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Published on: Jul 16, 2021
3 minute read
By: Cancer Second Opinion Expert

The Most Common Cancer Questions

The Most Common Cancer questions. Who gets cancer? Cancer can happen to Anyone, although the risk goes up with age. Your individual risk depends on factors such as whether you smoke, lifestyle choices such as what you eat and how much you exercise, your family history of cancer, and factors in your workplace and environment. How does cancer start in the first place? Our body is made up of many different types of cells. Under normal conditions, cells grow, divide, become old, and die. Then, in most cases, they’re replaced by new cells. But sometimes cells mutate grow out of control, and form a mass, or tumor, instead of dying. Tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Cancerous tumors can attack and kill your body’s tissues. They can also spread to other parts of the body, causing new tumors to form there. This process is called metastasis and it represents cancer that has advanced to a late stage. Is cancer genetic? Yes, Cancer is, in fact, a genetic disease. This is because cancer is caused by mutations or changes to genes that control the way our cells function, causing them to behave irregularly. These mutations can be inherited, as they are in about 5-10 percent of all cancer cases, but it’s much more likely that these gene changes occur during a person’s lifetime due to other factors besides genetics. When someone has a known family history of hereditary cancer, genetic testing is often recommended. Is cancer contagious? · No. Cancer isn’t like the flu or a cold. You can’t catch cancer from someone who has the disease. Is there a vaccine for cancer? Currently, there is no vaccine for cancer. But there are vaccines for some viruses that are known to cause cancer, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B. HPV can cause cancer, and getting vaccinated against it can help protect against the types of HPV that can lead to cervical, anal, throat, and penile cancers, along with some other forms of cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against many strains of the virus that can cause these cancers. The same is true for infection with the hepatitis B virus, which has been linked to liver cancer. Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B can reduce your risk of getting liver cancer. But just like the HPV vaccine, the hepatitis B vaccine doesn’t protect against liver cancer itself. It only protects against the virus that might lead to liver cancer. Can cancer be cured? Yes. When cancer treatment appears to be working, your doctor might say the cancer is in remission. A partial remission occurs when cancer shrinks but doesn’t disappear. Complete remission means there is no longer any sign of cancer. The longer cancer is in complete remission, the less likely it is to come back, and at some point, your doctor might say cancer has been cured. What are the stages of cancer, and what do they mean? Cancer typically has four stages: I through IV (1 through 4). Some cancers even have a stage 0 (zero). Here’s what these stages mean: Stage 0: This stage means the cancer is still found in the place it started and hasn’t spread to nearby tissues. Stage 0 cancers are often curable. Stage I: This stage usually represents a small tumor or cancer that hasn’t grown deeply into nearby tissues. It’s sometimes called early-stage cancer. Stages II and III: Usually these stages represent larger cancers or tumors that have grown more deeply into nearby tissues. They also may have spread to lymph nodes. However, they haven’t spread to other organs or parts of the body. • Stage IV: Cancer in this stage has spread to other organs or parts of the body. It may be referred to as metastatic or advanced cancer. Does cancer have symptoms? Some general signs and symptoms of cancer can include: • Unexplained weight loss • Fever • Fatigue • Pain • Skin changes • Bowel habit or bladder function changes • Sores that don’t heal • Unusual bleeding or discharge • A thickening or lumps in a part of the body, such as a breast • Indigestion or trouble swallowing • A recent change in a wart or mole • A nagging cough or hoarseness · How do cancer drugs work? · Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. But chemotherapy drugs can also harm healthy cells, leading to treatment side effects. Newer drugs, called targeted drugs, block genes or proteins found in the cancer cells. Targeted therapy usually causes less harm to healthy cells, but it still has side effects. Immunotherapy uses hormones and other drugs that work with your immune system to treat cancer. When should I get tested for cancer? Recommendations for the types of screening tests and the ages you should get them vary according to cancer type. So, it’s a good idea to have a conversation with your doctor about what type of test you might need and when. (https://www.secondmedic.com)

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Sleep Disorder Treatment: Effective Ways to Restore Healthy Sleep

Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for physical restoration, mental clarity and emotional balance. Despite its importance, sleep disorders are increasingly common across all age groups. Millions of people struggle with poor sleep quality, difficulty falling asleep or frequent nighttime awakenings, often without seeking help.

Effective sleep disorder treatment plays a critical role in restoring healthy sleep patterns and preventing long-term health complications.

