Hi-Tech Diagnostic Centre Palarivattom Cochin

CANCER

Uncontrolled proliferation of

cells

Statistics in India

229,660

443,000263,480

469,000

0

100

200

300

400

500

1985 1990 1995 2000 2005

Male Female

(in

th

ou

sa

nd

s)

Indian ScenarioCANCER IS THE CAUSE OF 12% OF ALL DEATHS

IN INDIA 1.5 – 2 MILLION ESTIMATED CANCERCASES AT ANY POINT OF TIME

EVERY YEAR 8 LAKHS NEW CASES AREDETECTED IN INDIA

EVERY YEAR 5.5 LAKHS CANCER PATIENTS DIEIN OUR COUNTRY

Cancer Stigma Lance Armstrong Foundation conducted a survey on cancer

stigma in 2008 Japan, Mexico, Russia, Argentina, Brazil, China, France, India, Italy, South

Africa

About 500 people polled in each country

Survey showed that Stigma continues to persist across countries, cultures and communities

Caused by misinformation, lack of awareness, deeply engrained cultural myths and fear

Opportunities to capitalise on shifting perceptions

Mass media are key resources for facilitating more positive attitudes

Perceptions about cancer

Public responsibility

Personal responsibility

Concern for our beloved ones

Prevention

Screening

Early Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention Vaccines

Prevention Avoiding risk factors

Screening

Checking for cancer in a person who does not have

any symptoms of the disease.

Early diagnosis

SEVEN DANGER SIGNALS

THICKENING OR LUMP IN BREAST OR ANYWHERE IN THE BODY

SORE THROAT NOT HEALING

UNUSUAL BLEEDING OR DISCHARGE

INDIGESTION AND DIFFICULTY IN SWALLOWING

OBVIOUS CHANGE IN WART OR MOLE

NAGGING COUGH OR HOARSENESS OF VOICE

CHANGE IN BLADDER & BOWEL HABITS

Cancers in women Breast

Cervix

Thyroid

Lung

Ovary

Endometrium

Who gets breast cancer?

Anyone can get breast cancer.

For example, did you know…

• The older a woman is, the more likely she is to get breast cancer.

• Although it is rare, young women in their 20s and 30s can and do get

breast cancer.

• In India incidence is rising .It is the second most common cancer

affecting females in India and the most common cancer in women in

urban cities.

Can I prevent breast cancer?Because no one knows exactly what causes it, there are no SURE ways to prevent

breast cancer. However, the following may help to reduce your risk:

•Maintaining a healthy weight , regular exercise,

& a nutritious diet

•Breastfeeding

•Limiting our exposure to

estrogen, alcohol, and smoke

What can I do ?

•Be aware

•Breast self exam

•Clinical breast exam

•Mammogram

•Spread awareness

Early detection is Your

Best Defense !

Breast

Self

Exam

(BSE)

What is a clinical breast exam?

Mammogram

A mammogram is a machine

which uses X rays to detect

lesions of the breast

Can detect small lesions before

they can be felt.

Why Mammograms?

CERVIX

CAUSE

PREVENTION Most easily preventable cancer

Long latent period

Cervix is accessible

Methods

1. PAP Smear

2. HPV testing

3. HPV vaccination

PAP Smear

HPV test Same procedure like pap smear but the test detects the

presence of high risk HPV virus .

Can be combined with pap smear in women 30 years

and above

If negative patient needs to return for screening only

after 5 years.

Costs 2000Rs.(pap smear for 5 years will be more

costly)

HPV vaccine CERVARIX GARADSIL -Two vaccines are available in

India which are licensed globally.

The vaccines are prophylactic ie,they offer protection

only in those who are not exposed to the virus or before

the initiation of sexual activity.

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends

vaccination to girls in the age group of 9-12 years.

Catchup vaccination is permitted upto the age of 26

years .

Uterine or Endometrial cancer SYMPTOMS

1. vaginal bleeding after menopause

2. Irregular vaginal bleeding before menopause

3. Unusual vaginal discharge

4. Change in bowel or bladder habits

Tests USG pelvis

Endometrial office biopsy ( pipelle sampling)

D&C

OVARIAN CANCER Symptoms

1. Bloating of abdomen

2. Abdominal pain

3. Back pain

4. Feeling of fullness

5. Increased bladder and/or bowel motions

No known preventive tests described

Annual checkup and pelvic exam

CA 125 is elevated in ovarian cancer but is not specific.

Not recommended for routine screening

COMMON CANCERS in MEN Lung

Oral Cavity

Colorectal

prostate

LUNG CANCER Smoking is a major cause. Can be seen in non

smokers also

Early detection very difficult as it does not produce any

symptoms in the early stage

Usually presents as continuous cough >3 -6 weeks,

blood in sputum, chest pain, sudden onset of

breathlessness, or change in voice.

ORAL cavity

Chewing pan and betel nut are risk factors

Easily accessible site for early detection

Patients can do self examination of oral cavity

Colorectal cancer Warning

signs

BLOOD IN STOOL

FEELING OF BEING BLOATED

CHANGE IN BOWEL HABITS

CONSTIPATION

Colon cancer

Annual fecal occult blood test

Colonoscopy is recommended after the age of 50 once

in 10 years

Diet rich in fruits and vegetables,roughage and fibre

Prostate cancer Cancer of prostate gland.

Symptoms –increased urinary frequency,some present

with total obstruction of urine flow,pain on passing

urine,

PSA test after the age of 50.

Digital rectal examination

Treatment of cancer Surgery

Radiation

Chemotherapy

Hormonal/Immunotherapy

Alone or in combination

Goals of therapy Cure

Control

Palliation

Surgery Diagnosis

Staging

Treatment

Relieve side effects

Ease pain

Radiation Therapy High energy Xrays to kill cancer cells

External Internal

Daily treatments

Chemotherapy

Medicines used to kill cancer cells

Oral, intravenous

Disadvantage – damages healthy cells also