Get to know colon cancer

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

Colon cancer is one of the common cancer in men and women in India.  It is a cancer of lower part of digestive system or large intestine which is responsible for reabsorption of fluids and processing the waste products for final elimination. It develops when cells grow uncontrollably and do not die like a normal cell. Both environmental and genetic factors are responsible for it. 

Please go by the following factors responsible for developing colon cancer: 

1. Diet pattern plays a pivotal role in developing colon cancer 

Observational studies suggest that colon cancer risk increases significantly in people when their dietary pattern changes from low-fat high-fiber to high-fat low-fiber or who eat high quantities of red meat and processed meat. It is believed that your diet impacts the microbes that live in the colon, and hence may affect the risk of colon cancer.  

2. Obesity 

Exactly how obesity increases the risk of developing colon cancer is unclear. Excessive body fat may also increase the risk and severity of chronic inflammation, oxidative DNA damage which has been associated with increased risk of cancer 

3. Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption 

Excessive Alcohol and smoking increases the risk of cancer upto 9 times. Over indulgence in alcohol can damage liver and lead to inflammation. Chronic inflammatory conditions are a leading cause of colon cancer. 

Reduce Your Risk by making few lifestyle changes    

• Go for Balanced diet 
• Get creative with exercise. Pick out interesting ways to move your body 
• Eat three meals everyday breakfast, lunch and dinner 
• Eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables in a day 
• Limit the fat, sugar and salt in your diet. Consult your GP for that 
• Quit smoking and drinking 
• Go for brisk walking twice in a day for 30 minutes 

Symptoms of colon cancer may not show for a long time. However, it is advised to go for regular screening tests to identify before anything develops into colon cancer. Also, if you notice any signs and symptoms of colon cancer like blood in your stool or a persistent change in your bowel habit, make an appointment with your doctor.

Understanding 2 most common types of Cancer in India

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

As we all know that cancer is a dreaded disease. Even a pinch of doubt of cancer causes terror. But take heart today with such great advancements in technology most cancers are curable, if detected early. Below are the two most common type of cancer in India, let’s get to know few facts and get aware about it: 

1.  Lung Cancer   

Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide.   

Symptoms of developing lung cancer are  

• chronic cough,  
• blood in sputum,  
• change in voice, weight loss or 
• distant symptoms like bone pain or seizure etc.   

The most common cause of lung cancer are:       

• Passive Smoking,  
• Radon exposure  
• Environmental pollution,  
• Chulha cooking in villages  
• Genetic factors  

The numbers in India, lung cancer constitutes 6.9% of all new cancer cases and 9.3% of all cancer-related deaths in both sexes; it is the commonest cancer and cause of cancer-related mortality in men.

Target age group   

It occurs mainly in older people. About two out of three people diagnosed with lung cancer are 65 or older; less than 2% are younger than 45.   

Cut the Risk by

•  Quit smoking and reduce exposure to pollution 

Let’s identify the Breast Cancer causes

By Dr Vikas Goswami 

Today, in this blog I am gonna discuss the breast cancer causes. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in India. Breast cells sometimes become abnormal in nature and these abnormal cells multiply and grow creating new cells in the breast. These cells which are malignant in nature can lead to serious health problems and may even be able to cause death. Women often ignore their health and found to be not aware of early signs and symptoms of breast cancer. At this stage we need to educate women around us be it your mother, your wife, your daughter or any other female friend or relative. Please warn them and educate them to take care of themselves.

Here, I have listed few causes of Breast cancer: 

1: Hereditary Factors - In spite of the fact that it has been realized that just 5 to 10 percent of harmful cells are inherited, several cases of ladies suffering from breast cancer have inherited them in the family. Thusly, doctors have decided not to disregard this factor in terms of investigating this disease in wake of finding a successful cure. 

2: Genetic Mutations - Rather than inherited genes, genetic mutations are perceived as one of the significant reasons for this infection. This one can be the result of different environmental variables, for example, radiation exposure, which happens when a lady previously had a treatment or therapy. Those ladies who went through any type of treatment

Awareness is the key to beat cancer

Mail Today: On World Cancer Day

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

Let’s see some facts first:   

• Worldwide cancer is the leading cause of  death; accounted for 8.2 million deaths as per WHO statistics  
• Every year nearly 1.1 million new cases of cancer are reported. In all, the disease affects about 3.3 million people in India at any given point in time.
• Every 13th new cancer patient in the world is an Indian says a report by National Cancer Institute (NCI) which is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS).
• World Cancer Day falls on Febraury 4

Cancer as we all know is the most dangerous disease that has affected people from all over the world. In India, the biggest problem behind the rising number of cancer patients is that the most Indians don't suspect they may have cancer, or simply they IGNORE the warning signals. But, thankfully, today with the advancement in medical sciences and commitment from researchers and doctors, superior treatments have been developed resulting in success stories. 

