Category: Blog

Cancer is fast becoming one of the leading public health challenges in India, with new cases being added every year. Rapid urbanization, unhealthy lifestyle habits, increased use of tobacco, and environmental pollution, are the primary reasons for the surge of cancer in India. While cancer can affect any part of the body, certain types are far more common in the Indian population. Understanding these common cancers and their symptoms can play a crucial role in improving survival rates and reducing the overall burden of the disease.

Common types of cancer in India

To curb cancer in its early stages, it is important to learn how to recognize tell-tale signs and symptoms of common cancer types. Listed below are common cancer types prevalent in India and their signs and symptoms.

1. Breast cancer: Breast cancer results from the growth of abnormal cells in the breasts which multiply uncontrollably, resulting in the formation of tumors. These tumors are often formed in the milk ducts or lobules. An easy way to identify breast cancer is through self-breast examination, which can be easily performed at home. Notice signs that may include:

i. A mass or lump in the breast or armpit which may be painless
ii. Swelling in the breast
iii. Feeling of irritation and dimpling (resemblance of skin with orange peel) of the skin on the breast
iv. Pain in the breast or nipple
v. Discharge from the nipple that isn’t breast milk
vi. Nipple retraction (an inwardly turned nipple)

Even if you observe one or more of the above signs, it may not mean the incidence of breast cancer. Thus, it is important to consult your healthcare provider if you notice any of these changes.

2. Oral cancer: India has the highest prevalence of oral cancers, with over 1, 00, 000 cases being reported every year. It is the most common cancer among Indian males, primarily due to the indiscriminate use of tobacco products. Oral cancer can appear in any part of the oral cavity such as lips, tongue, cheeks, hard and soft palate, floor of the mouth, pharynx, or even the sinuses. Some of the warning signs and symptoms of oral cancer are:

i. Formation of red or white-coloured patches on the oral mucosa or lining of the mouth or tongue
ii. Mouth ulcers that do not heal
iii. Voice sounding hoarse
iv. Difficulty or pain when swallowing
v. Unusual changes in taste buds
vi. Unexplained weight loss
vii. Excessive salivation
viii. Swollen lymph nodes (glands)

3. Cervical cancer: The narrow, lower part of the female reproductive system is called cervix which connects the uterus to the vagina or birth canal. Cancer which develops in the cells of the cervix results in cervical cancer. Before cancer develops in the cervix, the cells here undergo changes known as dysplasia. At this stage, abnormal cells start appearing in the cervical tissue which, if not treated, can develop into cancerous cells over time. Some of the common symptoms of cervical cancer are:

i. Abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after sex, or post menopause)
ii. Heavier and longer lasting menstrual cycles
iii. Pelvic pain during intercourse
iv. Unusual vaginal discharge with foul smell

4. Lung cancer: Lung cancer is often considered fatal as the tumor cells metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body. Additionally, lung cancer also doesn’t get detected easily until the later stages. Signs of lung cancer include:

i. Persistent cough that aggravates over time
ii. Shortness of breath (wheezing )
iii. Presence of blood in sputum
iv. Chest pain
v. Changes in voice quality (e.g. hoarseness)
vi. Frequent lung infections
vii. Unexplained weight loss
viii. Reduced hunger
ix. Repeated episodes of headaches

5. Colorectal cancer: This cancer develops in the inner lining of the large intestine, affecting the colon or rectum. The malignancy appears as abnormal growths called polyps. Some of the common symptoms of colorectal cancer are as follows:

i. Unexplained weakness and fatigue
ii. Unexplained weight loss
iii. Changes in bowel patterns
iv. Stomach pain
v. Pressure in rectum or abdomen
vi. Blood in stool
vii. Bleeding in the rectum

Cancer continues to pose a significant health threat in India but by understanding and recognizing the warning signs of the most commonly occurring cancers in India, their incidence can be reduced. To achieve this purpose, regular screening and early diagnosis through greater awareness and public campaigns can significantly impact the spread of cancer in India.

The term, cancer denotes a collection of large group of over 100 diseases that occur as a result of uncontrolled growth and multiplication of abnormal cells in the body. Primarily, these cancer cells arise due to genetic mutations, although there are other causative factors too. Often, cancer cells have the ability to spread to other sites in the body and are not restricted to their place of origin. This process is called metastasis.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Cancer

Cancer symptoms may differ from one individual to another. In general, the common symptoms of cancer include:

• Fever: Fever usually develops if you have cold or an infection. However, fever that usually occurs at night time and results in night sweats should not be ignored.

• Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired even after a good night’s rest can be the first signs of cancer. The body’s nutrient supply is usually used by cancer cells to grow and advance. This gives an individual a feeling of fatigue.

• Loss of appetite: Not feeling hungry can be due to infections such as flu but often, it can be a sign of cancer. If this feeling persists, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

• Pain: Persistent pain could be due to an underlying disease. Cancer can result in pain in your body if:

i. A tumor or mass is pushing other areas of the body
ii. There are certain chemicals released by cancer cells in the body
iii. Metastasis is occurring inside the body and cancer is spreading from its place of origin

If you are experiencing pain that doesn’t go away, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional.

