Cancer - Prevention/Treatment of Cancer

• Avoid tobacco in all forms, because tobacco use is a major risk factor for several cancers.
• Limit exposure to known carcinogens such as harmful chemicals and unnecessary radiation.
• Follow a healthy lifestyle with balanced food, regular exercise, and avoidance of alcohol abuse.
• Take recommended vaccines where relevant, such as vaccines that reduce infection-related cancer risk.
• Go for regular medical screening and early diagnosis, especially when symptoms persist.

The common approaches for the treatment of cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

1. Surgery

• Surgical removal of the tumour mass.
• Most cancers are treated by a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

2. Radiotherapy

• Tumour cells are irradiated lethally.
• Proper care is taken of the normal tissues surrounding the tumour mass.

3. Chemotherapy

• Several chemotherapeutic drugs are used to kill cancerous cells.
• Some drugs are specific to particular tumours.
• Side effects: Hair loss, anaemia, etc. - the majority of drugs have such side effects.

4. Immunotherapy

• Tumour cells have been shown to avoid detection and destruction by the immune system.
• Patients are given substances called biological response modifiers, such as α-interferon.
• α-Interferon activates the immune system and helps in destroying the tumour.