A cancer awareness programme was held at Laban Hrad Mancha in BD Park recently. Organised by the Confederation of West Bengal Trade Associations, in association with the Rotary Club of Salt Lake Metropolitan, the event featured speakers like gynaecological oncologist Dr Jaydip Bhowmick and Dr Deepak Dabkara, consultant medical oncologist at the Tata Medical Center, New Town. Tollywood actress Nusrat Jahan was present too and stressed on the need for increasing general awareness about cancer.

Here’s what The Telegraph Salt Lake learnt from the meet- 

What is cancer?
Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the body. When this happens the normal control over growth, exerted by the body, is lost. So the cells grow in all directions, infiltrate inside the body and move to other distant parts of the body spreading cancer. This property of cancer and its ability to spread to different parts of the body is called metastasis. This is one of the main reasons why cancer is feared so much.

How can we detect it?
At present, no technique is available to screen the body for all types of cancer. Very rarely do cancers get caught in the process of routine check-ups.

But for breast cancer, colon cancer and cervical cancer, methods of screening are available.

When to go for screening of cervical cancer or breast cancer?
The Indian government advises women to be screened for cervical cancer after the age of 35 years. There is a gap of 10 to 15 years between the exposure of the body to the virus causing cervical cancer to the onset of symptoms. Hence, if caught in early stages it can be arrested and promptly treated. The treatment is cheap and easy.

For breast cancer, self-examination is necessary. Women need to check regularly for lumps or swelling on their breasts at least once a week.

Are the immunisation vaccines available in the market for preventing cervical cancer effective?
Yes but it gives only 70 per cent protection. It protects the body from only two out of the 16 strains of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer. Smear test (a type of screening test) gives 97 per cent protection on the other hand. So it is always advisable. 

What are the symptoms of cancer?
Different types of cancers have different symptoms. However, anything unusual about the body can be a symptom of cancer. It is best to consult a doctor even for things as mere as a persistent cough, dull stomach ache, irregular menstruation, a suddenly formed lump etc.

Can smoking predispose one to cancer?
Yes. Not only lung cancer, but smoking also predisposes one to mouth cancer, oesophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer and bladder cancer. Smoking reduces the life expectancy of a man by 12 years and a woman by 10 years. Chewing tobacco can lead to various types of cancer too.

Passive smoking is also a major problem today. Ten per cent of all lung cancers are due to passive smoking. Banning tobacco usage may reduce the number of cancer cases by half.

Are filter cigarettes better?
No. Filter cigarettes or bidis cause the same damage to health. It is a myth that they are better.

What foods can cause cancer?
At present, no relation between food and cancer has been proved. However, eating more than required by the body may cause obesity that may in turn lead to cancer. Red meat should also be avoided.

Can cancer be inherited?
Yes. Genes play a role in breast, ovary and colon cancer. However, only 5 to 10 per cent of all cases have genetic origin.

How can we prevent cancer?
The cause of cancer is not clear so we do not know how to prevent it as such. But we can reduce our chances of getting it by quitting smoking, leading a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, going for regular check-ups and by not ignoring signs and symptoms.

Can people who have recovered from one type of cancer get another type of cancer in future?
Unfortunately yes. Even after being successfully treated, a person should stay conscious throughout his/her life.