Obesity, a chronic disease on the rise in India and across the world, is often seen by many as a lifestyle issue largely caused due to an individual’s eating habit and lack of physical activity. People often associate obesity with overweight, but it is a much more complex condition. Obesity has a direct impact on the quality of life and leads to serious health issues including heart disease,diabetes, high blood pressure and many other serious comorbidities.

It is a chronic condition where an upsurge in body fat leads to problems in the way the body stores and utilises energy. What we need to focus is on the root causes of weight gain and adopt along-term holistic approach. Healthcare practitioners therefore usually recommend treatment beyond just diet and exercise for obese individuals.

Obesity needs lifelong management:

The popular narrative around obesity is based on the assumptions about personal irresponsibility, lack of willpower and puts blame on people, eventually shaming them for being obese. Being a complex and chronic condition, obesity needs lifelong management. Obesity treatment should be personalised based on the factors such as sex, the degree of obesity, individual health risks, psycho behavioral, metabolic characteristics, and the result of earlier weight loss efforts.

An evaluation of hormonal and genetic factors of weight loss could also help in chalking out a customised therapy for a specific obese patient. A multilevel obesity management network working hand in hand will help achieve personalised treatment plans. Centres of excellence in obesity management or a speciality team will be able to provide all-inclusive programs for the treatment of obesity derived from evidence-based medicine.

Obesity management is a medically intensive treatment strategy developed to suit the patient’s lifestyle, preference, and condition together. The program can cover review and adjustments of medications, nutrition support, increased physical activities, counselling and bariatric surgery, if the patient is a right candidate.

It is important to understand that obesity is not just caused by overeating or lack of exercise. A lot goes into it, including genetics, environment, and behaviour. It is a condition that’s tough to fight alone and needs to be managed with the help of an medical expert.

Dr.Ganapati Bantwal
President – Endocrine Society of India
Professor, Dept of Endocrinology
St Johns Medical college, Bangalore

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There is an urgent need to educate the urban community on the aspects of healthy food habits and desired lifestyles to prevent overweight/obesity and its associated ill effects. A body mass index (BMI) of more than 37 is morbid obesity. BMI is weight in kgs divided by height in meters squared. The condition is associated with significant health problems besides being a risk to one’s life itself. A morbid obese individual has twice the risk of dying compared to someone of his age with ideal weight.

Indians  gaining weight:

Conventionally identified for malnutrition, Indians now report more commonly with overweight, fatness, and their magnitudes. Under nutrition is more prevalent in rural areas, whereas overweight and obesity are more than three times higher in urban areas

Indians exhibit unique features of obesity. Excess body fat, stomach adiposity, amplified internal and intra-abdominal obese, and accumulation of fat in ectopic spots (like liver, muscle).  Obesity is a major factor for the widely prevalent metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Even though this is a global phenomenon, India is different as it has to struggle with both over and under nutrition at the same time.

Diseases associated with obesity:

Any system in the body can be affected by obesity. The common ones are diabetes, blood pressure, arthritis, infertility, sleep apnea, heart attack and skin disorders. These individuals may also have psychological problems such as low self-esteem, low confidence and at times depression.

The most important cause-is genetic. Certain individuals are predisposed to obesity. Diet, lifestyle and environment contribute to it. It is wrong to think that it is the individual’s fault that he or she is morbidly obese. However it is a preventable condition provided the tendency of an individual to put on weight is identified in the early stages. Expert medical advice at this stage can prevent this condition.

Although anyone could put on excess weight, a study has identified that the incidence is highest amongs’t housewives in upper middle class families. With a rapidly expanding middle class in India, it is now known that every 3rd man and every 2nd woman is overweight. This translates to 50 million individuals in India who are overweight. A small percentage of these will be morbidly obese.

The problem of diabesity:

Obesity in type-2 diabetic patients is a very common phenomenon and often termed as “Diabesity.” Diabetes, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia are grouped under one name “Metabolic syndrome.” The rising incidence of these lifestyle sicknesses in India is alarming as separately or in combination, which act as foremost risk elements for coronary artery diseases (CAD). Augmented predilection to diabetes and impulsive CAD in Indians has been credited to the “Asian Indian Phenotype”. They have less obesity measured by BMI and bigger central body obesity as per greater WC and WHR.

