Cancers and some answers

Did you know that in 1893 when it was found that the US president Grover Cleveland developed cancer, his doctors feared that cancer was an alien invader. Today after 100 years, still sometimes cancer has no answer, especially when it is not primarily detected. That's why it is better to know about early warning signs for different types of cancer. Chances of cure are good if cancer is identified early.

The most commonly occurring cancers are breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. But a certain amount of lumpiness in the breast is not abnormal. Cancer in the tongue, stomach or pancreas is really intolerable but lung cancer is one of the types that cause the most deaths. The types of cancer vary from country to country. For example, in Australia the most commonly occurring cancer is the non-malignant skin cancer or in case of Japan 'stomach cancer' is not uncommon. Some cancers, such as pre-menopausal breast cancer may appear more commonly among certain relations. It has been seen that smoking doubles the risk of bladder cancer. After the age of 50, prostate gland commonly increases in size. A normal prostate is about the size of a table-tennis ball (the gland that surrounds the urethra). When prostate begins to grow, one of the changes that may happen is prostate cancer. Most of them are slow growing and usually do not shorten life. A man may have 'prostate cancer' without any symptoms.

Conventional cancer treatment means -- surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. But research is tirelessly being undertaken to look for more successful ways of dealing with this disease. In the beginning of last century, several pioneer radiologists suffered painful rashes from powerful biological effects of X rays and died of skin cancer and leukaemia. In treatment there are medical oncologists and radio-oncologists. In Bangladesh we have developed more or less in medical oncology but we couldn't build up palliative therapy or standard physiotherapy in the management of cancer treatment. But new hospitals in the city are coming up for more successful ways of dealing with this disease.

Some Cancer prevention and early warning signs (when you should see your doctor)

Early warning signs should not be ignored. These are:

Change in bowel or bladder habits

Unusual bleeding or discharge

A sore, which does not heal

Lump in the breast or elsewhere

Indigestion or finding difficulty in swallowing

Noticeable change in a wart or mole

Development of any unusual pigmented area

Irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge

Irritating persistent cough or hoarseness

Impairment of hearing with noise in the same ear

Several things to reduce the risk of cancer:

Regular breast self-examination (Consult a surgeon -- today lot of qualified women surgeons are also available in the city)

Avoid excessive exposure to the sun -- use sunglasses and proper hats

People above the age of 35-40 should have an annual check-up

Do not smoke; and try to avoid a smoker when he/she is smoking

Eat a healthy diet with lot of fibres

Be aware of safety rules where exposure to chemicals (including artificial flavour and colour), radiation and other hazards increase the risk.