admaconcology

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Top 10 Anti-cancer Foods You Should Add to Your Diet!

Everyone prefers to opt for healthy nutrition choices for preventing a disease rather than spending a lot on medicines. But, is there anything like anti-cancer foods which can reduce your risk of getting a deadly disease such as cancer? The answer is a big ‘yes’.

An anti cancer diet can surely help to reduce the risk of cancer but no single food can prevent cancer. Achieving a strike balance of nutrients and different phytochemicals can surely decrease the growth of cancerous cells in the body. 

Research also shows that a diet rich in a variety of fruits, cruciferous vegetables, whole grains and other plant foods can surely lower risk of getting cancer. Let’s have a look at 10 anti-cancer foods which you must include in your daily diet:

Citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, grapefruits and oranges are rich in phytochemicals, thus beneficial to neutralize free radicals and enhance immunity

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower are helpful to protect from free radicals, slow the growth of tumors and destroy cancer cells

Allium vegetables including garlic, onion, chives, leeks, and shallots contain polyphenols, sulphur rich compounds, flavonoids and saponins known for their anti-inflammatory, apoptotic, anti-proliferative and immune enhancing properties.

Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, lettuce, chard and other leafy vegetables are rich in carotenoids which helps to stop growth of cancer cells in the body

Whole grains are rich in fibres, saponins and phenols which may help to prevent the risk of colorectal and breast cancer

Nuts such as walnuts and brazil nuts lowers the risk of lung, colorectal, pancreatic and endometrial cancer

Herbs and spices such as ginger, clove, turmeric, coriander, pepper, saffron, star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, chilly, cumin, fenugreek, tulsi and many others are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals which reduces inflammation, growth of cancerous cells, and also induces apoptosis or cell death

Green tea contains antioxidants such as catechins which helps to fight free radical induced damage and also reduces the growth of tumor cells in body

Omega fatty acid rich foods such as  salmon, tuna, mackerel, flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, canola oil are known to reduce inflammation and thus reduces the risk of getting inflammation related cancers such as colorectal, lung, liver and prostate cancer.

Legumes such as beans, peas and lentils are packed with minerals, vitamins, plant sterols, protein and dietary fibres which significantly reduces the risk of specific cancers such as colorectal, breast and prostate cancer

These anti-cancer foods are the best dietary choices for preventing the risk of cancer. As per the American Cancer Society guidelines, one should eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables with the right amount of other foods to stay healthy. Along with nutrition, you should also follow healthy lifestyle habits to stay fit and healthy. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q. What foods should we avoid to prevent cancer?

Ans. Foods which should be avoided to prevent cancer such as red meat, processed foods, fried foods, sugar sweetened drinks and alcohol. 

Q. How can I slow down cancer naturally?

Ans. A combination of nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits can help to slow down cancer naturally. These are:

Eating a diet rich in anti-cancer foods

Exercising regularly

Maintaining a healthy weight

Quitting alcohol and smoking

Getting regular checkups

 Avoiding exposure to toxins and carcinogens 

[admaconcology]

Is cancer curable? Present scenario and way ahead.

Cancer is a deadly disease which has been spreading at an alarming rate. For those who have been diagnosed and struggling with cancer or those who had any loved one suffering from any metastatic tumour, the first thing in front of mind: Is cancer curable? 

The answer to this question is quite complicated as the meaning of the word ‘cure’ for cancer is debatable. Usually the word ‘Cure’ is used for centuries to refer to a medical disease which is completely gone after cancer treatment. For instance, if anyone has a disease such as appendicitis, it can be cured by removing the appendix. 

However, in the language of cancer, the word ‘cure’ means differently. It is because oncologists are not pretty sure about the disease, stage of cancer and also its chances of returning back. 

Instead of using the term ‘cure’, oncologists use the word ‘treatment’ or ‘remission’. Treatment means the cancer type is treatable with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or any other treatment option. Remission means that the cancer symptoms have gone and it doesn't last for the rest of life.

Some doctors may refer the term ‘cure’ only if:

Cancer has been diagnosed early

Tumor is small and benign and had not spread to other parts of the body

Cancer cells or tumor has been removed totally by surgery or radiotherapy 

Cancer had not come back even after five years

Depending on the above conditions, there are some types of cancers which can be considered curable such as testicular cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, melanoma (a type of skin cancer), thyroid cancer.  Some other types of cancer are also cured only if they are caught early at a Stage 0 or 1 such as breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer and lung cancer. 

