Faq’s

Cancer is a general term used to describe cells that grow and spread around the body in an uncontrolled way. Our body is made up of millions of tiny cells which replace themselves whenever necessary. The cells in our body grow and multiply in a process known as cell division. It must be extremely tight controlled if all the cells in our body are to grow in the right place, and for all our organs and tissues to function properly. If cells divide too quickly the consequences can be disastrous. Cancer is essentially a disease of cell division. If the genes involved in cell division are damaged (mutated) in some way, for example by exposure to cigarette smoke or ultraviolet radiation, the cell can start to divide uncontrollably. These defective cells can multiply to a lump of abnormal tissue called a tumor.

A malignant tumor is made up of cancer cells. When it develops, this malignant tumor may be confined to its original site. This is known as a cancer in situ (or carcinoma in situ). If these cells are not treated, they may spread beyond normal boundaries and into surrounding tissues, becoming invasive cancer.

Some benign tumors are precancerous and may progress to cancer if left untreated. Other benign tumors do not develop into cancer.

Sometimes cells move away from the original (primary) cancer, either by local tissue fluid channels (lymphatics) or in the blood stream, and invade other organs. When these cells reach a new site, they may continue to grow and form another tumor at that site, this is called a secondary cancer or metastasis.

Cancerous cells divide uncontrollably. On its own, a single tumor can make you quite ill, for example by pressing against nerves, blocking the digestive system or blood vessels, or by releasing hormones that can affect the normal workings of your body.

Things can get much worse, however if the cancer becomes malignant and spreads. Once a tumor metastasize, it is much more difficult to treat, and can make you much more ill because more areas of the body are affected.

The chances of curing the Cancer increases with early detection. The Indian Cancer Society and other organizations recommend paying attention to seven warning signs of cancer:

• Changes in bowel or bladder habits.
• Unusual bleeding or discharge.
• A sore that does not heal.
• Indigestion or difficulty swallowing.
• A nagging cough or hoarseness.
• A thickening of lump in the breast or elsewhere.
• An obvious change in wart or mole.

A physician can detect cancer by taking medical history, performing routine check ups, cancer screening tests, imaging techniques and tissue biopsy.