FAQs on Prevention of Cancer / Precautions of Cancer

Q- How can one guard against cancer

Ans- Prevention is better than cure. More than half of the cancers are preventable! Avoid smoking and tobacco chewing in any form. Alcohol should only be taken in moderation. It is better avoided. Take low fat, vegetarian diet. Avoid ill fitting dentures, Report to doctor immediately if you notice any of seven warning signals.

 Q- What is meant by a "precancerous lesion"

Ans- Any abnormal condition that if permitted to continue, may develop into cancer with passage of time. Cancer does not form in day's or week's time. It takes many years to develop. It passes through many stages normal cell __ abnormal cell __ Precancerous lesion __ Frank cancer -- Metastasic cancer.

 Q- What are some of the more important precancerous lesions

Ans- White spots on mucous (lining) membranes, especially of the mouth; non healing sores caused by jagged teeth and illfitting dental plates; dark colored moles which itch or bleed. These should all be investigated by a physician and adequately treated. Submucous fibrosis with inability to open mouth, polyps in large intestine Barret's oesophagus associated with reflux oesophagitis are some of the conditions which should alarm the patient and physician. These require careful monitoring.

 Q- What precautions should be taken to avoid cancer of the mouth

Ans- Cancer of mouth is a largely preventable disease. Avoid use of tobacco in any form (pan masala, gutkha etc.) Any sore in mouth which does not heal in three weeks time should be examined by doctor and if required biopsied. : Keep the mouth clean. Have jagged teeth filed or removed. Do not use an ill-fitting dental plate, which causes a sore on the gums or cheek. If white spots appear in the mouth or on the tongue, stop the use of tobacco and see a doctor.

 Q- What precautions should be taken to avoid cancer of the skin

Ans- Dark colored moles and warts, which become itchy or bleed or ulcerate should be removed. Fair-skinned people should avoid overexposure to direct sun rays. Recurrent blisters. on the lip should be carefully examined. Skin should always be kept clean.

 Q- Should all moles be removed

Ans- No. A flat colorless mole is probably as harmless as a freckle. Bluish-black hairless moles, especially when subjected to irritation, should be removed. Any mole or wart showing changes in size or color or bleeding should be promptly and completely removed and the tissue examined by a pathologist to determine if cancer is present.

 Q- Can immunity to cancer be acquired as with diptheria or typhoid fever

Ans- Production of immunity is possible only in diseases caused by germs. As cancer is not caused by germs, immunity cannot be developed against it. But scientists are exploring possibilities of vaccines for cancer.

 Q- Why do many people wait before consulting a physician when cancer may be present or suspected

Ans- Primarily because of fear. Ignorance of the signs of cancer and the vital importance of early treatment also play a role. Some people also think there is a social disgrace in having cancer and so hide the fact from their physicians and often from friends and relatives. This is not a justifiable attitude.