Many Indians fit into the category of metabolically obese, normal weight individuals. Although with lean BMI an Indian adult has more hazards of having abdominal obesity. The body fat measurement of an Indian is considerably greater than a western counterpart with alike BMI and blood glucose level. It has been postulated that extra body fat and low muscle mass may describe predominance of hyperinsulinemia and the greater threat of type-2 diabetes,’

Focus on childhood obesity:

Following the increase in adult obesity, the proportion of children and adolescents who are overweight and obese have also been increasing. The most significant outcome of childhood obesity is its tenacity into adulthood with all its health hazards. The health risks include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease, and some sex hormone-sensitive cancers. It is more likely to persist when its onset is in late childhood or adolescence. If basic origins of obesity epidemic are not solved, it is likely to devastate health structures all over the world. Mortality risk increases with increased weight of children.

Internationally, a “projected 10% of school-aged children, among 5 and 17 years of age, are bulky or obese. In India, many studies have shown that the prevalence of overweight among adolescents varies between 10% and 30%.

Low levels of physical movement, seeing TV, and having junk foods are connected with a higher occurrence of overweight. Thus, participation in household activities and regular physical exercise could help in lowering the prevalence of overweight. Therefore, the role of physical activity, games, and sports should be emphasized, and facilities should be provided for outdoor games in schools, with compulsory hours of sports and games.

Given the rapid rise in obesity in India, it is important to know the “weight of the nation.” Due to the long-term consequences, the cost burden of obesity on the health care system is enormous. A better understanding of the numbers and causes can help overcome barriers to the primary prevention of obesity for youth and adults let..; communities, medical care, schools, and workplaces.

About INXS

The INXS has woken up to the need to achieve a healthy weight, in order to ensure health of the-country. Innovative, yet simple and low-cost suggestions, such as yoga, meditation, and folk dance, can be used to maintain optimal weight of our country men and women.

INXS anti aging and anti-obesity Clinique was pioneered by a young doctor couple Dr Keerthi Patel and Dr Sangeetha Patel.  INXS is the first and only medical establishment treating solely obesity since the many years. So far 1000’s of patients have been cured with approximately 80% success rates. Dr Keerthi and Dr Sangeetha have also been steering non clinical research on numerous concepts of obesity.

Dr Keerthi and Dr Sangeetha have also been duly recognized and honoured for their work. They had the  chief minister of Karnataka state, Shri B.S. Yediurappa launch their Mesotherapy treatments for the first time in India in April 2006.(Then DCM) Successively they had the former PM of India Shri H.D. Devegowda to induct their new state of art anti-aging anti- obesity Clinique on Sep 2006.

Dr Keerthi And Dr Sangeetha are medical graduates, from Sri Siddartha Medical college, Bengaluru University & both of them acquired their diploma in dermatology from United Kingdom. Both the doctors have also obtained their basic and advanced diploma in Mesotherapy after undergoing certified training in Mesotherapy under Dr Jacques Le Coz in Paris in July 2005. Both Dr Keerthi and Dr Sangeetha were the first Indian doctors to get training under Dr Lecoz and were also among the first Indian doctors who familiarised Mesotherapy in India.

For further details contact:
Dr Keerthi & Dr Sangeetha Patel
Inxs Anti- Aging & Anti-Obesity Clinic
#36, 1st floor, 2 main road,
Vyalikaval, Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru-560003
Tel: 080-23311774/ 080-23449140
Mob: 98454 24024/98455 35763

The post Obesity – major health issue that can be solved appeared first on Health Vision.

• In a marked shift in mindset, Indians have specifically adopted preventive healthcare habits in last 12 months.
• 82% have added dietary supplements to aid preventive measures.

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, VLCC released the findings from a survey to mark the Anti-Obesity Day, a public awareness initiative against Obesity launched by VLCC in 2001 and observed every November 26^th of the year. The survey specifically focused on people’s response to the crisis that accentuated the challenges related to overall wellness in general and Obesity in particular.

Sharing the findings of the survey , the company said that the comprehensive survey covered more than 5,000 respondents in the age group 22 to 65 , through 220 VLCC Wellness & Beauty Clinics across 135 cities in India. The survey reveals that the last eight months of pandemic has induced a radical shift in behaviour towards proactive health management, across age, in the country. The underlying message from COVID-19 was loud and clear, if your immune system is weak or if you are suffering from any lifestyle disease then you are amongs’t the most vulnerable set.

This concern perhaps is the reason for 78% of the respondents to consciously start making an effort to build their immunity in the last 12 months, said the company. 35% have brought changes in their diet while another 34% trust in augmenting immunity with a regular indulgence in fitness or yoga sessions.

Surprisingly, 82% of people would prefer to seek professional guidance for wellness needs rather than self-experimenting, at least until they get the vaccine. Another key insight that has emerged from the data is that 51% of Indians would also like professional guidance for their wellness and weight-management needs.

