Dr. Monish De

Cancer today is not as rare as it once was. Today, cancer affects the young and old alike. One of the reasons for this is the pollution in particular air and water pollution that we are exposed to on daily basis.
The air we breathe in today is a mixture of smoke, particulate matter and noxious gases that causes great harm to our bodies. Amongst these, particulate matter that is smaller than 2.5 millionths of a metre is the worst.

These particle matters are emitted into the air from car exhausts, industrial exhausts, coal fires, wood stoves etc. While the body’s natural defences help keep larger particle matter out of the system by sneezing or coughing it out, smaller particle matter enters the body easily. These then get trapped in the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Particle matter has in particular been linked to increasing number of lung cancer cases. Apart from lung cancer, coal tar particle matter has been linked to bladder cancer, soot to oesophageal cancer and benzene and other pesticides to leukaemia.

Radon is another source of air pollution that is emitted from the ground. In some cases, radon can also be emitted through the water. As this gas decays, it releases tiny particles that when inhaled bombard the lung cells with radiation that can cause radiation. Smoking can worsen this effect and increase a person’s risk of suffering from lung cancer. Both first-hand and second-hand smoking have also been linked to breast cancer. Apart from trying to reduce emissions to lower air pollution, it is also important to clean filets of air conditions, etc. regularly to lower indoor air pollution. Preventing the smoking of tobacco in public spaces can also help improve air quality.

All pollutants emitted by us eventually find their way into the water we drink. Even if you are not drinking contaminated water, merely, showering or swimming in contaminated water can make your body more vulnerable to the carcinogens in it. Common water pollutants include arsenic, hazardous waste, animal waste, radon, chemicals and asbestos. Drinking water with concentrated amounts of arsenic has been linked to cancer of the lungs, liver, kidney and bladder while the chlorine used to treat drinking water increases the risk of bladder and rectal cancer.

To reduce the risks of cancer caused by polluted water, it is essential to reduce disinfectant by products by keeping water treatment facilities updated and promote green chemistry and alternative assessments to reduce pollution as a whole.

Testicular cancer is mostly witnessed among young adults in the age range of 24–35. It results from the growth of abnormal cells in the testes. It is not the most common type of cancer found in the body, but can pose a serious threat to an individual if not treated early. The cure rate is one of the highest among all kinds of cancer found in the body. This being said, the rate of cure is totally dependent on the stage of detection.

Risk Factors for Testicular Cancer
The historical trend of testicular cancer suggests that white men are prone to this type of cancer than their African, Asian and Latino counterparts. A person with a family history of testicular cancer of HIV is at higher risk of getting this disease. Some other risk factors include Klinefelter’s syndrome and cryptorchidism.

Protection from Testicular Cancer
There is no hard and fast rule of protection. It is suggested that the testicles get evaluated while routine medical check-up. A person with a family history of testicular cancer should opt for a periodic checkup after every three months. In case a patient has already recovered from testicular cancer, routine medical tests are a must to ensure non-recurrence.

Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
The common symptom is a swelling in the testicle. It feels like a thickening of the testicle and is mostly painless. Minor discomfort in the swelling region is often reported. Some other symptoms include back pain, ache in the scrotum and groin, change in the size of the testicle, bloating of the lower abdomen and heavy sensation of the scrotum. There is a rare form of this cancer, which produces a female hormone called estrogen in a man’s body. This disease results in a lack of sexual desire, lump in the affected area, etc. Even less serious testicular cancer might show these symptoms. An oncologist should be immediately consulted if one or more of these symptoms surfaces.

What are the treatment options?
Testicular cancer is mostly cured with the help of a surgery. A follow-up radiation and chemotherapy is suggested by doctors to destroy the surrounding cells. It is done to ensure that the cancer cells do not spread easily and the chance of recurrence is minimal. The rate of cure depends on early detection.

Does testicular cancer affect sexuality?
In most of the cases, testicular cancer is detected in one testicle. If this is the case, the other testicle produces all the hormones needed for sexual drive. It also does not affect sex drive, beard and muscularity. There is also a large section of patients who reported of a difficult sexual life after the surgery. There can be some discomfort in the scrotum as well.

You already know how cigarette smoking is a leading cause of Lung Cancer. But did you know that lung cancer can also be caused by a gas called 'radon' that can well be present in the air we breathe in. This gas slowly seeps into the body and causes damage without anybody noticing, so much so, that today Radon Gas is considered to be the second leading cause of lung cancer.

The fact that radon gas remains naturally present in landforms (rocks and soil), makes its termination nearly impossible This is a radioactive gas which forms as a result of the decomposition of radioactive materials, like Uranium. The gas can remain suspended in the air and can also become waterborne. High concentration of radon gas is found in underground water. Therefore, people who drink deep tube-well water remain at a higher risk of developing lung cancer owing to exposure to this harmful gas.

