Heart Institute
Oncology
Critical Care
Institute of Transplant
Emergency Medicine 
Institute of Gastroenterology
Institute of Neurosciences
Preventive Medicine
Institute of Renal sciences
Institute of Robotic Surgeries
Institute of Pulmonology
Institute of Bariatric
Institute of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Institute of Vascular Surgery
General Surgery 
ENT & Head, Neck
Cosmetology
Dental Clinic
Anesthesia
Advanced Pediatrics
Eye/Opthalmology
Risk Factors & Prevention of Cancer
The old saying, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure”, holds true not only for infectious diseases but also for cancer.
Why cancer prevention is important?
Most cancers are lifestyle-related risk factors. In India, tobacco-related cancers account for 48% of the total cancer cases and cervical cancers form the bulk (36%) of cancers in females.
Primary Prevention
Primary prevention refers to a reduced or to eliminate exposure to carcinogens. Primary prevention includes:
- Compulsory education about tobacco related cancers, unhealthy sexual habits and cancer preventive diet.
- Modifiable cancer risk factors:
- Tobacco causes cancers at many sites. Alcohol consumption is associated with oral,
oesophageal and other cancers. - Obesity associated with increased risk of colon, breast and other cancers.
- Balanced mixed diet can prevent several cancers.
- Tobacco causes cancers at many sites. Alcohol consumption is associated with oral,
Chemo-prevention
This includes the use of natural or synthetic substances to reduce the risk of developing cancer or its recurrence.
Eg: Selective oestrogen receptor modulators (tamoxifen), NSAIDs, (COX-2 inhibitors) for colon cancer, Retinoids (cis-retinoic acid) for primary cancers of the head and neck and Finasteride, an alpha-reductase inhibitor that can lower the risk of prostate cancer. Vaccines are used to prevent infection by oncogenic agents against hepatitis B for cancers of liver and Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for prevention of Cervical Cancer.Genetic testing with BRCA1, 2 has lead to prophylactic oophorectomy and mastectomy for Breast & Ovarian Cancer, prophylactic colectomy in adenomatous polyposis gene mutation.
Diet and Cancer
Diet is one of the aetiological factors in carcinogenesis. Epidemiological studies (study done by Doll and Peto) have shown that 35% of cancers are associated with diet.
Fat present in red meat modifies DNA synthesis, alters the microflora and induces the production of oestrogens, associated with breast and colon cancers.
Micro-nutrients and cancer
Micronutrients – vitamins and minerals, non-nutrients such as proteins (legumes), monoterpenes (citrus fruits), polyphenoles (tea and spices) and allium (onion and garlic) have protective effects and prevent cancer. They act through metabolic, antioxidant, differentiation and immune modulation.
| Cancer | Risk | Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Lung cancer | Fat | Carotenoids |
| Head and neck cancer | – | Vitamins A, C and E |
| Oesophageal cancer | Salted and pickled food | Vitamins A, C and B |
| Stomach cancer | Natural and processed | foods Vitamins A and C |
| Liver cancer | Natural and processed foods | – |
| Pancreatic cancer | Alcohol and aflatoxin | Vitamins |
| Colon cancer | Meat and alcohol | Vitamins and fibre |
| Breast cancer | Fat | – |
| Examination | Sex | Age (years) | Periodicity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sigmoidoscopy | M & F | ≥50 | 1 examination every 3-5 years |
| Stool Blood tests | M & F | ≥50 | Every year |
| Digital rectal Examination | M & F | ≥40 | Every year |
| Pap test and pelvic Examination | F | Women who have been sexually active and = 18 | Every year |
| Endometrial biopsy | F | ≥ 20 | Every 3 years |
| Breast self-examination | F | 20-39 | Every Month |
| Clinical breast examination | F | ≥40 | Every year |
| Mammography | F | 35-39 40-49 ≥50 | Baseline Every 1 to 2 years Every year |
| Health counseling | M & F | 20-40 | Every 3 years |
| Cancer check-up | M & F | ≥ 40 | Every year |