However, 95% of the respondents are not willing to seek professional guidance until they are sure of the highest standards of safety and hygiene at the wellness centres and 60% of the respondents are willing to pay 15 to 40% premium for ensuring high standards of safety and hygiene. Further 26% would prefer wellness centres having a team of qualified professionals, including medical doctors. The theme for this year’s Anti-Obesity campaign is “TRANSFiRM” that seeks to transform people’s lives by motivating them to take the first step to transform their lives with active management of body and mind.

Explaining the theme for the 2020 Anti-Obesity campaign Mrs. Vandana Luthra, Founder & Co-Chairperson, VLCC Group, said “All the living generations across the world are witnessing the worst health crisis of their lifetime. Being healthy and fit has become more consequential than ever before. It is heartening to see more and more people across age groups embracing proactive health management and giving the much-needed attention to nurture their mind, body and soul. I have always felt individuals can be responsible for their own well-being only when they have the awareness about how to lead a healthy lifestyle. This was our motivation for launching the annual Anti-Obesity Day initiative in 2001, which is now observed in over 150 cities in the 14 countries that we operate in, with the active participation of local communities, the medical fraternity, local administrations and the media.”

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India, November 24, 2020: Practo, an integrated healthcare company, witnessed a staggering increase of 550% in the number of obesity-related queries since last year. This indicates growing awareness about the disease among people and an increase in the knowledge of treatments like bariatric and diets that are related to obesity. The top searched queries give an understanding of how people are aware and concerned of problems like BMI levels, bariatric surgery and the various diets that came into the limelight over the past two years.

According to the Practo Health Insights (Nov 2019 – Oct 2020),

• Online consultation witnessed a 550% increase from last year in the number of queries for obesity, as compared with 30% the year before

• 70% of all diabetes-related consultation requests came from men

• 66% of the consultations were from the age group of 21-30, followed by people in the bracket of 31-40 (28%), 41-50 (3%), 51-60 (2%), and those aged 60 and  above (1%).

• 65% of all the diabetes-related queries came from metro cities, while 35% were from non-metro cities

• Most of the queries were from Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune and Chennai

• In non-metro cities, most of the queries came from Lucknow, Jaipur, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Indore, Vijayawada, Nagpur, Guwahati and Ranchi

• Top searches include obesity symptoms and causes, weight loss, fat loss, diet management, childhood obesity, COVID-19 and obesity and bariatric treatment.

Dr. Alexander Kuruvilla, Chief Healthcare Strategy Officer, Practo, said, “Obesity entails major risk in terms of exposing the patient to life-threatening conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, infertility, and most often than not affects the individual’s mental and physical well-being. Maintaining a balanced diet, being physically active and taking a conscious effort to maintain  healthy living will go a long way in the fight against obesity. Timely intervention will help control the condition from becoming unmanageable and posing further threats, especially in cases of childhood obesity. Digital healthcare has over the years helped in creating awareness about obesity-related treatments, including bariatric surgeries and various techniques in terms of diet and nutrition. ”

COVID-19 and obesity was one of the most discussed concerns in the last six months after several reports hinted at a correlation between the two. It was indicated that people with obesity are more likely to have other diseases that are independent risk factors for severe COVID-19, including heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes than normal-weight people. Another topic that gained a lot of attention during this period was childhood obesity, considering the fact that the lockdown has also negatively impacted diet, sleep and physical activity among children with obesity.

Dr. Amit D Goswami, a bariatric surgeon with 22 years of experience, who consults on Practo said, “Obesity is a disease, a multi-system disease actually, as it can involve all the systems of our body. Besides being functionally compromised, there are multiple morbidities that have this common causative factor. Diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), daytime somnolence or obstructive sleep apnoea, arthritis, infertility to name a few. Hence, it becomes important for people to check their BMI (Body Mass Index) and decide if they need any medical intervention. Obesity can be controlled with lifestyle modifications and non-surgical means at the initial stage. However, after a certain stage , surgery (bariatric/weight loss surgery) is the only resort. People can consult doctors via telemedicine at the initial stage and decide on the next course of treatment for themselves.”

The World Health Organization states that at least 2.8 million adults die every year due to being  being overweight or obese. In addition to that, 44% of diabetes cases, 23% of ischaemic heart diseases and 7-41% of certain instances of cancer are attributable to overweight and obesity. It is interesting to note that India has more numbers of obese people than those  who are underweight. Reports predict a considerable rise in the number of overweight and obese people in India by 2040. It is particularly pointed out that there will be a substantial increase in obesity-related problems among rural populace and the elderly.

