Stages of Ovarian Cancer

Stage 1: Cancer is limited to the ovary (or Fallopian tube)
Stage 2: Cancer growth in one or two ovaries with pelvic extension
Stage 3: Cancer growth in one or two ovaries and has spread beyond pelvis
Stage 4: Cancer growth has widely spread throughout the body like Lung, Liver and Spleen

Breast Cancer - 4 stages

Stage 0: Known as Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS), the cells are limited to within a duct and have not invaded surrounding tissues.

Stage 1: At the beginning of this stage, the tumor is up to 2 cm across and no lymph node involvement

Stage 2: Size of the tumor is 2 cm across and it has started to spread to nearby nodes.

Stage 3: Size of the tumor is up to 5 cm across and it may have spread to some lymph nodes.

Stage 4: The cancer has spread to distant organs, especially the bones, liver, brain, or lungs (distal metastasis)

Siddha Medicine and Cancer

Siddha system of medicine views cancer in terms of Thurmangisa valarchi, Putru noi and Nachu maravai katti. Cancer is affecting all saptha thadus like that of megha rogam and kshaya rogam. “Kapha vatha naaadi” is the naadi commonly seen in terminal stage of the disease. Now a day’s cancer patients started approaching alternative medical systems especially Siddha system of Medicine because they scared of hectic nature of treatment in modern medical field, intolerance of medicines and side effects. 

Siddha drugs can be taken as supportive medicine to overcome the disease and increase lifespan. Plenty of herbal, herbo mineral and mineral drugs are documented by ancient Siddhars in Siddha literatures against cancer. Sufficient numbers of higher form of medicines are available in the market to manage cancer. In addition to anti cancer effect, they have anti oxidant property to check the growth and prevent complications. Anti cancer drugs in Siddha, modulates immunity to fight against cancer cells since they possess alterative, kayakalpa or rejuvenating effects. Moreover all such Siddha medicines provide micro nutrients and trace elements which revitalise the systems and improve the quality of life. Yoga- Pranayamam-Dhyanam also vital for the patients which assures wellness of mind. In simple words, Siddha offers holistic/ comprehensive effect for the patients.

Mineral preparations like Rasagandhi mezhugu, Nandi mezhugu, Vaan mezhugu, Rasa chenduram, Rasa parpam, Sandarasa parpam, Linga chenduram, Navapaashana chenduram, Thamirakattu chenduram, Aya chenduram, Ayakantha chenduram, Chandamarutha chenduram, Ayaveera chenduram etc are found to be effective against cancer. Herbal medicines like Amukkara, Manjal, Nellikkai, Chithiramoolam, Serankottai, Thripala etc also provides great scope in cancer management. 

Selection of medicines in Siddha is merely based on body temperament, pulse reading, cancer type, area of lesion, chronicity, severity of cancer and the nature of treatment he received / receiving.  Diet is an important factor; patient shall avoid sour substances, spicy items, bitter guard and restrict salt. They can take plenty of fruit juices and boiled vegetables. Avoidance of stress also an important factor. Patient has to avoid the consumption/ exposure of substances as mentioned under risk factors.

Prevention of cancer is very simple if one follows the under mentioned instructions. 1. become aware of risk factors of cancer and its avoidance 2. Periodical health check up and proper medical care 3. If the patient is diagnosed with pre - cancerous state, it has to be cured with suitable treatment 4. Regulation of diet and habit is utmost important 5. Get immunized against viral infections 6. Protect yourself from the sun 7. Maintain healthy weight and be physically active 8. Avoid tobacco and alcohol

Investigations

TNM staging system is followed to understand the status of cancer. For the confirmation of stage and diagnosis, investigations like physical examination, laboratory investigations including histopathological studies, imaging studies like X ray, Ultra sound scan, CT, MRI, Nuclear scan,  PET scan , genetic tests are followed. In modern system of medicine, treatments like surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and stem cell transplant therapy are advised for cancer patients depending upon the type of lesion, affected area, severity, age factor, affected diseases, prognostic nature, patient’s tolerance etc. Cancer is curable when it is early diagnosed and treated properly with appropriate modern interventions by the concerned experts. Otherwise it may lead to various complications.

Alarming signs

There are more than 100 types of cancer. The common varieties are carcinoma, sarcoma, leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and melanoma. Cancer is usually named based on the organ, tissue or cell where it is originated.

When a person notices the following signs and symptoms, he/she shall consult a doctor and undergo for the prescribed tests. 1. A new mole or there is an increase in the size of mole 2. A ulcer does not heal 3. Changes in the size and shape of breast and nipple 4. Changes in the texture of breast skin 5. A lump on or under the skin 6. Hoarseness of voice 7. Chronic cough 8. Changes in bowel habits 9. Painful or difficult in urination 10. Difficulty in swallowing 11. Vomiting after eating 12. Sudden weight loss 13. Chronic fever 14. Abdominal pain 15. Increased swetting at night hours 16. Blood in the stools, urine and vaginal bleeding 17. Increase in abdomen size 18. Gradual neurological deficit 19. Feeling weak and tired, 20. Chronic infection. Most often the following symptoms are not due to cancer. They may also be caused by some other problems or by benign tumours. However, it is important to consult a doctor to confirm the underlying cause.

Risk factors:

1.      Age factor: High incidence of cancer (25.4%) is seen in the age group in between 65 and 74. 24.1% cancer patients fall in the age group 55 to 64. 19.6% in the age group 45 to 54. 19.6% of the cancer patients in between 75 to 84.

2.      Positive family history of cancer.

3.      Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of cancer of gastro-intestinal tract and liver.

4.      The risk of cancer is much higher for those who drink alcohol and use tobacco.

5.      More than 30 cancer causing chemicals are enlisted by Cancer Society. At present, edible items like vegetables, fruits, sea foods, meat, tin foods, beverages, drinking water etc are chemically contaminated which also increases cancer risk in long term consumption.

6.      Long term hormonal therapy also increases the risk

7.      Patients, receiving immunosuppressive drugs for autoimmune disorders

8.      Viral infections like Hepatitis B & C virus, Epstein- Barr virus, Human Pappilloma  virus, Kaposis sarcoma associated virus, Cytomegalo virus, Human Immuno deficiency virus increase the risk of cancer

9.      Over exposure to sunlight and irradiation

10.  Obesity and physical inactivity also one among the reason for cancer development