Amidst of all the chaos of corona, suddenly we woke up on 29 th of April to hear the heart breaking news, that the marvelous actor Irfan Khan has left for the heavenly abode and leaving behind all the fans in deep shock. We were hoping that he will defeat the monster called cancer and will soon be among us with his enchanting acting. But he succumbed to the neuro-endocrine cancer which he was battling with. The World was trying to accept the bitter truth when we realized that there is still more devastating what destiny has to unfold. On 30th of April the legend of Indian film industry, the great Rishi Kapoor left all of us in sorrow. He was battling with Leukemia (a type of cancer) for the last one year. According to WHO, around 7, 84, 800 people die every year in India because of the disease and there are about 200 types of cancer known to humankind.
Looking at the past, there were many superstars who suffered from cancer like the beautiful Manisha koirala, actress with the beautiful eyes, Lisa Ray, the magical director Anurag Basu and the charming of all- Sonali Bendre and many more, they all strongly fought back and brought the monster to the knees.
Personally, I lost my two aunts, one uncle and a friend to this merciless Cancer. “Cancer”- this six letter word destroys the lives of many people. Whenever we lose someone who has been battling with this monster, it’s like someone’s caterwauling has rudely jerked us out of our reverie.
So, the question arises what exactly the cancer is and can we stop it from ruining our lives. Whenever a cell starts multiplying or growing in an uncontrolled manner or in other words cancer is a result of overproduction and malfunction of the body’s own cell resulting in new abnormal cells. Gradually, these cells may accumulate to form a mass of tissue that is tumor. This tumor can either be malignant causing cancer or can be benign (that means it will not spread).
Now, another question arises as what causes the cell to grow in this abnormal manner? Researchers say that Cancer is caused broadly by two factors either the unpreventable ones like biological and the genetic factors or the ones which could be prevented such as choice of our lifestyle, our eating habits, our diet and our involvement in physical activities (exercising and all).
The American cancer society says that there is a probability of almost half of all man and one third of all women that can fall victim to this disease. So it is utmost important to investigate as what can be done to keep ourselves away from the deadly clutch. WHO reports that 30 to 50 % of the cancer can be prevented. A well planned strategy, a balanced life and a true introspection in our life- style can do the needful.
For this, staying away from carcinogenic agents should be our priority. For example -Tobacco use is the foremost cause of maximum cancer associated mortality. The tobacco-smoke emitted contains more than 250 harmful chemicals and many of them are carcinogenic. A study says that throughout the world, around six million tobacco addicted people succumb to cancer and lose their lives. Even the passive smokers bear the risk of developing cancer. So addiction to tobacco must be reduced gradually and finally be stopped.
Another fatal cancer causing agent is alcohol. We all know that alcohol consumption is responsible for many types of cancer like cancer of oral cavity, pharynx, oesophagus, liver etc. So, alcohol consumption should be avoided if we care for our life and the lives of ones who love us.
Talking about the aspect which we totally overlook is our lifestyle. According to IARC, obesity and over- weight has a direct connection with cancer. Our eating habits, is too much to be blamed. When we use packed foods they may contain preservatives in it, and some of them are carcinogenic in nature. IARC reports that just 50 gms of processed meat consumption can increase the risk of cancer by 18%. Indians like to eat samosas, chaat etc from the vendors, but do you know that the once heated oil if reheated again and again, it turns into dreadful carcinogen bearer. We savour pizza, chowmein and burgers etc. and also pay a good amount for this, but you don’t know that it is dangerous for our lives. These food items contain chemicals like MSG ie. monosodium glutamate, commonly known by its trade name ‘Ajinomoto’. The chemical analysis of it by researchers say that, it is hazardous to health and carcinogenic. It is even banned in some countries like Pakistan because of the reports of its ill-effects on health.
Now you may think that you are far from the approach of cancer as you don’t smoke, don’t drink, and don’t eat snacks but if you have a sweet tooth then you again are endangering your life. A german scientist Otto Warburg observed that cancer cells often depends on sugar to obtain energy for their prolific growth and if the cancer cells are deprived of sugar and carbohydrates, their pace of growth could be slowed down.
Leaving all aside, each and every person in present era is encountering carcinogens on daily basis. Even the water packed in plastic bottles is not safe. I recall a true incident, where a lady developed colon-cancer. Her doctors investigated the reasons and found that she used to drink water from the plastic bottle which was left in the car during office hours. Probably, everyday this water and plastic got heated in the sunlight and resulted in carcinogens.
The fast world demanding easy money is unaware of their unlawful acts and some are paying a price that cannot be estimated. Farmers which have the power to give life, to produce, is somewhere being a part of the sin too. In order to protect their crops from pest, they are spraying pesticides more than the required amount and sometimes even those pesticides which are banned. Chemicals are being used to make fruits ripe earlier than the normally required time period. A single cauliflower florescence brought to home could contain a concoction of several pesticides and for sure there might be some carcinogens too in those chemicals.
We can imagine the scenario, by this example that many cancer patients from Punjab go to Bikaner, in Rajasthan for their treatment as they could not bear the expenses of private hospitals in Punjab. Surprisingly, most of these cancer patients are farmers who are in direct contact with the pesticides and chemical fertilizers. These pesticides were introduced to the farmers during green revolution (1960-1970). According to the locals, every night a train carries around 60 -70 cancer patients from Bhatinda district to be treated at Bikaner’s govt. run ATR cancer institute. The problem is so serious that the train between Muktsar and Bikaner is known as the ‘Cancer train’ among the local people. Now, if the vegetable producers are suffering and then it will definitely affect the consumers too. Before it’s too late we should discourage this type of agricultural practice by demanding organic vegetables and fruits. Strict laws should be formed on usage and spraying of chemicals in farms.
Last but not least, environmental factors like pollution, dust, smoke ultra violet rays from the sun should also be avoided if possible. In nutshell we have to make some changes in our lifestyle. Avoid too much of stress, maintain body peace, follow a healthy diet, exercise and workout should be done on daily basis. Addiction of alcohol, drugs or smoking should never enter in our lifestyle. Use of plastic should be limited. Consumption of junk food and carbohydrates should be reduced. Vegetables and fruits should be washed properly. Go for green, go for organic and stay healthy and happy.