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Cancer is the most common cause of death noticed in women. Although treatments have improved, prevention and quick detection can have the greatest impact on reducing the burden of cancer in women. Many factors throughout a lifetime can influence your breast cancer risk that include family history, reproductive past, nutrition, alcohol use, weight, hormone use, and radiation exposure. It is also necessary to point out that in some cases women who develop breast cancer do not have any of these risk factors and so it is crucial to discuss with a doctor if there are any symptoms.

The following are some of the steps that can take to lower your risk:

1. Obesity : Obesity is a common cause for several diseases, including diabetic and cancer. Obesity can be more serious than imagine that lead to several dangerous illnesses. It is important to follow a proper healthy diet and regular exercise habit that can benefit lessen obesity and lead a healthy life.

2. Eat a healthy, stable diet: It is believed that good diet can help prevent cancer, including breast cancer, and can prevent the disease’s progression or recurrence. A preventative diet that includes five to eight meals of fruits and vegetables each day, a raise in omega-3 fatty acids, and limits excessive refined sugars and fats is important. There are also some cancer-fighting meals like broccoli, cabbage, kale, watermelon and whole grains that are helpful if consumed regularly.

3. Avoid alcohol and smoking: Regular drinking and smoking can increase the risk of breast cancer. Avoiding drinking alcohol and smoking is the best thing one can do for the overall such diseases. It is recommended to restrict yourself to less than one drink per day as even small quantities increase the risk of illness.

4. Breastfeed : Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the prevention of breast cancer. It is noticed that women who avoid breastfeeding can see a high risk of breast cancer in their life. This is because of hormone imbalances that can lead to an increase in hormones that can cause cancer.

5. Avoid Birth Control Pills : Birth control pills have both risks and advantages. The younger you are, the lower the risks. However, women taking birth control tablets, they have a slightly high chance of breast cancer. This risk goes away immediately after discontinuing the pill. The risk of stroke and heart attack is also possible even though on the pill especially if a woman smoke. Nevertheless, long-term use can also have major benefits, like reducing the risk of ovarian, colon and uterine cancer and unwanted pregnancy, so there’s also a lot in its favour.

6. Consult a doctor : Tests and diagnosis are important if it comes to illnesses such as breast cancer, an early diagnosis can save your life. Women having symptoms with breast cancer should get frequently check. Even if you do not have any symptoms getting tested every few months/years is necessary.

Though there are several risk factors when it comes to breast cancer but the most important thing is to be alert about breast cancer detection. If you notice any differences in your breasts, such as a lump or skin changes then it is suggested to consult a doctor.

Dr. Deepali Gonjari, Breast Surgeon
Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital

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The role of women in today’s world has changed significantly and for the better. They’re wives, mothers, caregivers and breadwinners, often juggling all these roles at the same time. Studies show that women make 80% of the healthcare decisions in their families, often while putting their own health on the back burner. It’s high time that we not only encourage, but also empower women to make their health a priority including regularly visiting a doctor, adhering to a healthy diet, exercising, and prioritizing mental health.

Let’s hear it from some wonder women who battled Obesity and related diseases and stigma. They tried dieting, lifestyle modifications and exercises, but failed to lose weight in a sustainable manner. What makes these women stand out is that all of them took charge of their body, understood obesity is a chronic health disease. They not only won the battle against obesity, but also regained their health and a new life.

We spoke to Dr Shashank Shah, one of India’s leading obesity surgeons, about the many women warriors he has treated. “This is not about a surgery or medical intervention; this is about women finding ways to beat the odds and fight a very dangerous epidemic. This is about celebrating women who have overcome this disease and making others aware because there are many who still don’t know about the treatment options available to fight obesity.”

Wonder Women: Rise of the Obesity Warriors. One of his best remembered case is that of a patient who called him from Hong Kong after being stopped at immigration due to her drastic transformation. Due to her change in appearance, there was complete mismatch with the photo in her passport. Here’s the inspiring stories:

1.It was worth going all the way to Hong Kong to get the most memorable compliment of my life”

“I wanted to travel around the world,but my struggles with obesity stopped me from doing so. I weighed a whopping 130kgs at the age of 38 years and every weight loss attempt had been unsuccessful. I had difficulty in breathing, suffered from joint pain, high blood pressure and diabetes. My family doctor advised me to undergo bariatric surgery. I now weigh 65 kgs and am disease-free. I got the biggest compliment from an immigration officer in Hong Kong, who said I look way younger than the person in my passport.”

