Just read an article, rate of Cancer in Kerala has increased from 1 in 8 to 1 in 5
When we rebuild Kerala we have to use the census data, create confidential medical files for every citizen and start reminding our citizens of the regular screening and vaccination. This should be in our agenda to create a state that is healthy physically.
Teach our children the dos and don’ts and create a morally healthy society.
The first time I saw a cancer ward was in Vellore CMC, when Amma was taken for surgery in the 70’s, one hospital that does not smell of lotion and medicine, I happened to walk through the cancer ward and saw babies and toddlers all with shaven head. I could nurse anyone..
I have been asking questions, clearing my doubts and I am sharing what I have learnt, from doctors, government, for example in Australia we get notification by mail from the Medicare instructing us to do pap smear and mammogram ….
However you may please take advice of your medical practitioner for clearing your doubts and apprehensions.
WHAT IS CANCER????
Uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
If the spread is not controlled, it may result in death.
Reasons remain unknown for many type of cancer, and why it happens to children.
Known reasons are lifestyle issues, use of tobacco, paan, excess body weight, non-modifiable factors such as inherited genetic mutations, hormones and immune conditions.
Knowing your family history is important, if there has been a history of cancer in the family it is important to inform your doctor.
The above factors can also act together or one after the other and start or promote cancer growth.
CAN CANCER BE PREVENTED???
Substantial proportion of cancers can be prevented, especially caused by tobacco, exposure to passive smoking and unhealthy behavior’s, excess weight, excess alcohol, especially adulterated alcohol brewed with chemicals, physical inactivity (lack of exercise) and poor nutrition.
Eat a variety of healthy foods, including more servings of vegetable and fruits daily. Stay active and maintain a healthy weight, drink good alcohol in moderation.
Cancers caused by infectious agents HPV, HBV, HCV, H.pylori could be prevented through behavioral changes, vaccination or treatment of infection.
I remember when Amma passed away she had contracted HCV from where she was admitted and I was with her in her final moments, nursing her and cleaning her, especially when her organs started failing and her BP dropped like a rocket.
Millions of skin cancers are identified in Australia yearly, and this could be prevented by protecting skin from excessive sun exposure and not using indoor tanning devices.
Every student in Australia is taught how to protect their skin as part of the curriculum. They are taught to limit sun exposure, to use sunscreen, to wear protective clothing, and to check their skin themselves.
SCREENING
HELPS DETECT MANY CANCERS EITHER EARLY OR ON TIME AND TREATMENT IS MORE LIKELY TO BE SUCCESSFUL.
SKIN, MOUTH, COLON, RECTAL SCREENINGS ARE A MUST FOR MEN AND WOMEN.
Breast
Women above 40yrs. Start mammography, continue every year until 54yrs. above 55yrs. twice a year minimum.
If you feel an unusual lump, or oozing in the breast report to the Doctor.
Cervix
Women ages 21 – 29yrs. Pap test every 3yrs.
30 – 65yrs. Pap test & HPV DNA test together every 5 years or Pap test every 3yrs.
Above 65yrs. If 3 or more consecutive Pap tests OR 2 or more Pap & HPV are negative within the past 10 years, with the most recent test in the last 5 yrs. then cervical cancer screening can be stopped
Women who had a total hysterectomy can stop cervical cancer screening.
If there is any unusual bleeding report to the doctor
Colorectal
Men and Women above 50yrs.
Annual testing of spontaneously passed stool specimens (gFOBT) or FIT tests
Multi-target stool DNA test Every 3yrs.
Colonoscopy Every 10yrs.
CT Colonoscopy every 5yrs.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5yrs.
Double-contrast barium enema Every 5yrs.
If there is any unusual bleeding report to the doctor
Endometrial
Women at menopause
If there is unexpected bleeding during menopause don’t sit back and assume that is natural go and see your doctor and check for endometrial cancer and be sure you are OK
Lung
Current or former smokers 55-74yrs. even if you are in good health
Low-dose helical CT (LDCT)
I am aware of many who claimed they are fine and had stopped smoking ages ago being treated for lung cancer.
Prostate and Testes
Men above 50yrs.
Prostate specimen antigen test with or without digital rectal examination.
If there is any unusual bleeding or swelling report to the doctor.
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