What is Preventive Oncology?

Why Preventive Oncology?Can Cancer be prevented?

13 December 2021
Posted By Dr. Aditi Aggarwal
Preventive oncology in gurgaon

This is very much true that cancer can also be prevented. World Health Organization mentions typically that thirty to fifty per cent of deaths from this cancer could be prevented by avoiding or modifying certain risk factors that lead to this deadly disease. Always keep the proverb in your mind that prevention is all time better than cure. Indeed, this works effectively. In India, this proportion of cancers is as close as 60 to 70% with most of the risk factors being avoidable.

What is this preventive oncology?

Preventive Oncology is any measure taken to prevent the progression or development of that malignant procedure. When cancer prevention concepts coming under the specific preventive oncology are also still evolving, some well-established facts generally prove that simple lifestyle changes can also create all this difference!

Avoid Tobacco :

Utilization of tobacco in any form places you on the actual collision path with cancer. Chewing or smoking this tobacco enhances the risks of lung, colon, mouth, etc. The chemicals present in this tobacco smoke damages the specific DNA of the body cell. This DNA controls the growth & the functioning of the cell type. So, while DNA becomes injured, the cell can start growing out of control & turn into cancer. Here, this is essential to point out that secondhand smoke is equally harmful as you inhale the same amount of toxic chemicals as a smoker, making you prone to lung cancer. Avoid coming in contact with tobacco in any situation. Take sole medical assistance to quit smoking as a preventive measure against cancer.

Maintain a healthy diet :

If you follow a healthy diet chart, then it will have a positive impact directly on your health. Significantly your regular diet contributes towards the maintenance of your health. This can go a long way in decreasing the risk of many cancers. Some basic guidelines suggested by expert oncologists and dieticians are:

  • Opt for the food sourced from some plants such as beans and whole grain
  • Ignore utilizing the processed vegetable oils
  • Select the lower-calorie foods
  • Add maximum unsaturated fats from nuts, avocados, fish, etc.
  • Cut down the number of processed meats etc.


Stay active:

Various medical researchers have also drawn the parallels between obesity/overweight & the risk of cancer. People who are also overweight have a higher risk of multiple types of cancers such as colon, breast, lungs, kidney, and prostate. So, keep a check over the weight of your body. Some physical activity regularly are preventive against cancer because this assists in weight control. This commonly promotes hormonal balances & also develops the immune systems, which are instrumental in decreasing the risks related to colon cancer & breast cancer.

Ignore any risky behaviors:

This is highly recommended to ignore the risky behaviors that can also cause some infections, enhancing the risk of cancer. For example, this is essential to limit the sexual partners & adopt the precautions while having sex. The human papillomavirus, which is generally known as HPV, is a contagious disease that is now proven to be the reason for various types of cancer & this spreads through skin-to-skin contact during anal, oral, and vaginal sex. The specific hepatitis B virus also spreads the chance of developing liver cancer from one person to another person.

Vaccinations for cancer:

Some specific types of cancers, such as liver cancer & cervical cancer, are the exact result of these viruses. A vaccine like HPV & the hepatitis B vaccine can be taken to protect from the cancer-creating viruses.
Preventive vaccinations for cancer are supplied before the virus negatively impacts the body. If you are willing to know more about these specific vaccinations, you can quickly consult with oncologists. They have to be experts and experienced in this field who will guide you properly in the best interest.

Besides the above pointers, be sure to get the regular medical tests & screenings done only at some best hospitals.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Dr. Aditi Aggarwal has worked in radiation oncology for ten years, treating patients with thoracic cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, bone and soft tissue cancer, gynecological cancer, breast cancer, and neurological cancers.

As a medical doctor, Dr. Aditi Aggarwal holds an MBBS degree from Lady Hardinge Medical College Delhi, a MD degree in radiation oncology from VMMC and Safdarjang Hospital Delhi, as well as a post-doctoral diploma in cancer research from Catalyst Clinical Sciences in Pune.

Cancer is usually classified into four stages, with stage 0 being the earliest stage and stage IV being the most advanced. The stage of a cancer is an important factor in determining the prognosis and the best treatment options. Here's a brief overview of the different stages of cancer:

Stage 0: This is the earliest stage of cancer, and it refers to cancer that is still in its original place and has not spread to other parts of the body. It is also known as carcinoma in situ.

Stage I: This stage means that the cancer is still small and has not spread to other parts of the body. It may be treatable with surgery or other local treatments.

Stage II: At this stage, the cancer is larger and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes. It may be treated with surgery and/or radiation therapy, or other systemic treatments such as chemotherapy.

Stage III: This stage means that the cancer has spread to nearby tissues or organs and/or to distant lymph nodes. Treatment may involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and/or systemic treatments such as chemotherapy.

Stage IV: This is the most advanced stage of cancer, and it means that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, bones, or brain. Treatment at this stage is typically palliative, meaning that it aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life, rather than cure the cancer.

It's important to note that the staging of cancer can vary between different types of cancer and different systems used to classify the stages. Your healthcare provider can give you more information specific to your situation.

There is no single vaccine that can prevent or cure all types of cancer. However, some vaccines can help prevent certain viral infections that can increase the risk of certain cancers, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which can help prevent HPV-related cancers such as cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancer.

Additionally, some cancers can be treated with a type of immunotherapy called cancer vaccines, which help stimulate the body's own immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. These vaccines are still in the experimental stage and are only available through clinical trials.

However, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of developing cancer, such as eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco products, and getting regular cancer screenings. Your healthcare provider can give you more information on how to reduce your risk of cancer.

The symptoms of cancer can vary depending on the type and part of the body of cancer, as well as its stage. Some common symptoms of cancer include:

  • Fatigue
  • Pain that does not go away
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Skin changes, such as yellowing or darkening
  • Changes in bowel or bladder habits
  • Persistent coughing or trouble breathing
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Persistent hoarseness or sore throat
  • Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as bloating or abdominal pain
  • Menstrual changes in women
  • Persistent skin changes, such as yellowing or darkening
  • Changes in a wart or mole
  • Persistent headaches
  • Persistent bone or joint pain
  • Persistent fatigue or weakness
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting

It's important to keep in mind that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and not all of them are present in all cases of cancer. If you are experiencing any symptoms that are new or persist for a long time, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause and get appropriate medical attention. Early detection and treatment of cancer can often lead to better outcomes.

Through us, you can schedule a Dr. Aditi Aggarwal priority appointment. Request a callback or dial 7982047515 to reach us.