2.From death bed to an industrialist’s chair, I have come a long way”

“I had uncontrolled diabetes from 2007 that led to a lot of stress and depression in my life. After trying various treatments unsuccessfully for over 7 years, I was warned by a doctor that I would not live for more than a few months as diabetes had affected almost all my organs. I finally found a solution in Bariatric surgery, and after undergoing it in 2014, I am now diabetes- free. Life has given me a second chance; I have now started my own company. I have won several awards, all thanks to the regained confidence in myself.

3.Undergoing Bariatric surgery has been the best decision of my life – I am finally living my best life”

“I was morbidly obese, weighing 131 kg s and wheelchair bound. Such was my situation that I could barely make it to the washroom on my own. Along with the obesity, came several other related problems ranging from severe joint pain, hyperthyroidism, uncontrolled diabetes and severe breathlessness. My quality of life suffered I was advised to lose weight by every doctor I consulted. But no weight loss solution worked for me. Eventually I underwent bariatric surgery in 2016 and after losing 58 kg s, today I am off all medications and living my life to the fullest.

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Obesity is a growing health concern in India, no pun intended. One in five Indians is either Overweight or Obese and according to experts, Obesity and related diseases cause potential loss in life expectancy of 3-10 years. One of the key challenges in tackling the Obesity epidemic are the myths and misconceptions that surround it.

“OSSI”- The Obesity Surgery Society of India, has conducted large studies of more than 10,000 patients to look at complications, diabetes resolution and weight loss after surgery and ascertains the safety and efficacy of the surgery. These studies have shown excellent results which are at par International standards.

Dr Ramen Goel, Director, Centre of Excellence in Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery

Wockhardt Hospital, Near Agripada, Mumbai

Dr Sumeet Shah, Associate Director & Head of Unit, Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital

 Saket Institutional Area, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi 110017

The post Let’s bust some of the shocking myths about Obesity. appeared first on Health Vision.

Do you know weight gain raises Colorectal cancer risk? People today are suffering from colon cancer are because of poor lifestyle.  Being overweight raises the chances of getting colon cancer.

It is difficult to believe that in India, just a decade ago, cancer was not a commonly known disease, but at present cancer is on the rise and prevalence in the country. Changing lifestyles, smoking, consumption of tobacco, increased consumption of alcohol, changing dietary habits, obesity, late age pregnancy and fewer births, environment pollution urbanization are all related to a significant increase in incidence of cancer in India.

Colorectal cancer is the most common form of cancer in India after lung, breast and cervix. In the Indian scenario, Colorectal cancer stands fourth in men and third in women with respect to incidence and mortality rates. Cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum is termed colorectal cancer. It can also be termed as bowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer depending upon in which part of the body the noncancerous polyps gradually develop into cancer. Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer among men and the third most common type of cancer among women.  

While those who are most likely to suffer from colon cancer are usually over the age of 50, increasingly younger people are also falling ill from colon cancer. The most likely reasons why younger people today are falling ill from colon cancer are because of poor lifestyle choices made by them.  A recent study that was published in the JAMA Oncology Journal has shown that individuals with a high Body Mass Index (BMI) were more likely to get colon cancer at a young age. An individual with a BMI between 18 and 24 is regarded as healthy while people with a BMI between 25 and 29 are overweight and those with a BMI over 29 are obese. Being overweight or obese raises the chances of getting colon cancer. The study found that among women, being overweight or obese doubles the risk of developing colorectal cancer before the age of 50.

Findings of the Study

The study led by the Washington School of Medicine in St Louis and published in the JAMA Oncology Journal included data from more than 85,000 women who were aged between 25 and 44. According to the study having a high BMI at a young age and gaining weight over the years increased the likelihood that a woman would get colorectal cancer before the age of 50. Studies conducted earlier had shown that being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of colorectal cancer among men as well.

Lifestyle choice such as smoking, physical inactivity, heavy use of alcohol, a diet rich in red meat such as pork and beef and processed meats such as sausages and bacon are also more likely to lead to colorectal cancer.

The Link between Obesity and Colorectal Cancer

Although today doctors aren’t entirely sure how obesity raises the risk of colorectal cancer, they have a number of possible explanations. One possible explanation is inflammation as obese people tend to have chronic low levels of inflammation which can cause damage to DNA and subsequently lead to colorectal cancer. Also, as obese people are more likely to have other health conditions that are related to inflammation including ulcerative colitis which is an inflammatory bowel condition that poses a greater risk of developing colorectal cancer regardless of one’s weight.

