Cancer is a serious condition which becomes more devastating when it affects our near and dear ones among family and friends. It will be no less shocking to come to terms with the fact that the patient may sometimes be in later stages of cancer. It is important for the patient and the family to undergo psychological counselling to come to terms with the condition. There are many factors which cause cancer and there are many myths related to the incidence of cancer. Factors like genes, smoking, alcohol intake, stressful life, age, hormonal disturbances, prolonged medical treatment, and exposure to hazardous chemicals or radiation are believed to cause cancer.
Hereditary Factor: Is cancer passed by family through geens? It is hard to deny this, because genes are also partially responsible for some cancers. If there is incidence of breast cancer in two or three women of the same family, then there is more likelihood of this cancer occurring in other women in the same family. Gene mutation tests like BRCA1 and BRCA2 will help in detection of breast cancer in women. Through mastectomy, breast removal can be done and artificial implants is an ideal solution, with proper counselling for those who show positive results for the above gene tests. Apart from these tests, it is important to educate young women about the importance of breast self-examination, followed by ultrasound and digital mammography of breasts, incase they notice lump formation.
Is it contagious? Certainly not. Cancer is not a contagious disease and hence it cannot spread through physical contact. Individuals who live close to cancer patients or help them will not contract the condition. There are a few viruses which can cause cancer, when it spreads through sexual activity or blood transfusion. Examples are Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV Virus. HPV virus is responsible for cervical cancer while Hepatitis B and C cause Liver Cirrhosis due to cancer. In individuals with HIV, due to reduced immunity, few organs can be affected by cancer. There are vaccines for HPV, Hepatitis B and C. Individuals need to take 3 doses of the vaccine at least 6 months before marriage (if you are not sexually active yet) and those who get married too can undergo vaccination to prevent these conditions.
The severity of cancer varies from one person to another. If the cancerous cells spread to entire body or other organs, then even in final stages, despite surgery, the chances of recovery may be low.
[Courtesy: Dr. CH. Mohana Vamsy, Chief Surgical Oncologist, Omega Hospitals. The Times of India dated 14th August, 2019 (Wednesday)].
--Challapalli Srinivas Chakravarthy, 09th September, 2019 (Monday)--
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