Radon gas, which is often inhaled during respiration travels to the lungs and breaks down into radioactive components. As a result, radiation emission takes place in the lungs which eventually destroys the lung cells and causes cancer. A combination of smoking and exposure to Radon gas make a person more prone to developing lung cancer. However, the condition can also develop among people who do not smoke.

Radon gas can be present in your house without your knowledge. Therefore get your home tested for this detrimental gas. Low levels of it can be present in granite countertops and concrete. The gas can also enter the house through cracks, windows, pipes and wires. If the amount of gas is above 4 picocuries per liter of air, then the treatment for the elimination of radon gas should be availed. Underground water should also be avoided. People working in plants where uranium is processed can inhale a large amount of radon gas. Even people working in mines are more vulnerable to Radon Gas exposure. These people should wear masks to protect themselves.

The level of radon gas in your home can be regulated by sealing the open gaps through which the gas might enter. Apart from that, the house should be properly ventilated. Radon gas treatment is not a do it yourself regime. You should get professional help to make your house radon gas free. Some of the symptoms of lung cancer include wheezing, coughing, chest pain. If you feel that you might develop lung cancer you can see a physician and get tested.

6 causes of impotency in men

Impotence in men is also known as erectile dysfunction (or ed) and occurs when a male is unable to achieve or maintain an erection or ejaculate, which leads to lack of sexual satisfaction for both partners. Even though men are more likely to be prone to impotence as they get older, this condition affects many young men as well and deals a great blow to their self-esteem and emotional wellbeing.

Impotence is caused by various factors that can be physical, mental, emotional, or a combination of multiple factors that give rise to a medical disorder. It usually varies from case to case and hence, diagnosis is highly subjective and individual.

Some of the most commonly occurring factors that cause impotence in men are as follows:

- hormonal dysfunction

Hormones play a very important role in contributing to sexual disorders. Fluctuations in hormone levels in the body, especially of testosterone, and endocrine diseases are known to cause impotence.

- cardiac conditions

Disorders of the cardiovascular system inhibit the flow of blood to the penis and lead to erectile dysfunction.

- emotional issues

In many cases, emotional issues such as stress and anxiety disorders, depression, fatigue, childhood sexual abuse and feelings of inadequacy can hamper a man's sexual prowess and cause impotence.

- medical side effects

There are certain prescription drugs and medicines that interfere with sexual function and cause erectile dysfunction. Examples of these are sedatives, diuretics, antihistamines, stimulants, synthetic hormones, cancer chemotherapy medicines, etc.

- substance abuse

Excess intake of certain substances like tobacco and alcohol can lead to impotency. Narcotics like cocaine, heroin and amphetamines also have the same effect on sexual functioning.

- neurological defects

Disorders of the nervous system are known to inhibit communication between the brain and the genital organs and contribute to impotency. Some such neurological disorders include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cerebral palsy, nervous strokes, brain and spinal tumors, etc.

'consult'.

Related Tip: Did You Know These 15 Habits Are Reducing Your Sperm Count?

Are you aware of the link between air pollution and cancer? Air pollution refers to the mixture of several harmful substances, which lead to various serious health hazards on exposure. The primary sources of air pollution are man-made, including fumes from automobiles and the smoke from burning fuels. Desert dust, radon gas, and several other natural sources of air pollution are equally dangerous. Air pollution is classified into outdoor and indoor air pollution. It is highly associated with increased risks of developing cancer. Smoking is considered to be one of the major agents, which pollute the air and increase the chances of cancer to a large extent.

Outdoor air pollution

1. Outdoor air pollution is strongly linked with cancer development.
2. As every person is exposed to some form of air pollution, it has a more harmful effect on the whole population across the globe as a general threat.
3. A certain part of outdoor air pollution referred to as PM 2.5, or solid dust particles, are highly responsible for the development of cancer.
4. The chances of cancer increase with the increase in PM 2.5 levels in the air.

Indoor air pollution

1. There are several sources of indoor air pollution that are closely associated with an increased risk of cancer.
2. The sources include fuels used for heating homes and for cooking, radon, and tobacco smoke.
3. Second hand smoke is another harmful indoor air pollutant that causes cancer.

Second hand smoke

1. Secondhand smoke increases the risk of cancer development, along with the risk of developing other diseases such as stroke and lung disease.
2. A lot of people all over the world get exposed to second hand smoke.
3. A lot of deaths occur due to cancer because of second hand smoke exposure which is common every year, all over the globe.

Radon

1. Radon is a natural radioactive gas, which is associated with increased risks of developing lung cancer.
2. It is found at low levels outdoors. It may also build in high concentrations indoors.
3. Although radon exposure does not pose a huge threat for cancer, a lot of radon-associated cancers develop due to exposure to radon, along with tobacco smoke.

Benzene

1. This is a flammable liquid having no color and with a sweet odor.
2. It is closely associated with the development of leukemia and cancers affecting other cells of the body.
3. Cigarette smoking and tobacco smoke are major cancer causing elements that are found in the air commonly. Both of these are quite harmful. It is recommended that you not only quit smoking, but also keep away from passive smoking.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Chemotherapy can be frightening, and the very thought of going through it can be an ordeal for most people. Many resources and tips can be used to minimize the discomfort and lessen the burden. Let us have a look at a few of these.

