November 7 according to who cancer is the second deadliest disease .it is a malignancy in which cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other organs of the body. Environmental pollutants, radiations, viral infections, tobacco consumption and genetic factors being some of the contributing factors Cancer is one of the leading cause of deaths worldwide. Nearly 1.1 million new cases are being reported annually in India, it is estimated that one woman dies of cervical cancer every eight minutes in India. Tobacco use in India accounted for 3,17,928 deaths in men and women in 2018, cancers of oral cavity and lungs account for over 25% cancer deaths in males and cancer of breast and oral cavity account for 25% cancers in females. In Kashmir incidence of cancer is on increase, gastrointestinal cancer is most common, followed by lung cancer in males and breast cancer in females. In order to educate people about this deadly disease, National cancer day is observed in India today on November 7.this was first suggested by union minister for health and family welfare Dr. Harshvardhan in September 2014 .since then the day is observed as national cancer awareness day every year to generate awareness and education among peoples about early detection of cancer and avoid leading cancer causing lifestyles. In 1975, the national cancer control program was initiated to provide cancer treatment facilities in India; however it was modified in 1984-85 to provide a driving force to prevention and early detection of cancer. National cancer awareness day stimulates people to report to medical institutions for free screening, information brochures are also distributed to generate awareness on how to protect oneself room this deadly disease and to look for signs and early symptoms. This day also coincides with the birth anniversary of Nobel prize winning scientist Marie Curie, being remembered for her huge contribution to fight against cancer and her work also led to the development of radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer
Main cause of cancer: This deadly disease is mainly caused by changes(mutations)to the DNA (genetic material) within cells. The DNA inside a cell is packaged into a large number of individual genes, each of which contain a set of instructions guiding the cell what function to perform, as well as how to grow and divide. Errors in the instructions can cause the cell to stop its normal function and may cause a normal cell to transform into cancerous one. What happens when mutations occur? Mutations cause cell to undergo rapid division leading to rapid cell growth. These also make mistakes during DNA repair.
What causes mutations? Some mutations are inherited from parents who account for small percentage of cancers. Some mutations occur after birth, number of factors responsible for these mutations include radiations, viruses, cancer causing chemicals, obesity, hormones, chronic inflammation and lack of exercise. Mutations occur frequently during normal cell growth; however, cells contain a mechanism that recognizes the mistake and repairs it, occasionally the mistake is missed which is the main cause that leads the cell to become cancerous.
Risk factors: THE Environment around may contain harmful chemicals that increase one’s chances of developing cancer. Even if a person does not smoke might inhale it from a smoker in vicinity. Harmful chemicals in houses or workplaces like asbestos and benzene are also associated with high risk of cancer development. Health condition such as ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease) can also increase the risk of developing some cancers. A little portion of cancers may develop because of an inherited condition. If cancer is common in a family it is possible that mutations are passed from one generation to next. Cancer may take decades to develop, hence people diagnosed with cancer are mostly 65 or older, however most common in elderly persons, it is not exclusively an adult disease and can be detected at any age Smoking, drinking, excessive exposure to sun and being obese are some of the life style choices known to increase the risk of developing cancer.
Prevention: Eat a healthy diet Avoid excessive sun exposure Eat a healthy diet Maintain a healthy weight Exercise most days of the week Stop smoking Avoid alcohol consumption.
Cancer treatment in India: Surgery Chemotherapy Radiation therapy Immunotherapy Hormone therapy Stem cell transplant Targeted therapy Precision medicines.
(The author is a Research Scholar at the Department of Zoology at University of Kashmir Srinagar. Views are her own)
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