CANCER CAUSES, REMEDIES & PREVENTION Dr. Rashi Agrawal MD (Radiation Oncology) Cancer specialist

Understand cancer Not just one disease but group of diseases. There are more than 100 different types of cancer.

How do normal cells become cancerous?

Building is made of bricks Cell- smallest functional unit of body

DNA Damage

Normal cells become abnormal and divide without stopping

Malignant vs Benign

Symptoms Hard lump Non-healing ulcer Persistent symptoms Pain- late feature

Clinical pictures

Cancers mimicking other diseases lung cancer as tuberculosis bone tumors as traumatic swellings breast cancers as non cancerous lumps rectal cancers as piles stomach cancers as ulcer problem and indigestion

Don't fear , fight cancer >50 % are preventable >98% are curable in stage 1 >80 % are curable in stage 2 Be Aware : fight it with knowledge.

Tobacco

Tobacco Cigarettes contain over 4000 toxic chemicals – 50 of which are known to cause cancer!

Alcohol

OBESITY Established risk - Ca Breast Ca Colon Ca Endometrium Ca Esophagus Renal Cell Carcinoma

Diet Diet - most important factor after tobacco and alcohol. Life style and diet account for most cancers in non tobacco users

Genetic causes Genetic factors may play a role in up to 20% of cancers. Breast Colorectal Ovary Prostate

Other causes Pollution – air, water Radiation Occupation Chemicals- insecticides, pesticides

Why we do start smoke Parents/friends smoke Looks cool Curious-experimenting Peer Pressure Want to fit in Parents/friends smoke What other reasons?

TOBACCO COMPANIES

Balanced Diet

5 servings of fruit and vegetable per day(400- 800 gms) Dietary recommendations 5 servings of fruit and vegetable per day(400- 800 gms) 7 servings of cereals, pulses, tubers and plantains Avoid Alcohol

Recommended 1 hour brisk walk daily and rigorous exercise once weekly limit weight gain in adulthood not exceeding 5 kg

Benefits Proved in more than 4500 research studies world wide Dietary regulation-risk reduction by 30-40% Dietary+life style regulation-risk reduction by 60-70% Fruits everyday- 20%risk reduction

Early Diagnosis Regular health check ups – Screening for carcinoma cervix, breast, prostate and head & neck cancer Don’t ignore your symptoms

Screening in breast cancer American cancer society recommends annual mammography and clinical breast examination after 40 years of age

Screening for prostate cancer Starts at the age of 50 yrs in average risk population. Clinical examination and serum PSA yearly.

Investigations Biopsy – must Does not spread cancer

Investigations X ray CT scan MRI Bone scan Whole body PET CT

Staging the cancer For every patient To plan treatment For prognosis

Treatment Myths Cancer – not curable Treatment is only symptomatic Spreads fast after surgery Contagious

Treatment modalities Surgery – Should be done by specialist in cancer surgery Local treatment Plastic surgery

Radiotherapy Two types From outside (external beam radiotherapy)- more common From inside (brachytherapy)

Radiotherapy X rays Not painful Local treatment

Radiotherapy KV / CBCT imaging arms Clinac-iX

Techniques 2 D conventional radiotherapy 3D conformal radiotherapy Intensity modulated radiotherapy Image guided radiotherapy

Conventional radiotherapy

Intensity modulated radiotherapy

Image guided radiotherapy

Brachytherapy

Chemotherapy Through injections or tablets

Conclusion Don't fear , fight cancer > 50 % are preventable- WHO estimates that 50-75% of all cancers are related to personal habits >98% are curable in stage 1 >80 % are curable in stage 2 Be Aware : fight it with knowledge.

Active life style Healthy Diet No to smoking and alcohol No to stress