BEAT THE BIG C: BE AWARE, STAY ALERT
A LITTLE ALERTNESS AND SOME HEALTHY CHANGES IN LIFESTYLE CAN GO A LONG WAY IN DEALING WITH CANCER RISKS.
ARE YOU AWARE of the triggers that may heighten the risk of developing cancer, often referred to as the Big C? Awareness and self-examination are crucial even though you are young and healthy as doctors have observed a worrying trend. “Cancer is rising among young people,” says Dr C.H. Mohana Vamsy, a surgical oncologist and Founder of Omega Hospitals in Hyderabad. According to him and other prominent oncologists, more people in their 30s and 40s are being diagnosed with the disease. Dr Vamsy says that people from this age group form about 20-25 per cent of his total patients as against around 10 per cent some five years ago. He puts it mainly to lifestyle changes, obesity and unhealthy food habits such as lack of fibre-rich diet
RISE IN CANCER AMONG PEOPLE IN THEIR 30S AND 40S COULD BE DUE TO LIFESTYLE CHANGES, OBESITY AND UNHEALTHY FOOD HABITS
and rising dependence on microwave cooking. Moreover, one should not ignore certain syndromes and conditions, including chronic cough, persistent low-grade fever, lump or swelling in the body, change in colour or shape of moles, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite and distaste for food, change in bowel habits, blood in urine and/or stool, menstrual issues, nipple discharge and so on.
In case you are diagnosed with cancer, there are effective ways of dealing with it instead of panicking or feeling depressed. Here is a good example. We have spoken to a young woman who is working for a global technology giant and well on her way to conquering ovarian cancer. She has some tips to share based on her experience.
To start with, it helps to have health insurance early on, much before one is diagnosed with any critical illness, as it is quite impossible to get one when you are fighting cancer. Staying physically active is also important for overall wellness. Opt for a diet containing more fibre, protein (like pulses) and leafy vegetables, and avoid processed and fried food. Go for the tests your doctor has prescribed without any delay. Incidentally, a CA 125 blood test can easily detect early signs of ovarian cancer. Finally, stay positive as beating the Big C is a huge emotional battle.