Your lifestyle habits especially your diet as in what you eat plays a multitude of roles in the development of cancer. The first is exposure to ingested substances that initiate cancer (carcinogens). The second is exposure to substances in the diet that can either enhance or inhibit the growth of the cancerous cells. These include compounds that influence our immune system as well as those that have a direct effect on cancer cells 

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) which is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS), every 13th new cancer patient in the world is an Indian. India is also witnessing a steep rise in cancer cases and significantly, more and more people are falling prey to this life threatening disease. 

Look for these signs that spell cancer Sudden weight loss, Skin problems or developing lumps on body: Constant indigestion, constant pain or

Different Cancers and their treatment: FYI

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

In my previous blogs I have talked about different types of cancer, here in this blog let’s find out different treatments for different types of cancer. Cancer as we all know is the most dangerous disease that has affected people from all over the world. In India, the biggest problem behind the rising number of cancer patients is that the most Indians don't suspect they may have cancer, or simply they IGNORE the warning signals. But, thankfully, today with the advancement in medical sciences and commitment from researchers and doctors, superior treatments have been developed resulting in success stories. 

First of all let’s figure out what all different types of cancers commonly occur: 

1) Lung Cancer 

2) Breast Cancer 

3) Throat Cancer 

4) Stomach Cancer 

5) Prostate Cancer 

6) Cervical Cancer 

7) Skin Cancer 

8) Oral Cancer 

9)  Bone Cancer 

10) Esophagus Cancer 

11) Colon Cancer 

12) Head and Neck Cancer 

13) Ovarian Cancer 

14) Brain Cancer 

All these different cancer types have certain precise symptoms, which help to detect and treat them successfully. Treatment of cancer entirely depends on the stage and size of the tumor, which helps a doctor to design and advance to specific treatments. One might be suggested to undergo a surgery or radiation or a combination of both. What type of treatment given at a particular time depends on patient’s condition too. 

Now let’s discuss about few common types of cancer treatments and their preferences: 

1. Surgery – Surgery involves taking out a part or whole of the tumor out from the body, it is an early stage treatment to reduce or remove the tumor, combined with different treatments. It is preferred at an early stage of cancer. 

2. Radiation - This therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy malignant cancer cells. It would target any cancerous cells left behind by the tumor. It is preferred for – Throat Cancer and Prostate cancer 

3. Chemotherapy – Chemo or Chemotherapy is a drug that kills and slows the growth of 1.     malignant cells. It not only kills cancer cells throughout

Let’s get to know about Childhood Cancer

BPositive Magazine November issue 2016

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

Cancer cases in teenagers and adults are biologically very different. According to a data published in Indian journal of cancer it is estimated that approximately 45,000 children diagnosed with cancer every year. The common form cancers found in children are leukaemia, brain tumors, lymphoma, abdominal tumors, and muscle and bone tumors. Cancer is such a sensitive issue and when children are exposes to it the cause of concern gets more serious. 

The cause of most childhood cancers is not known. In today’s time our lifestyle plays a pivotal role in our overall health. Easily available packed or junk food, not doing enough exercises, prolonged sitting, obesity, drinking too much alcohol or cigarette smoking are exposing adults to cancer but these factors doesn’t affect much in childhood cancer. But few studies and past researches has shown that smoking in front of your children does affect their health and might increases their risk of cancer but there aren’t much proofs available. Also environmental factors like radiation exposure, too much exposure to pollution or environmental disasters like Bhopal gas tragedy have been linked to some childhood cancers. 

Apart from environmental factors your family history of cancer could also affect your future generation and expose them to cancer. Parent’s genes increase the risk of certain types of cancer in children or sometimes they can cause a syndrome which creates developmental problems. 

If your child has been diagnosed with cancer then as a parent you need to be very strong to be able to stand by your child. Coping with your child’s cancer and finding ways to stay strong is challenging for everyone in a family. Parents and family support

Signs that spell cancer

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

CANCER the word itself is a dangerous one which in literal terms means a group of more than 100 diseases in which cells begin to grow out of control or a disease where abnormal cells begin to grow in an uncontrolled way. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) which is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS), every 13th new cancer patient in the world is an Indian. India is also witnessing a steep rise in cancer cases and significantly, more and more people are falling prey to this life threatening disease. 

Let’s look at the following few signs that spells cancer: 

1. Sudden weight loss: 

you are a gym freak or following any diet that leads you to weight loss then its fine but without working out if you are experiencing the unexpected or sudden weight loss then it is indeed a matter of concern. It might put you at the risk of developing cancer of pancreas or stomach. 

2. Skin problems or developing lumps on body: 

Everything shows on our face from hormonal imbalance to indigestion. It might appear in the form of skin rashes or moles or skin warts.  But if you are getting rashes too frequently, or are experiencing any lumps on your body like on chest, under arms, on breast, legs. It might be cysts, do get yourself checked immediately. 

The Pioneer

3. Constant indigestion:  

Heart burning or indigestion is common and even if you observe a long-term change in your bowel function such as persistent diarrhoea or constipation, it may be a