Cancer awareness

Know the signs. Act early.

Most cancers caught early are treatable — and many are curable. This is a short, practical guide to what to watch for, how to lower your risk, and what is (and isn't) true about modern cancer care.

Warning signs to never ignore

If any of these persist for more than 2–3 weeks, please see a doctor. Most turn out to be benign — but the ones that aren't are best caught early.

  • A lump or thickening anywhere on the body
  • A sore that does not heal within 3 weeks
  • Unusual bleeding or discharge
  • Persistent change in bowel or bladder habits
  • Difficulty swallowing or persistent indigestion
  • Obvious change in a mole (size, shape, colour, bleeding)
  • A nagging cough or hoarseness lasting more than 3 weeks
  • Unexplained weight loss, fatigue or fever

Say no to tobacco

Tobacco in any form — cigarette, bidi, gutkha, khaini — is the single largest preventable cause of cancer. Quitting today lowers risk from tomorrow.

Eat and move well

A plant-forward diet, limited processed meat and 150 min/week of moderate activity meaningfully reduce risk of colon, breast and several other cancers.

Screen on time

Cervical (Pap/HPV) and breast (mammogram) screening save lives. Discuss oral, colon and lung screening if you are in a higher-risk group.

Vaccinate

HPV vaccination prevents most cervical cancers. Hepatitis B vaccination lowers liver cancer risk. Both are safe and recommended.

Myth vs. fact

  • Myth: Cancer is always painful in its early stages.

    Fact: Most early cancers are painless. That's exactly why screening and reporting subtle changes early matters.

  • Myth: Cancer treatment is worse than the disease.

    Fact: Modern radiation and systemic therapy are far more targeted than a generation ago. Most patients continue working, eating and living normally through treatment.

  • Myth: A cancer diagnosis means the end.

    Fact: Many cancers today are curable when caught early, and even advanced disease is often controlled for years.

  • Myth: Sugar feeds cancer, so I should stop eating carbohydrates.

    Fact: There is no evidence that dietary sugar accelerates cancer growth. Balanced nutrition during treatment matters much more than eliminating any single food.

This page is educational and does not replace medical advice. If you're worried about a symptom, please book a consultation.