Another possible reason why obese people may be more likely to get colorectal cancer is that obese people have increased blood levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 which may promote the development of colorectal cancer.  Another possible hypothesis between the link between obesity and colorectal cancer is that fat cells produce adipokines which are hormones that inhibit or promote cell growth.

Other secondary reasons why obese people are more likely to develop colorectal cancer are that obese people are more likely to eat diets that are less healthy. Such diets are often high in fat and red meat and eating red meat is likely to lead to colorectal cancer. While another secondary reason is that obese people take part in fewer physical activities which causes them to be obese and hence makes them more likely to get colorectal cancer.

However, it is important to know that not everyone who is overweight or obese gets colorectal cancer. Doctors believe that whether or not someone gets colorectal cancer depends on the interplay of a number of different factors just one of which is being overweight or obese.

Dr. Parameshwar CM,
Chief, SIICP (Bengaluru Smiles)
No 423, 1st Main, Gokula, 2, 60 Feet Rd,
Near SBI Bank, 1st Stage,
Mathikere, Bengaluru, 560054
Ph: 080990 08800

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Scientists have identified a key molecular mechanism through which high blood glucose raises cancer risk in obese people and diabetics.
The diabetic population has up to double chances of suffering pancreatic or colon canceramong others, according to well sustained epidemiological studies.
Scientists led by Dr Custodia Garcia-Jimenez at the University Rey Juan Carlos in Madrid have uncovered a key mechanism that links obesity and diabetes with cancer. They found that high sugar levels increase activity of a gene widely implicated in cancer progression.
Garcia Jimenez’s laboratory studied how cells in the intestine respond to sugars and signal to the pancreas to release insulin, the key hormone that controls blood sugar levels.

Sugars in the intestine trigger cells to release a hormone called GIP that enhances insulin release by the pancreas.

In a study published in Molecular Cell, Garcia Jimenez’s team showed that the ability of the intestinal cells to secrete GIP is controlled by a protein called beta-catenin, and that the activity of beta-catenin is strictly dependent on sugar levels.

Increased activity of beta-catenin is known to be a major factor in the development of many cancers and can make normal cells immortal, a key step in early stages of cancer progression.

The study demonstrated that high (but not normal) sugar levels induce nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin and leads to cell proliferation.

“We were surprised to realise that changes in our metabolism caused by dietary sugar impact on our cancer risk. We are now investigating what other

dietary components may influence our cancer risk. Changing diet is one of easiest prevention strategies that can potentially save a lot of suffering and money,” Garcia said.

“Previously we were unsure about how increased blood sugar found in diabetes and obesity could increase cancer risk,” Colin Goding, Professor of Oncology at the University of Oxford, UK said in a statement.

“This study identifies a key molecular mechanism through which high blood glucose would predispose to cancer. It opens the way for potential novel therapies aimed at reducing cancer risk in the obese and diabetic populations,” Goding said.

Higher the Income Higher the chances of Cancer

A survey conducted by WHO in 2015 shows that people belonging to upper-middle class and rich categories suffer with cancers of stomach, liver, colon & rectum and breast cancers compared to poor and low economic class people.

This demonstrates clearly that cancer is a malady of rich and stressed people

“Gatra pradeshe kwachidev doshaaha 

sammurchhita mansamasruk pradushya. 

  Vruttam sthiram mandrujam  

mahantamanalpmulam chirvruddhyapakam.  

Kurvanti mansocchrayamatyagaadham  

Tadarbudam shastravido vadanti.[ Su.Ni. 11]

Due to vitiation of the flesh and blood by deranged and aggravated Doshas (vayu, pitta and kapha) a large vegetation of flesh appears at any part of the body which becomes rounded, immovable, slightly painful and has its root considerably deep in the flesh (affected part ).This growth is termed as ARBUD by the learned physicians.

Cancer Prone Personality ?

We know that emotions such as depression, anger, and hostility make us more prone to illness and disease; and it’s been shown that positive attitudes such as hope, optimism, and happiness strengthens our immune system and protects us from disease. Recent studies point to two personality types that seem to make us either cancer-prone or cancer resistant.

Cancer-Prone Personality Types

• Represses both positive and negative emotions.
• Shows anger, resentment, or hostility towards others.
• Takes on extra duties and responsibilities, even when they cause stress.
• Reacts adversely to and does not cope well with life changes.
• Is negative or pessimistic.
• Becomes easily depressed or has feelings of hopelessness.
• Worries often and excessively about others.
• Feels the need for approval and to please others.

