Among women, the most common cancer is breast cancer, followed by cancer cervix. Nearly one in eight women will get breast cancer in their lifetime. In men, lung cancer is the commonest cancer, of which 90% is related to smoking. Some of the earliest signs and symptoms of cancer are change in bowel habits or bladder functions sores that do not heal, unusual bleeding or discharge, lumps of breast or other parts of the body indigestion or difficulty in swallowing, recent change in wart or mole, persistent cough or hoarseness. A risk factor for cancer is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. People can control some risk factors such as tobacco use. Other risk factors, such as age or ethnicity, cannot be controlled. One of the commonest questions asked by the cancer patients is “Why do I get cancer ” Most of the time exact cause for cancer cannot be identified. Only 10% of cancer is identified rest of 90% is identified by our lifestyle and our environment. Some of the lifestyle related risk factors are smoking, diet high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables, lack of exercise and unprotected exposure to the sun, (UV rays), and obesity . Smoking accounts for atleast 30% of all cancer deaths and 87% of lung cancer deaths. Tobacco use is associated with increased risk for atleast 15 types of cancer. Important among the environmental risk factors are passive smoking , air pollution, and chemical exposure. In contrast, in western nations where most of the cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage, nearly 70% are cured. But the death rate in most parts of India isless than 20% .Identification of disease in an advanced stage, lack of multi disciplinary treatment management.

Treatment is most successful when the cancer is detected at an early stage. Effective screening available for colon, breast, cervix, prostrate and skin cancers. Screening can prevent nearly 50% of cancers related deaths. Some of the screening tests pap smear, mammogram, digital rectal examination, colonoscopyand serum PSA level. Most of the time an integrated approach by the Departments of Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Surgical Oncology is required . Every cancer patient should meet all the three specialists before deciding on the final treatment plan. Finally, cancer is not a dread disease; it is curable if detected early. It is so limited that It can’t Cripple Love, it can’t Shatter hope, It can’t Corropde Faith, It can’t Kill friendship, It can’t Silence Courage, It can’t Lessen the Power of Resurrection.