Despite early detection and complete treatment or removal of cancer cells, there are chances that these cancer cells may remain in the body and can return back after more than five years. Evaluating the present situation, there is not a cure for cancer  and still there is a long way to go. 

Cancer research has been advanced and there are more diagnosis and treatment options available now than they were 5 years ago. New and more effective options have been discovered such as biological therapies, gene therapies and even cancer vaccines. 

Some therapies have been introduced which have been considered as a hallmark in the field of cancer care. They either target cancer cells specifically (Targeted therapy) or improve the immune system ability to fight against cancer (Immunotherapy). 

These therapies have demonstrated a significant improvement in response rates as well as survival rates with reduced incidence of side effects. 

Researchers are also looking forward to developing some cost effective ways of detection and screening for common cancer types so that it can be diagnosed quite early enough to be cured. 

Until research professionals find a cure for cancer patients, prevention is  most important. It will be smart enough to reduce your chances of getting cancer, rather than receiving its  treatment.

Cancer development is linked with gene mutations which are not under one’s control, but some other factors such as your exposure to carcinogens, smoking, alcohol and other lifestyle factors may increase your chances of getting it. So you should pay attention to reduce your exposure to carcinogens and live a healthy lifestyle. 

Also, Explore some potential causes of cancer you need to be aware of in order to reduce your chances of getting one.  

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Cancer prevention: 7 Tips to Reduce Your Cancer Risk

Are you concerned about cancer prevention? Simple lifestyle changes can indeed make a huge difference. Research indicates that many cancers are related to lifestyle behaviours, including lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating patterns. Adopting healthy habits may minimize your risk of getting cancer and will also certainly support therapy and recovery if you are diagnosed with cancer. So, follow the below cancer-prevention tactics.

1. Avoid using tobacco

Avoiding tobacco products is a crucial part of cancer prevention. Stop smoking as it may cause cancer of the lung, larynx, mouth, throat and several other cancers. Also, try to avoid secondhand smoke as it may put you at risk of lung cancer.

2. Avoid or limit overindulgence in alcoholic drinks

The less you drink alcohol, the lower is your cancer risk. So, avoid drinking alcohol or drink only in moderation.

3. Eat a healthy diet

Consume plenty of colorful fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, beans as these are rich sources of  nutrients.

Limit red and processed meats as consuming large amounts of such meat may make you more vulnerable to cancer development.

Reduce your consumption of foods with added sugars and solid fats, such as sugar-sweetened beverages and highly processed snack foods and desserts. Such high-calorie foods provide only a few nutrients.

Prefer healthy fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats) and avoid bad fats (saturated and trans fats)

4. Maintain a healthy weight

Due to sedentary lifestyles, inactivity and obesity have become common, thus magnifying the risk of cancer development. So, be physically active as it helps to control your weight and also cuts down the cancer risk. Integrate at least 30 minutes of exercise into your everyday routine. If you can do more, that's even better.

5. Protect yourself from harmful UV rays

The deleterious UV radiation of the sun can escalate the risk of skin cancer. So, try to avoid the midday sun, stay in the shade as much as possible, cover exposed areas, wear sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF15 or higher, avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.

6. Get vaccinated

Cancer prevention also includes protection from certain viral infections. Consult a healthcare professional about vaccination against human papillomavirus (sexually transmitted virus that can elicit squamous cell cancers of head and neck, cervical cancer and other genital cancers) and hepatitis B (virus that can raise risk of liver cancer).

7. Know your family history of cancer

If there is a strong history of cancer in your family, talk to a medical care professional about genetic counselling.

Cancer is a life-threatening disease. Routine self-examination and cancer screenings may improve the chances of diagnosing cancer early when cancer management is most likely to be fruitful. Few tests can also aid in the detection of precancerous conditions before they turn cancerous. Schedule regular checkups and keep track of any unusual alterations in your body. So, try the above tips and limit the possibilities of getting cancer.

FAQs

1. How does exercise reduce cancer risk?

Exercise is crucial for cancer prevention. Add exercise to your everyday routine as it reduces your weight, increases energy, boosts your immune system and thus aid to prevent cancer.