1. Support network: Chemotherapy can be physically daunting and more than the treatment a person needs all the emotional and moral support he/she can get. Have friends and family always by your side. You can have peace of mind when there is a person you can trust and bank upon in taking care of you.
2. Discuss the medication with your oncologist: Before understanding the treatments have a detailed discussion about the current medication you are undergoing, as this may hamper the chemotherapy treatment. The dosage has to be adjusted accordingly.
3. Keep the body hydrated: Your body gets dehydrated on the day of the treatment. Please ensure that the body is properly hydrated and plenty of fluids are there in the body.
4. Be comfortable: Taking chemotherapy can have an effect on your morale. Hence make sure that you are keeping yourself occupied with books and games or your favorite music to while away the time.
5. Wear comfortable clothes: This makes all the difference in the treatment as having loose fitting clothes can relive pressures in your mind. Always choose clothes that you are comfortable in.
6. Ask questions: Chemotherapy treatments can and will cause side effects. Hence ask and keep yourself updated as much as possible. More importantly after the treatment ask questions on the possible recuperation period and how best to go about it.
7. Symptoms of nausea and vomiting: It is natural that most of the patients feel light headed or have a vomiting sensation when undergoing the treatment. Always make sure that the doctor or the nurse knows about it. Make yourself as comfortable as possible. Some medications to prevent nausea can be had along with the chemotherapy drugs.
8. Avoiding infection: Chemotherapy affects the immune system of the body. Hence it can get easily susceptible to diseases. Have a general cleanliness around your surroundings. Avoid crowds if possible and keep your hands always clean and wear clean, comfortable clothes that don't stick to the body.
9. Right diet: Chemotherapy makes you prone to weight loss. Hence having the desired nutritional levels is mandatory. Consult a dietician and eat healthy. It is not advisable to gain weight either during or after chemotherapy.
10. Adequate Rest: Our body needs all the rest that it can get when undergoing chemotherapy. Make sure that the body gets proper sleep and is relaxed. You can try for meditation and simple yoga exercises that can help in rejuvenating the body.
11. Skin Care: Prolonged treatment can affect the moisture content in the skin. Have a good skin cream and lotions handy to take care of it. In some cases, chemotherapy causes hair fall. Make sure that a proper wig or a treatment plan is made beforehand to take care of the issues.

Chemotherapy treatment can be emotionally daunting. Having a few precautions like the ones stated above can make all the difference in how successful we are in coping with it.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

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Cancer in colon forms due to uncontrolled cell growth in the large intestine cells. Most colon cancers originate from the healthy cells in the lining of the colon that grow into tumors called adenomatous polyps. These polyps can be cancerous or benign. A cancerous tumor is malignant and may spread to the other parts of the body by traveling through blood and lymph systems, this process is known as metastasis. Whereas a benign tumor can grow but don’t necessarily spread to other parts of the body. It takes years for these changes to develop depending upon both genetic and environmental causes.

Causes and risk factors:
In a healthy body, the cells normally grow, divide and then die. Cancer is the result of uncontrollable cell growth where the cells do not die. Aging is one of the important risk factors for colon cancer; other risk factors include a family history of colon cancer. As per Johns LE and Houlston RS individuals with a family history of colon cancer have a high risk of developing this form of cancer as compared to those with no such history. A study conducted by Giovannucci and others in 1995, successfully established the relation between physical activity, obesity and colon cancer. As per the research lack of physical activities elevates the chance of getting colon cancer. Individuals who regularly smoke, are obese and use aspirin have a higher risk of developing this form of cancer. Diet is also an important factor, diets that are high in fat and low in fiber may elevate the risk.

Symptoms:
The symptoms of colon cancer are varied, depending upon the condition of the tumor. At the early stage, patients may experience no symptoms. However, as cancer grows, symptoms arise. Diarrhea or constipation are common; patients may see changes in stool consistency and narrower stool. Abdominal discomfort, bloating, fullness and cramps may also indicate colon cancer. Sudden weight loss and unexplained iron deficiency (anemia) are also associated with this form of cancer. If these symptoms last for several weeks, don’t hesitate to consult your physician.

Treatment:
Colon cancer is highly treatable and depends on the type and the stage of cancer along with health and other characteristics of the patient. However, there is no single treatment; the most common options are – surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The surgery for colon cancer is known as colectomy and involves removing the affected part of the colon and the adjoining areas including nearby lymph nodes. Chemotherapy involves killing the cancer cells by utilizing certain chemicals that interfere the cell division process and damage the proteins or DNA. In the radiation therapy, high-energy gamma rays are used to target and destroy the cancer cells. Radiotherapy can be used both as a standalone treatment and also along with other treatments.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!