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How Do I Know If a Lump is Cancerous? — A Simple Guide for Everyone

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Finding a lump anywhere on your body can be scary. One of the first thoughts that may come to mind is — “Is it cancer?” But not every lump is cancerous. Many are harmless, like cysts or swollen glands. However, it’s always safer to get it checked early. Let’s understand in simple words how to identify suspicious lumps and why screening is so important. 🔍 First, What Is a Lump? A lump is an abnormal bump or swelling that you feel under the skin or in the body. It can be soft or hard, painful or painless, movable or fixed. ✅ When Is a Lump Usually Not Cancer? It appears suddenly after an infection and disappears in a few days It’s soft, painful, and moves under your fingers (like a boil or cyst) It’s in the armpit or neck after a cold or fever It’s been there for years without any change Even then, it’s better to confirm with a doctor. ⚠️ When Should You Get a Lump Checked? You should see a doctor or get screened if: The lump is growing in size It is p...
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Is Cancer Curable? A Hopeful and Honest Look

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  Cancer is a word that can shake anyone. The moment someone hears “you have cancer,” a thousand fears arise—Is it curable? Will I survive? What happens next? Let’s answer the big question in simple words: **Yes, many types of cancer are curable—**especially when detected early and treated properly. But the truth also depends on the type of cancer , its stage , and the overall health of the person. ✅ What Does “Curable” Really Mean? In medical terms, a cure means that the cancer is completely gone and there are no signs of it returning after a long period of time. In many cancers—like breast cancer, thyroid cancer, testicular cancer, cervical cancer, and some blood cancers (like leukemia and lymphoma) —this is very much possible, especially when treatment starts early. 🩺 What Helps in Cure? Early Detection Most curable cancers are found in early stages. Regular screening (like mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopy) helps a lot. Right Treatment at Right Time Modern ...
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Oral Contraceptives and Cancer Risk: What Every Indian Woman Should Know

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  Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), commonly known as birth control pills, are widely used by women in India for family planning. While these pills are effective and convenient, many women worry about their long-term safety—especially about whether they increase the risk of cancer. Let’s clear up the facts, based on scientific evidence, so you can make informed choices for your health. Do Oral Contraceptives Increase Cancer Risk? Breast Cancer Slight Increase in Risk:  Studies show that women who are currently using oral contraceptives, or have recently stopped, have a small increase in the risk of developing breast cancer—about 20% higher than women who have never used them . Risk Decreases Over Time:  This increased risk gradually disappears within 5–10 years after stopping the pills Absolute Risk is Small:  For most women, this means only a few extra cases of breast cancer per 100,000 women using the pill each year. No Clear Link in Indian Studies:  Some India...
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Does a Biopsy Spread Cancer? Debunking a Common Myth

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       One of the most persistent fears among cancer patients and their families is the belief that a biopsy—a procedure where a small tissue sample is taken for diagnosis—can cause cancer to spread. This myth has been around for decades, but what does the scientific evidence actually say? Understanding the Myth The concern that "cutting" or "disturbing" a tumor during a biopsy might release cancer cells into the body, causing the disease to spread or worsen, is widespread. However, this belief is not supported by modern medical research or clinical experience What Does the Evidence Show? Extremely Rare Occurrence: Scientific studies have shown that the risk of cancer spreading due to a biopsy is extremely rare. When it does happen, it is called "tumor seeding," but this is seen in less than 1% of cases, depending on the cancer type and biopsy method Large-Scale Studies: For example, Mayo Clinic researchers studied over 2,000 cancer patients and found th...
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Understanding Postcricoid Cancer: Diagnosis, Investigations, and Management

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  Postcricoid cancer is a  rare and aggressive form of throat cancer that develops in the area just behind the cricoid cartilage, part of the hypopharynx. Because of its hidden location and subtle early symptoms, it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, which makes treatment more challenging 1 2 . What Are the Symptoms? Early symptoms of postcricoid cancer can be vague and are often mistaken for less serious conditions. Common symptoms include: A persistent feeling of something stuck in the throat (foreign body sensation) Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) Painful swallowing (odynophagia) Hoarseness or changes in the voice Sore throat that does not go away Ear pain Unexplained weight loss A lump in the neck (if cancer has spread to lymph nodes) Breathing difficulties in advanced cases 1 3 2 If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms for more than a few weeks, especially if you are at higher risk (such as a history of smoking or iron deficiency anemia), consult a d...
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