Dr. Shiva Kumar Uppala is a surgical Oncologist in Bengaluru and currently practicing in North Bangalore Hospital, Bengaluru. For the past 14 years, he has worked as an Oncologist. He is a member of the Indian Association of Surgical Oncology.

Most common forms of cancer in India

Dr. Shiva begins, “Cancer is not a single disease. There are hundreds and thousands of different types of cancers in the human body. Their symptoms vary from each other and are very specific. But usually, cancer is more seen in the elderly group, people in the 6th or 7th decade. The most common generalized symptom of cancer is unexplained weight loss and weakness.” 

“In India, cervical cancer is the most common cancer found in females. Bleeding from the vagina (after sexual intercourse and in between menstrual cycles) and post-menopausal bleeding are some tell-tale signs of this cancer. Women experiencing bleeding after attaining menopause should be taken into serious consideration. 90% of the chance is there that it might be due to cancer of the cervix or endometrium. 

The next common cancer is breast cancer. A lump in the breast or in the axilla armpit, or discharge through the breast are some red flags. In case the cancer is in the advanced stage, back pain, jaundice, and distension of the abdomen are more prominent,” adds Dr. Shiva.

Causes of cancer

Cancer has a multifactorial causative factor. 

• The genetic makeup of the body
• Hereditary factors (cancer-causing genes are transmitted from generation to generation)
• Somatic mutation
• Lifestyle (what you eat and environmental pollution)
• Smoking is the most causative factor of almost all cancers like lung cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, etc. Even smokeless tobacco products cause cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, and lungs. Chronic alcohol can cause liver cancer, stomach cancer, and colon cancer.
• Some cancers are more prominent in the urban population like breast cancer and ovarian cancer which are linked with obesity.
• 15-20% of cancer cases can be attributed to heredity.
• Certain infections like H. Pylori bacteria cause stomach cancer.
• Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus which is contracted during sexual activity.

At the age of 10-12 years, taking the HPV vaccination can prevent or reduce the possibility of contracting the disease.

Staging of cancer

Dr. Shiva explains, “There are four stages of cancer

Stage I – Cancer is localized to a small area of 1-2 cm and hasn’t spread to lymph nodes or other tissues.

Stage II – Cancer has grown to 4-5 cm and spread to nearby tissues.

Stage III - Cancer has grown larger and has possibly spread to lymph nodes or other tissues. 

Stage IV - Cancer has spread to other organs or areas of your body. It is called systemic spread or metastasis.

Genetic components or hereditary components are seen in 10-15% of cancers.”

Early diagnosis of cancer

For the early detection of cancers, standard guidelines are to be followed. It varies from individual to individual based on the risk factors. 

• A smoker needs to go for a lung CT test annually.
• An individual having a family history of breast cancer is advised to go for mammography at an early age.
• Every individual should perform certain tests on an annual basis. Mammography, Pap smear test, and fecal occult test have to be performed on an annual basis. Colonoscopy can be done once in 5 years.
• Clinical examination is also a part of screening. An annual screening test is generally recommended for cancers. 

Facts about cancer

• Hair dyes and deodorants contain chemical carcinogens, hence there are chances of developing cancers. 
• Excessive sun exposure can cause cancer.
• There is no definite proof that drinking from plastic bottles causes cancer but there are possibilities.

(Edited by Renu Gupta)