Cancer Fighting Foods
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SOME COMMON CANCERS
There are over 200 types of cancer, and while they may share some features, each is very different in cause, symptoms, treatment and prognosis — essentially they are individual diseases. Each type of cancer has its own particular pattern of disease in terms of how fast it grows, how it spreads and how well it responds to treatment. The initial cancer is called a “primary tumour”. A cancer that spreads from the primary site is called a “secondary tumour” — also known as “metastase”. Widespread secondary cancers are known as “carcinomatosis”.
Benigh and Malignant Tumours
Cancers come in all shapes and forms, but generally speaking benign tumours (non-cancerous growths) tend to be smooth, regular lumps and have a clearly defined border or capsule, with a normal blood supply. Malignant tumours, on the other hand, are usually irregular in shape and there may be abnormalities of blood supply causing the formation of many tiny, fragile blood vessels. The abnormal cells from these malignant tumours penetrate the surrounding tissue. The following are some of the more common cancers.
Breast Cancer in Women
Breast cancer, the most common cancer, is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. According to the WHO (2007) more than 1.2 million people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year worldwide and over 500,000 will die from the disease. The incidence of breast cancer is rising in every country of the world especially in developing countries such as India. One in seven women will suffer from breast cancer in their lifetime and the condition is targeting younger and younger women — the number of under-30s has doubled in the last decade. Symptoms of Breast Cancer — The symptoms of breast cancer include: a lump or thickening in the breast or under the arm; tenderness in the breast; bloodstained discharge from the nipple; scaliness, dimpling or puckering of the skin around the nipple; inversion of nipple and change in the general contour of the breast. Note: Not every breast lump is cancerous; 80% are benign. Causes of Breast Cancer — The risk factors for developing breast cancer include: a history of breast cancer on either side of your family – three or more direct relations in two generations ups the risk by 50%; vitamin D deficiency and poor diet especially eating red meat and high-fat foods ups the risk by 33%; early menstruation before age 12; late menopause after 55; postponing childbirth until after 30 is a major risk factor; being childless or having fewer children; stress; hormonal imbalances; consuming more than 2-3 alcoholic drinks a day raises oestrogen levels and may double the risk; smoking; not breast feeding at all or inadequately; and leading sedentary lifestyle; lack of exercise; being overweight; and loss of an emotional relationship like break up and divorce raises the risk of breast cancer manifold. Precautions against Breast Cancer — The best protection against the disease is awareness. Get to know your breasts at 20. Examine them sequentially every month from the periphery inwards with your palm – timely detection helps towards early diagnosis and treatment. Get clinical examination done once every three years after the age of 20. Have a mammography regularly after age 50. Exercise regularly and eat healthy to maintain healthy weight and lower oestrogen levels. If married, have your children before you hit 30 and breast feed for at least six to twelve months or as long as possible.