2. Which foods prevent cancer?

Superfoods such as garlic, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, carrots, spinach, guavas, whole grains are the phytochemical powerhouse that strengthens your immune system, helps to control weight and thus assist in preventing cancer.

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Cancer types: Do you know the difference?

The human body contains trillions of cells that perform vital functions, especially growth, division, and development. Healthy cells undergo a specific life cycle, reproduce, replace old cells, and die off determinedly. However, any abnormal changes or mutations in cells due to particular genetic abnormalities, exposure to carcinogens, or lifestyle risk factors can lead to uncontrolled growth and division of cells.

These abnormal cells form a mass of cancer cells or tumors. Tumors can be benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous). Compared to tumor, cancer is an umbrella term for a large group of diseases that develop when the cells multiply in an uncontrolled way and invade the other vital tissue and organs. There are many different types of cancers which are often categorized in two types: Solid and Hematological cancers

a) Solid tumor: They are an abnormal solid mass of tissue or clump of cells that usually does not contain any cysts or liquid areas. Its major types include:

Carcinomas: They are the most common type of cancer and develop in the epithelial cells found in skin, glands and the linings of organs. Examples are breast cancer, skin cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. Sarcomas: Cancers developing in supporting or connective tissues are termed as sarcomas. They are rare and can arise in bone, tendons, cartilage, fat tissue, muscles, nerves, joints, blood vessels, lymph vessels, ligaments. An example is osteosarcoma (cancer of the bone). Central nervous system tumor: It begins when healthy cells within the brain or the spinal cord grows out of control. Examples are astrocytoma, gliomas and ependymoma.

(b) Hematological cancer (Blood cancer): It originates in bone marrow, or in the cells of your immune system. Types of blood cancer are: Leukemia: It initiates in the bone marrow, the site of blood cell production. In this, the number of white blood cells escalates (overproduction of immature white blood cells) in the body. Common types of leukemia are acute lymphocytic leukemia, Chronic myeloid leukemia, and Acute myeloid leukemia. Lymphoma: It is a cancer of the lymphatic system and often arises in the lymphocytes (type of white blood cells). They are classified into Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Multiple myeloma: It begins in the plasma cells (short-lived antibody-producing cells that develop from B lymphocytes that have been activated) of bone marrow. Since it usually occurs at numerous sites in the bone marrow, it is also termed as multiple myeloma. Taken together, these several types of cancers are alike and different in many ways. Some are benign and less harmful whereas others are malignant and more harmful. Understanding the types of cancer is essential to determine the best cancer treatment option as well as survival rates. Some solid tumors may be treated with surgery and immunotherapy, whereas some blood cancers, such as leukemia, may include stem cell transplant as a part of the treatment protocol. However, with remarkable advances in cancer diagnosis, cancer care and clinical trials, more people suffering from cancer have reduced signs and symptoms, helping them live longer with a better quality of life. FAQs Q.1 What does benign cancer mean? Ans: Abnormal growth of cells that is not cancerous is termed benign cancer. It tends to grow slowly, and does not invade other body tissues. Q.2 What happens when cancer is malignant?

Ans: Malignant cancer is aggressive. This cancer spreads to other parts of your body and is thus more harmful. It is associated with reduced survival rates and increased risk of mortality.

[admaconcology]

Top 6 Oncology product manufacturers in India

Oncology medicines, also called anti-cancer drugs, are used for cancer treatment, one of the deadliest diseases with a projected 8 million deaths per annum. More than 100 types of cancer affect human beings.

Indian pharmaceutical companies are integrally working to combat this disease. Many pharmacological agents have been developed by these companies, which have established safety and efficacy profiles.

In addition, multitudinous pharma companies in India are manufacturing anti-cancer medicines and a wide range of oncology products to meet the demands of Indian and global patients.

When looking for Oncology product manufacturers in India, the following companies can be taken into consideration:

List of Oncology product manufacturers of India:

The Indian pharma industry comprises numerous companies which manufacture high quality medicines and pharma products. India produces around 25% of the world’s generic drugs and plays a prominent role in new drug development and drug clinical trials in cancer patients. 

