IO

What is oncology?

Oncology is the science of tumours. A group of cells start multiplying haphazardly to form a lump or tumour. Tumours may be malignant or benign. A benign tumour is generally harmless & doesn’t spread to other parts of the body. A malignant tumour never stops growing unless & until it is treated & can spread to other parts of the body. Such a growth is called "Cancer".

How can you tell if you have cancer?

There are 7 early warning signals and must be diagnosed early
(1) Change in bowel or bladder habits
(2) A sore that does not heal
(3) Unusual bleeding or discharge
(4) Thickening or lump in the breast, testicles, or elsewhere
(5) Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
(6) Change in the size, color, shape, or thickness of a wart, mole, or mouth sore
(7) Nagging cough or hoarseness

How fast does cancer grow?

Cancer produces very minor symptoms at first, so you could have cancer & may not know it. The best way to detect cancer is to have a regular, early check-up. There is no definite rate of growth of cancer tissue - some cancers grow fast and some grow slowly (e.g., It takes 2 to 5 years for breast cancer to develop to 1 cm).