What are some signs and risks of getting Cancer. To prevent Cancer, every individual must be aware of the body’s warning signs and make necessary changes in their diet and lifestyle.

Dr. V. Shanta, (Chairman Cancer Institute (W.I.A) Adyar, Chennai,) informs us about the seven warning signs of cancer that she insists every individual must know by heart. These include:-

1. A sore anywhere on the body that refuses to heal despite treatment
2. Obvious changes in a wart or a mole
3. A thickening lump in the body that gradually keeps growing and does not heal with usual treatment
4. Unusual bleeding in any part of the body and/or discharge especially in women
5. Gastrointestinal issues- Change in bowel and bladder habits that persist for more than a month
6. Sudden and unusual loss of weight and
7. Persistent cough or hoarseness in the throat

Apart from the aforementioned warning signs, she informs that pain is not synonymous with cancer but is a symptom of late cancer. So one should not wait for the pain and visit the doctor in case of any of the above changes in the body.

For prevention of Cancer, Dr. (Col.) R. Ranga Rao (Senior Director, Institute of Cancer Care, Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi) highlights the importance of diet. According to him, a healthy diet is one that excludes the consumption of red meat. If individuals prefer to consume meat, they could increase the consumption of fish and reduce that of chicken. Additionally, he recommends eating 400 grams each of fruits and vegetables regularly for their antioxidant properties.

Dr. Rao also advises abstinence from any kind of tobacco use be it active or passive smoking of bidi, cigarettes, cigars, pipe, or even chewing tobacco.

For further details please watch this video.

Note: Late Dr. V. Shanta passed on 19th January 2021