General FAQs

Though it is very difficult to pinpoint the definite cause, certain substances known as carcinogens can increase your chances. For instance, smoking or chewing tobacco are major risk factors. Beedi smoking is twice as dangerous as cigarettes. Pollution, preserved food, smoked and junk food are also contributory. Even certain viruses like EBV, Hepatitis B, and HPV can cause cancer. Other known causes include asbestos, arsenic, pitch, tar, and ultra-violet rays.

There is no scientific evidence that cancer is directly caused by a germ. Although certain viruses are known to cause cancer, they form less than 2% of the cancer burden.

No. A single injury to soft tissue or bone does not give rise to cancer.

High fat, low roughage western diet predisposes to colon cancer. Diet rich in animal fats also contributes to breast cancer. Green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits contain certain antioxidants which prevent cancer. Tomato, ginger, and cabbage have been found to have medicinal antioxidant properties. Avoid junk food, smoked food and preserved food. Be vegetarian and prevent cancer!

There is no scientific evidence that it will, since cancer of stomach may occur in people who eat most regularly.

There is little evidence that the temperature of food is an important factor. However, recently too hot food has been correlated with food pipe cancer. Too spicy food may be related to stomach cancer, as seen in high incidence in Southern parts of India.

Alcohol is a predisposing factor for the development of cancer of oesophagus, laryngopharynx and liver.

There are inherited tendencies, but cancer is not strictly inherited except for rare types like Retinoblastoma. Only 5% of breast cancers are considered hereditary. Presence of cancer in parents should be a cause for greater alertness.

No. There is no record of cancer having been transmitted by kissing or by any contact, accidental or otherwise, between individuals or between person and animals.

Prevention is better than cure. Avoid smoking and tobacco chewing. Alcohol should be taken in moderation or avoided. Take low fat, vegetarian diet. Avoid ill fitting dentures and report to doctor immediately if you notice any warning signals.

These are lesions that can develop into cancer with passage of time. Cancer takes many years to develop, passing through stages: normal cell -> abnormal cell -> pre-cancerous lesion -> frank cancer -> metastatic cancer.

White spots on mucous membranes (especially mouth); non-healing sores from jagged teeth or ill-fitting dentures; dark coloured moles which itch or bleed; sub-mucous fibrosis; polyps in large intestine; and Barrett's oesophagus.

You can only suspect. A regular physical check-up is your best guard. You are the first line of defense because you alone can recognize the seven danger signals.

1. Change in bowel/bladder habits. 2. A sore that does not heal. 3. Unusual bleeding/discharge. 4. Thickening or lump. 5. Indigestion/difficulty swallowing. 6. Obvious change in wart/mole. 7. Nagging cough/hoarseness.

No, except in cases involving bone or nerve tissue. Pain is usually a late symptom, occurring when the growth is often far advanced.

Examination of head, neck, oral cavity, chest, abdomen, breast, vaginal and rectal areas. It includes blood tests, X-ray chest, US abdomen, mammogram, pap smear, and stool/sputum exams.

By surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a combination (multimodal management). All these are available in India. RGCI & RC provides all these under one roof.

More than 80% of cancers today are completely curable if treated early. Curability depends heavily on the type and stage of cancer.

Temporary side effects like nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and bone marrow suppression. These vary depending on the drug schedule used.

Common male cancers (lung and oral) are largely preventable because they are caused by tobacco. Female cancers (breast, cervix) can be detected early and cured through regular screening.

Women over 40 should have an annual clinical exam. Women after 35 should perform monthly self-examinations after their periods. Screening mammography is recommended from age 40 every 2 years.

Yes, tobacco in any form is a known cause for cancer of the mouth, throat, and lungs. Stopping tobacco is the best prevention.