• Appearance or changes in moles: Moles that change appearance or form need to be carefully evaluated. So, it is important to look for changes in the moles such as jagged edges, irregular borders, changes in size or shape, etc.

• Unexplained weight loss: When you begin to lose weight for no apparent reason, it can be a cause for alarm. If the weight loss is significant, it is best to see your healthcare provider.

Other symptoms related to organ-specific cancers in males and females have been mentioned below.

in males

• Blood in urine or stool: Presence of blood in faeces or urine may indicate cancer such as colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and bladder or kidney cancer.

• Coughing up blood: Blood that is coughed up or vomited can be a sign of lung cancer.

in Females

• Blood in urine or stool: Blood in the urine or stool in women may be indicative of colorectal cancer or bladder cancer. Sometimes, women experience unexplained vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex, or post menopause, indicating gynaecological cancers.

• Appearance of lumps or bumps in the breast: Lumps or changes in the breast, including dimpling or thickening of skin in the breast, may be indicative of breast cancer. Other than this, redness, unusual discharge from the breast or pain in the breast can also be warning signs of breast cancer.

Signs and symptoms of cancer are common in both males and females, except for some organ-specific cancers in both genders. Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of cancer in both men and women can be life-saving. It is important to identify and seek medical help as soon as you notice any abnormal changes in your body. Early detection often leads to more treatment options, better outcomes, and higher survival rates. Ultimately, staying informed, paying attention to your body, and seeking medical aid when something seems amiss are powerful steps in protecting your health.

Cancer is considered to be one of the major causes of death and mortality worldwide but with early detection through regular cancer screening, cancer treatment can be more effective and significantly more successful. While many types of cancers develop silently without any apparent symptoms in its early stages, screening tests can detect abnormalities even before noticeable signs appear. This blog explores how early cancer screening works and how it can improve survival rates through early detection.

Difference between cancer screening and diagnosis
Screening of cancer is not the same as cancer diagnosis. While screening for cancer is done in asymptomatic people, diagnosis is meant for ascertaining cancer in patients showing signs and symptoms. Cancer screening is only a preventive measure whereas diagnosis helps in finding the exact cause of symptoms to guide in appropriate treatment modality. There are several cancer screening tests to detect various types of cancer, including:
• Mammograms (Breast)
• Pap smear/HPV test (Cervical)
• Colonoscopy (Colorectal)
• PSA blood tests (Prostate)
• Low-dose CT scans (Lungs)

Types of common cancer screening tests

Certain types of cancers (e.g. breast, cervical, prostate, etc. ) can be detected early if regular cancer screening is done once an individual attains high-risk age for that particular cancer. Here, we have briefly outlined the major screening tests available for cancer screening.
1. Mammograms for breast cancer screening: This test is recommended for women who are 40 years and above. It is advisable to undergo this screening test every two years. Additionally, you may require breast MRI scan if the risk of breast cancer is higher.
2. PAP smear/HPV test for cervical cancer screening: Ideally, cervical cancer screening should begin at the age of 21 years. Cervical cancer screening tests can detect precancerous cells (PAP smear) and high-risk strains of HPV (human papillomavirus) through HPV test.
3. Colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening: Screening for colorectal cancer should begin at age 45 and should be done every 10 years. Colonoscopy detects non-cancerous polyps which have the potential to become cancerous if not removed on time.
4. PSA blood tests for prostate cancer screening: Men above 55 years are recommended to undergo PSA blood tests which can help in early detection of prostate cancer. This test measures the level of a protein produced by the prostate gland. Higher levels of this protein may mean prostate cancer although it could mean other prostate-associated problems as well.
5. Low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening: If you are between 50 and 80 years and have a smoking history, it is recommended to undergo this test for lung cancer screening.

Benefits of regular cancer screening
The benefits of undergoing regular cancer screening tests cannot be overlooked. Some of these are:
• Early treatment: The chances of successful treatment are higher with regular cancer screening. Once detected, cancer can be treated before it spreads.
• Reduces complications: Regular screening facilitates faster treatment of cancer, often with less aggressive treatments, thereby reducing complications.
• Improves survival rates: With regular cancer screenings, mortality rates can be considerably reduced, leading to better quality of life of patients.
• Lower costs: When cancer is treated at the early stages, it is less expensive. The overall cost savings in long-term healthcare is comparatively less.

It is important to spread awareness about early cancer screening tests so that people prioritize their health. So far, the stigma around cancer inhibits individuals from undergoing these screening tests. It is important to break these barriers by making these screening tests easily accessible to people. It is also vital to understand that early screening can identify cancer in the initial stages so that treatment options become more effective, less invasive, and more affordable. Regular screening and early detection does not just save lives – it empowers people to live healthier and longer lives!