Pharmaceutical industries in India produce quality products and anti-cancer medicines in accordance with the GMP guidelines which meet international standards. Some of them are listed as under:

Sun Pharmaceuticals: It is an Mumbai based multinational pharmaceutical company and API manufacturer with a worldwide presence in more than 100 countries. The product range includes generics and complex active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that require isolated manufacturing areas like anti-cancers, controlled substances, etc.

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories: Dr. Reddy’s is a global pharma company based in Hyderabad, Telangana. Its extensive portfolio includes a wide range of Hemato-oncology products for solid tumors such as breast, gastric, lung, colorectal, head & neck, prostate and ovarian cancer; lymphoma; leukaemia; and supportive care.

ADMAC Oncology: An Oncology pharmaceutical company with experience of more than 3 decades in quality drug manufacturing and export in more than ten countries. It is one of the leading manufacturers of lyophilized injections and other formulations of anti-cancer drugs in India.

Lupin: It is a transnational pharmaceutical company founded by Desh Bandhu Gupta. This company is headquartered in Mumbai and is engaged in the development/co-development and commercialisation of multiple oncology products throughout the world.

Biocon: An Indian biopharmaceutical company based in Bangalore. It aims to transform cancer by delivering extraordinary and reasonably targeted therapies (for example Trastuzumab, Pegfilgrastim) that prolong and better patients’ lives.

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals: Glenmark is another pharmaceutical company headquartered in Mumbai, India focused on building quality cancer care products. It has various molecules in different stages of clinical development focused in the fields of dermatology, oncology, and respiratory.

Undoubtedly, these oncology manufacturing companies provide the best quality and advanced medicines in the drugs market and health care. I hope this information will be of help!

FAQ:

Q. What do you mean by oncology company?

Ans. It is known as the division of medical science that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. 

Q. How many pharmaceuticals are there in India?

Ans. Worldwide, India stands 3rd for pharmaceutical production by volume and 14th by value. It has a strong network of 3,000 drug companies and approximately 10,500 manufacturing units.

[admaconcology]

Cancer symptoms that need to be taken seriously by every Woman

We all know that many women usually neglect their health due to their more attention in household chores and fulfilling family responsibilities. They generally ignore certain symptoms like headache and back pain. They feel that they are occurring as a result of routine fatigue. However, it is never a good idea to ignore specific symptoms as they might be the sign of certain cancers. Therefore, identifying these symptoms can help in the early diagnose and treatment of cancer.

Let’s discuss some of those cancer symptoms, which women should not ignore:

1. Abnormal periods or pelvic pain

There are various reasons that can impact the menstrual cycle like obesity, pregnancy, menopause and ovarian cysts. However, if you observe continuous changes such as pelvic pain or post-menopausal bleeding, consult your doctor. Prolonged abdominal pain can be the symptoms of ovarian, endometrial and some other cancer types.

2. Vaginal discharge

Dark, smelly and bloody vaginal discharge can be the warning sign for vaginal, cervical or endometrial cancer.

3. Abnormal Weight Loss

Unexpected and unusual changes in the body weight can be a symptom of leukaemia, colon, pancreatic, liver and oesophagal cancer. Consult your doctor if you are observing extreme weight loss without changes in diet or exercise.

4. Unusual breast changes

If you observe lumps, change in size, feel, or shape of a breast consult your doctor. Also, if you observe skin changes, redness, or pain in the breast, then do not neglect.

5. Persistent cough

This can be the symptoms of infections like sinusitis or bronchitis. However, they can be the symptoms of head and neck cancer or lung cancer. A woman should consult a doctor if she experiences nagging cough that is persistent or with blood in the mucus, which is coughed up.

6. Night sweats not linked with menopause

Hot flashes or the night sweats, which occur in the night, are expected during the phase of menopause. Otherwise, they could be a sign of medical conditions like lymphomas or leukaemia. Consult your doctor if you are experiencing night sweats, particularly accompanied by unexplained fevers.

7. Inexplicable bruising or bleeding

If you observe bruises in the areas where you have not got any injury or bump, this can be the sign of various conditions such as leukaemia.

8. Weakness and fatigue

Fatigue that you feel due to your hectic routine is normal, but if you feel exhausted even after getting sufficient rest and sleep then talk to your doctor. This can be the symptom of several medical conditions such as various types of cancer.

9. Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding

Any spotting or bleeding which occurs after menopause should be informed to your doctor. Most of the time, the cause is not serious, but it can sign of endometrial cancer in some cases.

10. Back pain without an injury

If you experience the back pain, which is not linked to an injury, or persists for more than two weeks, then you must talk to your doctor. Sometimes low back pain is a sign of various cancers.

For more knowledge do not forget to read Cancer symptoms to be taken seriously by women.

Taking care of these symptoms and talking to your doctor can help in the early diagnose and treatment of certain cancers. Thus, recognizing these symptoms can help women to a great extent. 

Read more by clicking, click here.

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Benefits of Tulsi for the prevention and treatment of cancer

Today, the advancements in technology and research have captivated everybody's attention towards complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) along with mainstream cancer therapies and treatments. Talking from mind-body based interventions to alternative medical systems and biologically based therapies; CAM involved many effective modalities to reduce the risk of numerous cancers and mainstream treatment-associated side effects. 

One of these CAM therapies includes the use of tulsi leaves for cancer prevention. Many scientific research evidences have also assessed the anti-cancerous activities of this herb. That is the reason, tulsi held a prominent high rank in the list of anti-cancer foods.

Highlights:

1. What is tulsi?

2. Phytoconstituents of tulsi

3. Tulsi for different types of cancer

4. How to take tulsi in a healthy way?

What is tulsi?

Tulsi is basically a culinary herb renowned with the name 'Holy Basil' and 'Queen of herbs'. It is called as the sacred herb of India. The name 'Tulsi' signifies 'matchless one'. It is due to the amazing health properties this herb embellish with. It is been 5000 years, this herb is used to heal ample of ailments like fever, skin disorders, digestive problems, genitourinary disorders, bronchitis, malaria, and rheumatism.

Phytoconstituents of tulsi

The properties possessed by tulsi are all due to the phytoconstituents present in it. The major phytochemicals the tulsi leaves contains eugenol and methyl eugenol. Other than these, tulsi leaves also contain many more phytochemicals. Tulsi oil consists of sesquiterpene and carvacrol.

Other than possessing above mentioned health benefits, these phytochemicals present in tulsi also possess significant anti-cancer properties.

• The flavonoid, orientin presents protection against harmful radiations by possessing potent free radical scavenging property.

• Vicenin-2 induces anti-angiogenesis, pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative properties.

• Eugenol stimulates apoptosis in various tumors and cancer like skin tumor, leukemia, or osteosarcoma.

• Ursolic acid can inhibit tumor progression, tumorigenesis, and angiogenesis.

Tulsi for different types of cancer

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is counted in the most common cancer list around the world for many decades.

• Evidently, tulsi is found to be used against shortness of breath and cough for patients with lung cancer.

• The ethanol extract of tulsi shows cytotoxigenic and anti-apoptotic effects against A549 cells (a human non-small cell lung cancer cell line).

• Tulsi is known to raise the ratio of pro-apoptotic Bax/anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein.

• Inhibits cell adhesion and invasion along with metastasis.

Skin cancer

The skin cancers are generally formed in the tissues of the skin and are of variant forms depending upon the cells from which they originate, for instance, squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma.

• The quercetin found in tulsi is a potent chemo protective component due to its potential antioxidant properties.

• This phytoconstituent tends to reduce the cumulative number of papilloma and tumor size.

• Also reduces the level of serum enzymes associated with cancer growth and improves enzyme levels that have a potential role against oxidative stress and superoxide.

Cervical cancer

It is known as the third most common cancer among women.

• Carvacrol found in tulsi induced cytotoxicity against this cancer.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer comes in the sixth position in the list of common malignancies around the world.

• It is seen that the topical application of tulsi helps to reduce papilloma and squamous cell carcinomas incidence.

Other than these, tulsi also exhibits significant anticancer actions against gastric, breast, and prostate cancer.

How to take tulsi in a healthy way?

Tulsi can be consumed in many ways. It can be used in food preparations, as a herb in tea or drink or as a decoction. It can be also used in the form of oil or as a topical formulation.

Tulsi is an herb that you can easily find everywhere and can grow at your home as well. Consume this herb regularly, as, like other anti-cancer foods like spices, vegetable and herbs; this herb is also a boon for cancer patients.