Cancer-Resistant Personality Type

• Expresses emotions in a positive and constructive way.
• Controls anger and resolves anger issues positively.
• Knows when to say no.
• Copes well with stress and feels in control of situations.
• Is optimisticand hopeful.
• Does not become easily depressed.
• Seeks out and maintains social support networks.
• Does not worry excessively.
• Likes to please, but does not seek approval as an emotional crutch.

As with everything else, there are always exceptions: some of the most optimistic and positive among us will get cancer, and some of the angriest and most hostile will live to be 100, cancer-free. But when a cancer patient is told that his or her disease is terminal, those who adopt cancer-resistant traits tend to live longer because their newly acquired behaviors will automatically boost immunity.

Mind-body techniques such a meditation and guided imagery can have a positive effect on cancer treatment. A patient’s coping style, behavior, and recovery strategy are critical factors in five-year survival rates. Furthermore, mortality is typically reduced for those who have a social support network compared with those who are socially isolated; and patients who establish a recovery program that includes stress management and relaxation techniques have fewer relapses. So there is, indeed, a link between mind and body when it comes to the effectiveness of cancer therapies.

If researchers have learned anything it’s that even a disease like cancer is much more easily overcome when we use the mind-body connection to help fight it. And that by strengthening and conditioning the mind part of the mind-body connection, we can extend life and optimize the chances of recovery. In future blogs, I’ll discuss using self-healing images and other specific techniques from my book Mind-Body Health & Healing(link is external) that anyone can use to boost immunity and help reverse cancer growth.

• Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with approximately 14 million new cases in 2012 (1).
• The number of new cases is expected to rise by about 70% over the next 2 decades.
• Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and was responsible for 8.8 million deaths in 2015. Globally, nearly 1 in 6 deaths is due to cancer.
• Approximately 70% of deaths from cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries.
• Around one third of deaths from cancer are due to the 5 leading behavioral and dietary risks: high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol use.
• Tobacco use is the most important risk factor for cancer and is responsible for approximately 22% of cancer deaths (2).
• Cancer causing infections, such as hepatitis and human papilloma virus (HPV), are responsible for up to 25% of cancer cases in low- and middle-income countries (3).
• Late-stage presentation and inaccessible diagnosis and treatment are common. In 2017, only 26% of low-income countries reported having pathology services generally available in the public sector. More than 90% of high-income countries reported treatment services are available compared to less than 30% of low-income countries.
• The economic impact of cancer is significant and is increasing. The total annual economic cost of cancer in 2010 was estimated at approximately US$ 1.16 trillion (4).
• Only 1 in 5 low- and middle-income countries have the necessary data to drive cancer policy (5).

The problem

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 8.8 million deaths in 2015. The most common causes of cancer death are cancers of:

• Lung (1.69 million deaths)
• Liver (788 000 deaths)
• Colorectal (774 000 deaths)
• Stomach (754 000 deaths)
• Breast (571 000 deaths)

Modify and avoid risk factors

Modifying or avoiding key risk factors can significantly reduce the burden of cancer. These risk factors include:

• tobacco use including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco
• being overweight or obese
• unhealthy diet with low fruit and vegetable intake
• lack of physical activity
• alcohol use
• sexually transmitted HPV-infection
• infection by hepatitis or other carcinogenic infections
• ionizing and ultraviolet radiation
• urban air pollution
• indoor smoke from household use of solid fuels.

Tobacco use is the single most important risk factor for cancer and is responsible for approximately 22% of cancer-related deaths globally (2).

Pursue prevention strategies

To prevent cancer, people may:

• increase avoidance of the risk factors listed above;
• vaccinate against HPV and hepatitis B virus;
• control occupational hazards;
• reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
• reduce exposure to ionizing radiation (occupational or medical diagnostic imaging).

Vaccination against these HPV and hepatitis B viruses could prevent 1 million cancer cases each year (3).

Early detection

Cancer mortality can be reduced if cases are detected and treated early. There are 2 components of early detection:

Early diagnosis

When identified early, cancer is more likely to respond to effective treatment and can result in a greater probability of surviving, less morbidity, and less expensive treatment. Significant improvements can be made in the lives of cancer patients by detecting cancer early and avoiding delays in care.

Early diagnosis consists of 3 steps that must be integrated and provided in a timely manner:

1. awareness and accessing care
2. clinical evaluation, diagnosis and staging
3. access to treatment.

Early diagnosis is relevant in all settings and the majority of cancers. In absence of early diagnosis, patients are diagnosed at late stages when curative treatment may no longer be an option. Programmes can be designed to reduce delays in, and barriers to, care, allowing patients to access treatment in a timely manner.

