Fight these taboo cancers, just like they did

Whatrsquos common between billionaire Warren Buffet actors Robert De Niro Roger Moore and Australian singer Kylie Minogue They were all detected with cancer but managed to survive it Apart from cancerous cells in their body their stories have another thing in common timely detection that saved their lives Cancer is deadly whether itrsquos prostate breast cervical or ovarian and it can kill whether or not we like to talk about it There is no sureshot treatment for all types of cancer but an early detection can go a long way to prevent them Australian singer Kylie Minogue was detected with breast cancer in 2005 in the middle of a concert tour She resumed her career in 2006 after treatment The 45yearold compared her breast cancer operation to going on to the stage Pics AFPKnow about cancer and the risks Dr Monica Goel consultant physician PD Hinduja Hospital says that awareness about the different types of cancer the various risk factors and an understanding of their signs and symptoms goes a long way in preventing them For example ldquoBreast ovarian cancer risk is higher among women with early menarche and late menopause as the body gets used to more estrogen which causes increased proliferation of cells in the breast and uterusrdquo Known for ldquotough guyrdquo roles in films including Taxi Driver and Raging Bull Robert De Niro was detected with prostate cancer at the age of 60 His cancer was detected at an early stage because of regular checkups He went on to make a full recovery and in 2011 at 68 became a father for the sixth timeBesides women who had their first delivery after 30 years of age are regular smokers or have a family history of the diseases are more likely to get breast cancer An active sex life or multiple sexual partners puts women at risk for cervical cancer because itrsquos caused by the DNAaltering Human Papillomavirus HPV most of which transmit through sexual contactWhy early detection always helps Dr Goel says that simple measures like a regular health checkup and early detection of symptoms if any can go a long way in preventing a disease ldquoFor example mammograms can detect breast cancer in women two years prior to the appearance of physical symptomsrdquo she says Also smoking cessation and curtailing the intake of alcohol can go a long way in preventing the onslaught of these illnesses she advises Dr Rishma Dhillon PaiDr Rishma Dhillon Pai gynaecologist and author of Fit at 40 writes in her book that though screening for ovarian cancer is possible through a pelvic exam it is usually advanced by the time the signs are visible by a pelvic exam But still she advises a pelvic exam to be a part of womenrsquos routine checkups and to visit a doctor if symptoms like lower abdominal pain feeling like urinating all the time pelvic pain back pain swelling of the abdomen continue longer A pap smear cytology of the cervix reduces cervical cancer incidence and mortality Dr Amrapali PatilHowever there are methods available to detect precancerous changes in prostate cervix and breasts which if not treated can lead to cancer says Dr Amrapali Patil weight management expert and founder Trim N Tone Dr Patil advises women post 40 to undergo mammography at least every two years She also suggests that women should physically examine their breasts regularly for any lumps changes in breasts or their size or get it physically examined from their doctorldquoA pap smear cytology test of the cervix reduces cervical cancer incidence and mortality Pap is more frequently and successfully used to screen cervical cancerrdquo she adds A research report by The American Society of Cancer suggests that women begin with pap tests every three years after 30 and every five years for those above 50 It suggests a physical breast examination every year when women touch 40Men and the big lsquoCrsquo Prostate cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer deaths among men Though Indian men are at a lower risk when it comes to prostate cancer they are not safe from it And as with other cancers early detection helps immenselyDr Patil advises men to opt for prostate examinations at least once when they enter their 40s ldquoThe tests for prostate cancer include digital rectal exam and Prostate Specific Antigen PSA test which measure the level of PSA in the blood Levels are higher in men who have prostate cancer or other afflictions of the prostaterdquo she addsSurprising as it might sound men are also likely to get breast cancer the most common being Gynecomastia The symptoms usually include increase in sensation around the breasts growth in size or formation of lumpsTests to sign up for 3 mustdo tests when you turn 40 Therersquos no hard and fast rule that if you do something you wonrsquot ever fall sick but regular checkups come very handy when it comes to diagnosing certain lifethreatening diseases We asked some of our doctors onboard to prepare a list of tests that should be done once you turn 40 as the sooner you start treatment the better are your survival chancesWomen gt Breast physical examination and mammogram for breast cancer Every three years after 40 gt Pap Smear Test Especially if you are sexually active It helps in detecting cervical cancerif present gt Pelvic exam This is one of the few tests which help diagnose ovarian cancerMen gt Colonrectal cancer screening stool test sigmoidoscopy colonoscopy gt Prostate Specific Antigen Test screening for prostate cancer gtTesticular exam during every physical examTests for men and women gt Blood sugar screening fasting as well as postmeal This is to rule out diabetes gt Comprehensive eye tests to rule out glaucoma presbyopia etc gt Cholesterol profile screening for any heart condition gt Body composition analysis to keep body weight fat percentage visceral fat Body Mass Index BMI in check gt Dental checkup gt Blood pressure screening this might increase with age It can be lowered with the help of diet exercise and medications Lose weight if overweight or obese gt Colorectal cancer screening gt Bone mineral density test for Osteoporosis screening gt Immunisation status Check with your doctor for your immunisation status You might need booster shots of tetanus or flu vaccine or pneumococcal vaccine or hepatitis vaccine