomatic. At this stage, the abnormally multiplying cells are just starting to grow and have not yet spread or invaded the deeper layers of tissue. The disease remains localized without affecting the lymph nodes or other body parts. 

Can Only Doctors or Specific Tests Detect Stage 0 Cancer?

Stage 0 cancer shows almost no symptoms and typically remains asymptomatic, making it challenging to detect on your own. If you experience any unusual symptoms that don’t seem normal, you should undergo screening tests and seek medical advice promptly. 

There are some signs your body may show when it develops cancer. These include regular or multiple mouth ulcers, lumps on the skin (especially on the thighs, groin, or underarms), unhealed redness or patchy areas on the skin, persistent diarrhoea or constipation, and bloody or discoloured stool. However, these symptoms are not always linked to cancer. Out of 100 patients showing such signs, only 2 to 5 may be diagnosed. If you notice more than two of these symptoms co-occurring, seeking medical advice is better.

Cancer Through the Ages: Then vs Now

Looking back a few decades, cancer cases were much fewer in India. It was more commonly found in developed countries. So, how did this disease make its way into India? There isn’t just one reason, but several contributing factors. Let’s explore them.

1. Improved diagnostics and healthcare: Late detection is one of the main reasons for the widespread impact of cancer in India. Looking at trends in Western countries, they are much more proactive about regular health check-ups, blood tests, and other preventive measures. In India, this awareness is relatively low. Earlier, the lack of understanding and inadequate healthcare infrastructure meant that many cancer cases went undiagnosed. 

Even when people had cancer, it was often in advanced stages. They mistook it for routine illnesses, and due to prolonged suffering and ageing, many eventually passed away without ever knowing the actual cause. However, with advancements in diagnostics and healthcare infrastructure, more people are now being diagnosed with cancer. It is shocking to learn that India records around 1.5 million new cases annually, spanning various types of cancer.

2. Linked with significant infections: Many infections, such as HPV and hepatitis B and C, can increase the risk of certain cancers, including gastrointestinal cancers like liver cancer and cervical cancer. Severe or chronic jaundice can also contribute to liver damage, which, if left untreated, may lead to cancer in the future.
3. Introduction to processed food: Did you know that we consume a lot of processed food, such as packaged infant feed, as early as 1–2 years of age? This is where the onset of diseases begins, gradually developing without us even realizing it. These foods are often loaded with harmful chemicals and additives, such as PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), HCAs (heterocyclic amines), BPA (bisphenol A), and excessive sugars.
4. Tobacco and smoking are some of the main factors causing mouth or oral cancers. Oral and throat cancers are among the leading cancers in India. They are often diagnosed late or receive delayed treatment, making them highly fatal. We should avoid these unnecessary habits, as they can ruin our lives.
5. Lack of physical exercises:  If you go to any doctor for health advice, one piece of advice they will surely give you is to stay active and exercise. What does this mean? Eating in moderation and engaging in regular exercise, even if it’s just a brisk walk, can have tremendous results. If you stay active, it’s evident that your immunity and overall metabolism will be strengthened. Spending time in mild sunlight, especially outdoors, improves lung health and helps reduce exposure to carcinogens. It’s also a stress buster, which is not only linked to cancer but also to a variety of other health issues.

Preventive measures to stay safe from cancer:

“If you’re far from cancer now, a big congratulations to you! I hope you don’t face this trouble in the future as well. But is it guaranteed, especially when we’re surrounded by things that can cause cancer? It’s tough, but this challenge can be simplified if you follow some easy and natural tips. Let’s take a look at them.”

Be a ‘desi’ in food

When it comes to eating choices, become a true Desi. Yes, that’s the key. Whole wheat is Desi, while refined wheat or maida is Westernized. Entire fruits are Desi, especially when eaten fresh and chewed with your own teeth, whereas fruit juices, canned fruits, and out-of-season fruits are Westernized. We should eat all-natural foods: whole wheat, whole fruits, lean meats, white meats, nuts, etc. This doesn’t mean we should completely ban packaged foods; they can be consumed occasionally and in limited amounts.

Start your morning with some kicking sips

One of the healthiest habits is to start your day with hot water infused with lemon, methi, herbs, or overnight-soaked cinnamon. Although these should be consumed in small amounts, they are an elixir for health.

Include some Vitamin C in your daily diet

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that must be taken by everyone. It is potent enough to boost white blood cells (WBCs), which act as the body’s defence against infections. You can include citrus fruits, lime, amlas, etc. These can be consumed moderately between meals.

Sun exposure under mild sun

Everyone needs to spend some time under mild sun, especially in the morning. The sun rays are soothing and filled with goodness, including Vitamin D. It can be considered a healing therapy, which kills infections and helps us stay healthy.

Fasting once to twice a month

Studies and research have shown that restricting your calories or fasting at least once every 15-30 days has the potential to slow down or even kill the growth of cancer at its early stages. Cancer cells are unwanted cells; when deprived of calories for a day, they can kill and eat themselves. Fasting boosts the immune system and removes free radicals from the body, which helps eliminate infections. A healthy person can observe fasting once or twice a month, relying only on juices or water. 

Be cautious if you have a family history of cancer

We all know that various dreadful diseases are transmitted through genes and heredity. However, recent studies suggest that hereditary conditions may only manifest when we engage in behaviours that trigger them. For example, if someone has a family history of kidney illness and also consumes excessive amounts of salt and spices, kidney inflammation is likely to occur, regardless of whether it is hereditary or not.

On the other hand, if one follows a healthy diet and lifestyle, the risk will be much lower, even if the condition is in the genes. If you have a family history of cancer, make sure to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. If you notice any symptoms, especially ones that don’t heal, it’s important to get tested and seek medical consultation.

Exercise and walks, for sure

Regardless of how busy your schedule is, it’s best to manage time for a brisk walk for at least 20 minutes. A healthy individual needs this. If you want to keep yourself healthy and disease-free, include exercise and walks in your daily routine. It’s best to try early morning or after-dinner walks. They will improve metabolism and overall health.

How expensive can Cancer treatment be?

The treatment of cancer primarily depends on many factors, such as

1. The type of cancer 
2. the stage at which it is diagnosed 
3. the country where treatment is sought 
4. the duration of the treatment 
5. the hospital and specialist chosen 
6. and the therapies required to achieve a cure.

Summary

Cancer is a significant and formidable disease, as are its treatment processes. However, it is crucial and beneficial if the disease is detected at stage 0 or early stages. The duration of treatment, therapies, costs, severity, pain, and distress involved are all significantly reduced when cancer is diagnosed early.

We have reached the end of our cancer awareness session! I hope you found this post valuable and informative. Everyone needs to understand the basics of cancer. This knowledge will help you, your friends, family, and others learn how to prevent this disease and how it develops.