Screening

Screening aims to identify individuals with abnormalities suggestive of a specific cancer or pre-cancer who have not developed any symptoms and refer them promptly for diagnosis and treatment.

Screening programmes can be effective for select cancer types when appropriate tests are used, implemented effectively, linked to other steps in the screening process and when quality is assured. In general, a screening programme is a far more complex public health intervention compared to early diagnosis.

Examples of screening methods are:

• visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) for cervical cancer in low-income settings;
• HPV testing for cervical cancer;
• PAP cytology test for cervical cancer in middle- and high-income settings; and
• mammography screening for breast cancer in settings with strong or relatively strong health systems.

Treatment

A correct cancer diagnosis is essential for adequate and effective treatment because every cancer type requires a specific treatment regimen that encompasses one or more modalities such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Determining the goals of treatment and palliative care is an important first step, and health services should be integrated and people-centred. The primary goal is generally to cure cancer or to considerably prolong life. Improving the patient’s quality of life is also an important goal. This can be achieved by supportive or palliative care and psychosocial support.

Potential for cure among early detectable cancers

Some of the most common cancer types, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, oral cancer, and colorectal cancer have high cure rates when detected early and treated according to best practices.

Potential for cure of some other cancers

Some cancer types, even when cancerous cells have traveled to other areas of the body, such as testicular seminoma and leukaemias and lymphomas in children, can have high cure rates if appropriate treatment is provided.

Palliative care

Palliative care is treatment to relieve, rather than cure, symptoms caused by cancer and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Palliative care can help people live more comfortably. It is an urgent humanitarian need for people worldwide with cancer and other chronic fatal diseases and particularly needed in places with a high proportion of patients in advanced stages of cancer where there is little chance of cure.

Relief from physical, psychosocial, and spiritual problems can be achieved in over 90% of advanced cancer patients through palliative care.

Palliative care strategies

Effective public health strategies, comprising of community- and home-based care are essential to provide pain relief and palliative care for patients and their families in low-resource settings.

Improved access to oral morphine is mandatory for the treatment of moderate to severe cancer pain, suffered by over 80% of cancer patients in terminal phase.

WHO response

In 2017, the World Health Assembly passed the resolution Cancer Prevention and Control through an Integrated Approach (WHA70.12), urging governments and WHO to accelerate action to achieve the targets specified in the Global Action Plan and 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development to reduce premature mortality from cancer.

Cancer Facts in India

• There are more than 100 types of cancers; almost any part of the body can be affected.
• The five most frequent cancers (ranking defined by total number of cases) in India in men and women are breast, cervical, oral cavity, lung and colorectal. 
• Cancer is the second most common cause of death in India (after cardiovascular disease).
• Use of tobacco products (e.g. smoking cigarettes) are the single most preventable cause of death worldwide.
• More women in India die from cervical cancer than in any other country.
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in India and accounts for about a quarter of all cancers in women in Indian cities.
• The average age for breast cancer in India is almost a decade lower than that in the West. 
• Cancers of major public health relevance such as breast, cervical, oral and colorectal cancer can be cured if detected early and treated adequately.
• Cancers of the oral cavity as well as lung cancers due to chewing or smoking tobacco can be prevented.

STATISTICS

 The top five cancers in men and women account for 47.2% of all cancers; these cancers can be prevented, screened for and/or detected early and treated at an early stage [10]. This could significantly reduce the death rate from these cancers.

Good Nutritional Habits

1- Eat whole grain bread and cereals
2- food pyramid new
3- Avoid refined food products
4- Eat foods low in calorie and fat
5- Limit eating high calorie baked foods (cakes, cookies, doughnuts). Read about high calorie foods.
6- Avoid eating deep fried foods (samosa, kachori, puri, bhatoore)

Do’s And Don’ts

Do’s

1- Adopt a healthy lifestyle
2- Keep your weight in the normal range
3- Be physically active
4- Go for regular health checkups and cancer screening
5- Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits
6- Be aware of warning signs and symptoms
7- Adopt safe sexual practices
8- Avoid/limit exposure to known environmental carcinogens

Don’ts

1- Do not use tobacco in any form tobacco

2- Limit alcohol consumption

3- Avoid spicy, fried, preserved and junk food

4- Avoid sedentary lifestyle

Dr. Tejaswi K.P.
Reader- Dept. of Surgery, Bhagwan Buddha Homeo Medical college, Mallathalli, Bangalore
Consultanat- Surabhi Homeo clinic, Vidyaranyapura, Bangalore-97
Mob-97311 33819    Email-drtejas2000@rediffmail.com

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