CANCER - AN OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION Cancer is a disease in which a group of abnormal cells grow

uncontrollably to invade surrounding tissues and destroy them. This

happens when the nucleus of the cell is damaged and is thus unable to

behave normally. SYMPTOMS

In the early stages of cancer there may not be much visible effect, but

the early warning signals are as follows:

C - change in bowel or bladder habits. A - a sore throat that persists. U - unusual bleeding or discharge. T - thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere. I - indigestion or difficulty in swallowing. O - obvious change in a wart or mole. N - nagging cough or hoarseness.

CAUSES AND RISKS

Cancer usually occurs when the nucleus of the cell is damaged. It has

however been seen that some people are more prone to cancer, in as much

as their cells are more susceptible to the kind of damage, that leads

to cancer. Cells can also be damaged after years of exposure to the sun

or radiation. The consumption of tobacco can also lead to cancer.

Certain chemicals can also damage the nucleus of cells and lead to

cancer.

PREVENTION

The steps to prevent cancer are well known and are

Avoidance of tobacco products will prevent the onset of lung cancer. Limiting the exposure of children to the sun will help prevent

melanoma. Consumption of high fiber diet will help reduce the risk of colon

cancer. Avoiding the consumption of alcohol. Self-examination by men of their testicles. Self examination by women of their breasts. Self examination of the mouth. For those cancers which cannot be prevented, the way out is

early/timely detection and diagnosis.

DIAGNOSIS

Where early warning signs point to cancer, its presence can be

confirmed by the following methods:-

A piece of the abnormal cell is removed with a biopsy and examined in a

pathology laboratory. In some cases the whole tumor is removed. Specialized X-rays and blood tests may also be performed.

Article submited By R.kumar On the behalf of www.childcancerandyou.org

Global cancer concern india is a ngo in india serving cancer suffering people for cure of different types of cancer like child cancer, throat cancer, breast cancer, bone cancer, prostat cancer etc.

For more details on same topic or
About the Author

R. Kumar is a journalist and presently working in remote areas of asian sub continents for awareness on Cancer.