Cancer, in simple terms, means an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. This growth initially remains localized to a particular area of the body but later it can spread to nearby regions and after that to distant locations in the body as well. During the process of growth of cancerous tissue, the normal tissues of the body are destroyed and their functioning is affected. Cancer is not a single disease and there more than 100 types of cancers. It is the second commonest cause of death in the world.
Cancer is caused by a mutation in the DNA of the cells of the body. DNA of the cells is like an informative set of instructions about growth and division. A mutation is a damaging change that has occurred in the DNA. When the DNA gets mutated (damaged), the cells have no proper instructions on how to grow and divide, so they start growing haphazardly and start multiplying in a chaotic manner. This process is called Cancer.
The exact cause why this mutation occurs is still not known but there are various factors contributing or predisposing to it:
- Increased consumption of cigarettes- lung cancer.
- Tobacco chewing- oral cancer
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Use of contraception and excess sexual freedom- cervical & uterine cancer
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Exposure to radiations
- Obesity
- Age, influence of the environment or social factors contribute to the disease
- Family history of cancers
- A hypothesis also holds that some viruses may act as the cofactor in some malignancies
- Many a times there is no sign or symptom especially in the early stages
- Painless swelling in the breast or muscle
- Intracranial space occupying lesions can present with fits, severe headaches, vomiting, papilloedema
- Abdominal lesions can cause constipation
- Bronchial lesions present with cough & shortness of breath
- Haemorrhage from various orifices
- Pain either due to nerve compression or due to distension of an organ
- There can be deep bone pains or referred pains
- Loss of taste hence low intake of food can cause severe weakness.
- In terminal cases depression, loneliness & irritability
- It is very important to stage the disease since survival rates are better in localized cases than in cases where the disease has spread
- Frequent monitoring of the lesions and their spread to other parts through investigations
- For early detection, regular gynecological check up, Pap smear, Mammography in females after the age of 35 years
- Prostatic screening in males after the age of 50 years
- The urination pattern should also be observed along with urine regularly
| Homoeopathic treatment | Top |
Homoeopathy has an important role to play in the treatment of cancer and this varies from case to case. It can become a very useful tool if rightly combined with the conventional treatment for cancer. Homoeopathy can significantly help in pain control in cases of cancer. It can improve the vitality of the patient and general sense of well-being, which is often lost in most cases of cancer. Homoeopathy can also improve symptoms like anorexia, nausea, weakness, fatigue, etc. Another important aspect of Homeopathy is that it can help to reduce the anxiety and panic that is often associated with Cancer. Depression, loneliness, hopelessness, despair are few common mental symptoms associated with cancer and these can be helped with Homeopathic treatment. The medicines can also help in reducing the side-effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc. wherever applicable. Up to a certain extent, it may also help in slowing down the progress of the illness.
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