Cancer Management
Cancer is a disease of tissue growth regulation; cells undergo abnormal growth with the potential to invade and spread to other parts of the body. The problem of cancer is increasing rapidly because of an unhealthy environments, lifestyles, use of tobacco and alcohol. Cancer is also posing, as one of the diseases that are putting a lot of economic burden on low-income countries as its treatment and management are quite expensive.
Signs & Symptoms
Lump, prolonged cough, abnormal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, and changes in bowel movements.
Ayurvedic Description of Cancer
‘Arbuda’ is the Sanskrit word for cancer. All the 3 doshas upon aggravation develop malignant tumors, especially aggravated Kapha and Vata doshas. This affects the tissue, which might result in the developing of a malignant tumor.
Ayurveda describes 3 forms of cancer-
1. RaktaArbuda – When a tumor is surrounded by smaller tumors.
2. AdhyaArbuda – When a tumor arises on a pre-existing site or near a primary tumor.
3. DviArbuda – When two tumors arise at the same time.
These tumors cause large secretions of fluid in the surrounding tissues located in vital locations, channels, or tenaciously attached to the surrounding tissue and are highly difficult to cure.
Causes and Risk Factors
Lifestyle- Certain lifestyle choices are known to increase the risk of cancer. Smoking, excessive alcohol, excessive exposure to the sun or frequent blistering sunburns, and having unsafe sex can contribute to cancer.
Obesity- People who are obese may have an increased risk of several types of cancer, including cancers of the breast (in women who have been through menopause), colon, rectum, endometrium (lining of the uterus), esophagus, kidney, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Family History- If cancer is common in a family, it is possible that mutations are being passed from one generation to the next generation.
Health Conditions- Some chronic health conditions such as ulcerative colitis can markedly increase risk of developing certain cancers.
Environment- Exposure to the environment having harmful chemicals increases the risk, the passive smoking makes others susceptible if exposed to such an environment for too long. Radiation of certain wavelengths called ionizing radiation has enough energy to damage DNA and cause cancer.
Chemicals – Chemicals such as asbestos and benzene are also associated with an increased risk of cancer.
Self Care Tips
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
- Follow a diet and lifestyle plan, which is close to nature.
- Live a stress-free life. Include yoga and pranayama in your lifestyle.
- Do not ignore the early warning symptoms like frequent fever, loose motions, weakness, weight loss, etc., as they might be the precursor to cancer developing in the body.
- Maintain body weight while following an exercise schedule that suits your body’s needs.
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables; avoid processed, junk, and fast foods and foods with additives.
In the present time, cancer is spreading very fast and we know that it can occur in almost every part of the body and at any age. With the help of new diagnostic techniques, its detection can be made easily and treatment plans can be designed. Ayurveda has wonderful drugs that contain herbs mineral formulation that helps the patients in the management of the disease to lead a quality life.
