Ask the Doctor
Q: What are the common risk factors of cancer?
A: Major cancer risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol, unhealthy diet, obesity, physical inactivity, chronic infections (like HPV and hepatitis), environmental pollution, radiation exposure, genetic predisposition (family history) and advancing age.
Q: Can cancer really be prevented?
A: Not all cancers are preventable, but nearly 40–50% can be reduced through lifestyle changes like avoiding tobacco, maintaining healthy weight, eating balanced diet, staying physically active, and controlling infections.
Q: What is the single most important step to prevent cancer?
A: Complete avoidance of tobacco in any form, smoking, hookah, chewing tobacco, because it is the leading preventable cause of multiple cancers.
Q: Does diet play a role in cancer prevention?
A: Yes. High intake of processed, smoked, salted and junk food increases risk, while fruits, vegetables, whole grains and plant-based foods help reduce risk.
Q: What are early warning signs of cancer people often ignore?
A: Unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, long-standing cough, blood in urine or stool, non-healing ulcers, unusual lumps, difficulty swallowing.
Q: What are common symptoms of breast cancer?
A: A painless lump in the breast, nipple discharge, skin changes, or retraction of nipple. Pain is usually not an early symptom.
Q: What are common symptoms of prostate cancer?
A: Difficulty in passing urine, weak stream, frequent urination at night, or blood in urine. Early stages may have no symptoms.
Q: What symptom of bladder cancer must never be ignored?
A: Blood in urine—even if painless and occasional—requires immediate medical evaluation.
Q: When should cancer screening begin?
A: Generally after 45–50 years, earlier if there is strong family history or risk factors.
Q: What cancers can be screened effectively?
A: Breast cancer (mammography), cervical cancer (Pap smear/HPV test), colon cancer (stool tests/colonoscopy), prostate cancer (PSA discussion), and oral cancer (especially in tobacco users).
Q: Why is screening important if I feel healthy?
A: Because early-stage cancer is usually silent and painless. Detecting it early makes treatment simpler, more successful, and less expensive.
Public Advisory: Cancer often develops silently. Prevention through lifestyle change and early screening saves lives.
NOTE: These responses are for general awareness, not a substitute for medical advice.
Ask your questions at: WhatsApp: 6005463346, Email: ask@moulmoujfoundation.org