Understanding Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are conditions that disrupt normal sleep patterns, affecting the ability to fall asleep, stay asleep or achieve restorative sleep. They can be short-term or chronic and may occur due to lifestyle factors, medical conditions or psychological stress.

According to global and Indian health data, sleep disorders are underdiagnosed despite their strong association with chronic diseases.

Common Types of Sleep Disorders

Insomnia

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder.

It involves:

difficulty falling asleep
frequent awakenings
early morning waking
non-restorative sleep

Chronic insomnia significantly affects daily functioning.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep.

Symptoms include:

loud snoring
daytime sleepiness
morning headaches

Untreated sleep apnea increases cardiovascular risk.

Restless Leg Syndrome

This condition causes uncomfortable leg sensations and an urge to move the legs, especially at night.

It disrupts sleep continuity and quality.

Circadian Rhythm Disorders

These occur when the body’s internal clock is misaligned with daily schedules, common in shift workers and frequent travellers.

Why Sleep Disorders Should Not Be Ignored

Chronic sleep problems increase the risk of:

heart disease
hypertension
diabetes
obesity
depression and anxiety
reduced immunity

Poor sleep affects both physical and mental health.

Causes of Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders often result from multiple factors, including:

chronic stress
irregular sleep schedules
excessive screen exposure
caffeine or alcohol use
medical conditions
mental health disorders

Identifying root causes is essential for effective treatment.

Diagnosis of Sleep Disorders

Diagnosis involves:

detailed sleep history
lifestyle assessment
medical evaluation
sleep studies in selected cases

Accurate diagnosis guides appropriate treatment.

Sleep Disorder Treatment Approaches

Behavioural and Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a highly effective non-drug treatment.

It focuses on:

correcting sleep-related thoughts
improving sleep routines
reducing anxiety around sleep

CBT-I is recommended as first-line treatment for chronic insomnia.

Lifestyle and Sleep Hygiene Measures

Good sleep hygiene includes:

maintaining regular sleep timings
limiting screen exposure before bedtime
creating a comfortable sleep environment
avoiding heavy meals late at night

These measures support natural sleep regulation.

Medical Management

Medications may be used:

short-term for severe symptoms
under medical supervision

Medication is often combined with behavioural therapy rather than used alone.

Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Management may include:

weight management
positional therapy
continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices
treating underlying conditions

Early treatment reduces cardiovascular risk.

Role of Mental Health in Sleep Disorders

Sleep and mental health are closely connected.

Conditions such as anxiety and depression:

disrupt sleep architecture
worsen insomnia
require integrated treatment

Addressing mental health improves sleep outcomes.

Importance of Consistency in Treatment

Sleep disorder treatment requires:

patience
consistency
follow-up

Improvement may take weeks, but sustained effort yields lasting results.

Preventing Sleep Disorders

Preventive strategies include:

stress management
physical activity
balanced nutrition
limiting stimulants
maintaining work-life balance

Prevention is more effective than treatment alone.

Impact of Technology on Sleep

Excessive screen use affects melatonin production and delays sleep onset.

Reducing nighttime screen exposure significantly improves sleep quality.

When to Seek Professional Help

Consult a healthcare provider if:

sleep problems persist beyond two weeks
daytime functioning is affected
snoring and breathing pauses are noticed
sleepiness interferes with safety

Early treatment prevents complications.

Long-Term Benefits of Treating Sleep Disorders

Effective sleep disorder treatment leads to:

improved energy and concentration
better mood and emotional stability
reduced chronic disease risk
enhanced quality of life

Healthy sleep supports overall wellbeing.

Conclusion

Sleep disorder treatment is essential for restoring physical health, mental clarity and emotional balance. While sleep problems are common, they are not normal or harmless. Insomnia, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders can be effectively managed through behavioural therapy, lifestyle changes and medical care when needed. Early recognition and consistent treatment not only improve sleep quality but also protect long-term health. Prioritising sleep is a powerful step toward a healthier and more productive life.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Sleep Health and Lifestyle Studies
World Health Organization (WHO) – Sleep and Mental Health Guidelines
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) – Sleep Disorders Research
Lancet Psychiatry – Sleep Disorders and Chronic Disease Risk
NITI Aayog – Mental Health and Preventive Healthcare Reports
Statista – Global Sleep Disorder Prevalence and Trends

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