
We present a few questions below -- see if you can pick the right options and educate yourself in the bargain.
1. Do you know how many people in India are presently suffering from cancer?
a. 15,00,000
b. 22,00,000
c. 28,00,000
Also, the number of Indian cancer patients is growing over the years at an average of approximately 1.2 per cent per year.
Also, the number of Indian cancer patients is growing over the years at an average of approximately 1.2 per cent per year.
2. Which is the most common form of cancer prevalent in India?
a. Breast cancer
b. Lung cancer
c. Stomach cancer
3. Is cancer genetic?
a. Always
b. Yes it can be, but that's usually not the case
c. No
However, only an estimated 5 to 10 percent of cancer patients who are genetically predisposed to the disease -- environmental and external factors play a large role. Cancer cases where there is no genetic predisposition to the disease account for 90-95 percent of cancer cases.
However, only an estimated 5 to 10 percent of cancer patients who are genetically predisposed to the disease -- environmental and external factors play a large role. Cancer cases where there is no genetic predisposition to the disease account for 90-95 percent of cancer cases.
4. What is the leading cause of cancer in India?
a. Tobacco consumption
b. Pollution
c. Radiation from cellphones
5. Is cancer related to other infectious diseases?
a. No
b. Yes
c. Only to AIDS
6. Which of the following sets of symptoms can you relate to cancer?
a. Dark stools and urine
b. Darkening of skin, unexplained itches
c. Lumps or sores that don't heal and unexplained weightloss
7. Are vitamin supplements beneficial for those suffering from cancer?
c. No, vitamin supplements are all hazardous if you have cancer
For instance, in a study published online in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention (December 2010), Vitamin C and E supplements appeared to be associated with reduced risk for mortality and recurrence in breast cancer patients.
On the other hand, a study published in the April 2005 issue of the Journal of National Cancer Institute, researchers found that head and neck cancer patients taking Vitamin E supplements were at greater risk of developing a second primary cancer.
For instance, in a study published online in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention (December 2010), Vitamin C and E supplements appeared to be associated with reduced risk for mortality and recurrence in breast cancer patients.
On the other hand, a study published in the April 2005 issue of the Journal of National Cancer Institute, researchers found that head and neck cancer patients taking Vitamin E supplements were at greater risk of developing a second primary cancer
8. Do cellphones give off electromagnetic radiation that can cause cancer?
a. No, cellphones operate using radio waves
b. Yes, cellphones are known to cause brain cancer
c. Yes they do, but the miniscule amount of radiation to which users are exposed is not conclusively known to cause cancer
Having said that, medical professionals argue that extended usage of a cellphone cannot be entirely ruled out as a cause of cancer. According to the Scientific American, "recent research suggests that although short-term exposure is harmless, longterm cellphone use may be a different story. Three studies since 1999 indicate that people who have used cellphones for more than a decade may have as much as three times greater risk of developing brain tumours on the side of the head against which they most often hold their phone -- an argument for, at the least, shifting ears regularly or, even better, using a earpiece or the speakerphone feature while chatting."
Having said that, medical professionals argue that extended usage of a cellphone cannot be entirely ruled out as a cause of cancer. According to the Scientific American, "recent research suggests that although short-term exposure is harmless, longterm cellphone use may be a different story. Three studies since 1999 indicate that people who have used cellphones for more than a decade may have as much as three times greater risk of developing brain tumours on the side of the head against which they most often hold their phone -- an argument for, at the least, shifting ears regularly or, even better, using a earpiece or the speakerphone feature while chatting."
9. Can levels of physical activity affect your cancer risk?
a. No
b. Only adversely
c. Yes
The recommended amount of exercise is 30 minutes a day, five times a week, but anything you can do to get your body moving is good.
The recommended amount of exercise is 30 minutes a day, five times a week, but anything you can do to get your body moving is good.
10. Can your diet and lifestyle affect your risk of cancer?
a. No
b. Yes
c. Only lifestyle affects your cancer risk, not diet
For instance, the risk of cancer in vegetarians is about 50 percent lower than among people who eat meat on a regular basis. And foods like avocados, carrots and tomatoes contain glutathione, falcarinol and lycopene respectively, all of which have cancer-fighting properties.
For instance, the risk of cancer in vegetarians is about 50 percent lower than among people who eat meat on a regular basis. And foods like avocados, carrots and tomatoes contain glutathione, falcarinol and lycopene respectively, all of which have cancer-fighting properties.