Cancer Care

What is Cancer?

Cancer, a deadly disease, involves uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells and tissues that manifests in tumors, invading surrounding tissues and organs. Cancer can arise anywhere in the body and is classified according to the cells from which it arises.

Ayurveda does not consider cancer a single disease but identifies various abnormal growths in the body as Gradthi (minor swelling) and Arbuda (major swelling). As per Ayurveda, it is believed to arise from imbalances in the body's three basic energies (doshas): Vata (movement), Pitta (transformation), and Kapha (structure). If any of these doshas are out of balance due to improper diet, unhealthy lifestyle, stress or environmental toxins, this can result in accumulation of toxins in your body and weakening of your natural defenses. As time passes,this imbalance and toxin buildup can disrupt the functioning of your cells and lead to diseases such as cancer.

Types of Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases that can impact almost any part of your body. Each type is named based on the part of the body or as per the sort of cells from where it starts. This helps Ayurvedic doctors determine the best treatment for your particular situation.

These are the main cancer types:

Carcinoma: The most common kind of cancer is carcinoma. It begins in your skin or the tissues covering inner organs like your lungs, liver, breasts or kidneys. You must have heard of diseases like ovarian cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer. These are basically carcinomas.

Sarcoma: Sarcoma begins in your bones, muscles, fat, blood vessels, or tissues. Sarcomas include bone cancer and soft tissue cancers.

Leukemia : Leukemia is a blood and bone marrow disease. It produces abnormal white blood cells that crowd healthy cells out. You should know that Leukemia does not form solid tumours.

Lymphoma : This kind of cancer impacts your lymphatic system, a part of your immune system. Lymphomas lead to swelling of your lymph nodes, fever, and weight loss. The 2 main kinds are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Myeloma: Myeloma begins in plasma cells, a white blood cell that fights infection. It can weaken your bones and impair your body's ability to make healthy blood cells.

Cancers of the Brain and Spinal cord: These cancers start in tissues of spinal cord or the brain. They can easily impact your memory, speech, movement, or balance.

Common Causes of Cancer

As we have discussed earlier, cancer occurs when your body cells start growing and multiplying uncontrollably. Basically, your body knows when you should create new cells and when to eliminate older, damaged cells. But when this natural process fails, damaged cells grow when they shouldn't, leading to cancer.

There's no single cause of cancer. It generally develops over time because of a mix of factors. These are the common causes of cancer:

Genetic changes (mutations): Sometimes the instructions inside your cells or DNA are damaged. These changes, called mutations, may make your cells grow out of control.

Use of tobacco: If you smoke or even chew tobacco, you should know that this is the most common reason for cancers of the throat, mouth, lung, and bladder.

Radiation and UV rays: If you are exposed to damaging radiation or sunlight too much, this can lead to skin cancer.

Chemical substances and toxins: If you come in contact with harmful substances like asbestos, arsenic, or chemicals in tobacco smoke, this can also cause cancer. Even if you drink excessively, this also increases your risk of cancer.

Viruses & infection: Certain viruses like HPV (Human Papillomavirus), Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C have been linked to cervix and liver cancers.

Poor lifestyle and diet: If you are overweight, eat unhealthy foods, do not exercise regularly or are under constant stress, this can also increase your risk of getting cancer.
Family history: If cancer is in your family, you may have a higher risk of cancer because of inherited genes.

Cancer Symptoms

Unexplained lumps or swelling

If you feel a lump under your skin or notice swelling that doesn't go away in some time, it could be a sign of cancer.

Unusual weight loss or gain

If you lose or gain weight without putting any effort, this can be an early sign, especially if it occurs suddenly.

Persistent fatigue

If you feel extremely tired even after resting, this could also be a sign of cancer.

Pain that doesn't go away

If you have been facing pain anywhere in your body for a long time (without knowing what is causing it), you should discuss this with your doctor.

Skin changes

If you notice new moles, changes in the size or colour of existing moles, yellowing of the skin ( jaundice ) or darkened skin, these can all be cancer signs.

Persistent cough or trouble breathing

If you have a cough for more than a week or shortness of breath, this may indicate lung cancer or other health problems.

Unusual bleeding or discharge

If you experience bleeding between periods, blood in your urine or stool or if you are coughing up blood, these are some serious signs that require medical attention.