Cancer, one of the most deadly challenges spreading drastically in the 21st century, has now officially become the most dangerous killer in the world according to the World Health Organization.
February is Cancer prevention and awareness month. It is no secret that early detection and treatment is the key to prevention that can save millions of lives every year.
Ayurveda has described cancer 5000 years ago. Nowadays, Ayurvedic medicines and panchakarma for cancers are also included through multidisciplinary treatment approaches at many hospitals.
The knowledge given by Ayurveda about cancer is beneficial in both preventive and curative care.
According to ‘Charaka’ and ‘Sushruta Samhitas’, cancer is described as inflammatory or non-inflammatory swelling and mentioned either as ‘Granthi’ (minor neoplasm) or ‘Arbuda’ (major neoplasm).Tridoshas cause excessive metabolic crisis resulting in proliferation and cancer cell formation.Furthermore, Ayurvedic classification of neoplasm depends on various clinical symptoms in relation to Tridoshas.
Group 1
Diseases that can be named as clear malignancy, which includes arbuda and granthi, e.g. mamsarbuda (melanoma) and raktarbuda (leukemia), mukharbuda (oral cancer), etc.
Group 2
Diseases that can be considered as cancer, such as incurable ulcers with e.g. tridosaj gulmas (abdominal tumors like carcinomas of the stomach and liver or lymphomas).
Group 3
Diseases with the possibility of malignancy, e.g. Visarpa (erysipelas), asadhya kamala (incurable jaundice) and nadi vrana (sinusitis).
According to Sushruta, metabolic crisis and derangement of doshas, which leads to the manifestation of tumors is majorly caused by lifestyle errors, unhealthy foods, poor hygiene and bad habits.
Cancer in each person differs according to the person’s exposure to pathogens and genetic constitutions which make each of them react differently to the same diet.
Considering all above, we can adopt the following preventive steps for preventing cancers.
1. Regular screening – Regular check ups are very essential in preventive care. Consulting your doctor for simple yet alarming symptoms are very essential. Neglecting small cysts, pain associated with it or neglecting metabolic impairments causes big damage afterwards in cases of cancer. So screening is a must for all age groups.
2. Identifying risk groups – Many times genetics / family history plays a significant role. In cases of breast/ uterine / ovarian cancer, regular check up including CA 125 is necessary if having family history of the same.
Many times occupational hazards like exposure to certain chemicals, radioactive agents induce carcinogenesis. Hence it is necessary to have regular check ups. Food habits like tobacco, alcohol also play a significant role in inducing cancer or making pathologies worse. So be careful about your bad habits.
3. Identifying and neutralizing carcinogens – Knowledge about carcinogens is very important. Tobacco, certain chemicals, hybrid food items, exposure to radiation are certain identified carcinogens. Adopting a healthy working atmosphere is very essential to avoid exposure to carcinogens.
4. Adopting a healthy lifestyle – According to Ayurveda, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very necessary. Keeping good metabolic health, good eating habits and apt lifestyle modification can reduce risk of cancer.
Many types of cancer showed the first alarming sign as metabolic impairment like sudden weight loss, loss of appetite, poor gut health, impaired excretion etc. Always keep an eye on your metabolic health. Remember, early detection and immediate action is the key to prevent any type of cancer damage.
Author:
Dr. Gayatri Kulkarni – Mulye
MD (Ayurved)
Blogger @ Turyaa Wellness
