Cancer is a diverse group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, invasion of adjacent cells and tissues, and destruction of healthy tissue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 7.4 million deaths (approximately 13% of all deaths). Global demographic projections estimate that there will be around 420 million new cases of cancer annually by 2025. Cancers are typically identified by the name of the organ or tissue affected, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, or blood cancer.
Carcinomas are the most common type of cancer, accounting for a significant proportion of all cancer cases. They affect the skin or tissues that cover internal organs, such as:
Additionally, papillomas and adenomas are also classified as carcinomas.
Sarcomas are cancers that form in bone and soft tissues, including muscle, fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, and fibrous tissues such as tendons and ligaments. Examples include:
Cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue, such as bone marrow, causes the production of large numbers of abnormal blood cells, which enter the bloodstream. These cancers do not form solid tumors but instead produce an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells in the blood and bone marrow, outnumbering normal blood cells.
Cancers affecting the cells of the immune system. In lymphoma, tumours develop in lymph nodes and lymph vessels,
- Poor diet
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Exposure to ionizing radiation
- Environmental pollutants
- Certain infections
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Helicobacter pylori
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Cigarette smoke
- Tobacco consumption
- Heavy metals in drinking water
- Contaminated foods
- Ionizing radiation
- Radon
- Ultraviolet rays
- Uranium
- Radiation from alpha, beta, gamma, and X-ray-emitting sources
-Asbestos
- Cadmium
- Benzene
- Vinyl chloride
- Nickel
- Benzidine
Infections caused by certain:
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Parasites
- Pathogens
Examples:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Hepatitis B and C
In Ayurveda, concepts like Granthi and Arbuda show similarities with cancer, as they both indicate unwanted tissue growth in the body. Similarly, symptoms of vrana (ulcers) resemble malignancy. According to Ayurveda, all diseases result from an imbalance of the three doshas (tridoshas). Ayurvedic texts explain that Arbuda arises from lifestyle errors, such as unhealthy food, poor hygiene, or poor behavior, or from physical trauma, leading to imbalances in Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. This results in injury to the inner skin layer and the formation of abnormal blood vessels.
Ashtanga Hridaya describes how excessive Mamsa dhatu formation can lead to various pathological conditions, including Alaganda, Gandamala, Arbuda, Granthi, and Adimamsa, all characterized by excessive tissue growth. Granthi is described as a round, hard, bulging swelling caused by Vata and Kapha aggravation, affecting muscular tissue, blood, and fatty tissues. Arbuda is described as a large, round, muscular, immovable, deeply rooted, and slowly growing swelling caused by dosha aggravation,
This stage describes cancer in situ, meaning "in place." Stage 0 cancers remain in their original location and have not spread to nearby tissues. This stage is often highly curable, typically treated by surgically removing the entire tumor.
Generally, these stages indicate larger cancers or tumors that have grown more deeply into nearby tissue. They may have also spread to lymph nodes but not to other parts of the body.
This stage typically involves a small cancer or tumor that has not deeply invaded nearby tissues. It has also not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. This is often referred to as early-stage cancer.
This stage indicates that the cancer has spread to other organs or parts of the body. It may also be referred to as advanced or metastatic cancer
A procedure in which a surgeon removes cancer cells from the body.
A type of cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
A type of treatment that modifies the immune system to fight against cancer.
A type of cancer treatment that targets the specific changes in cancer cells that prevent them from growing, dividing, and spreading.
A treatment that slows down or stops the growth of breast and prostate cancers that use hormones to grow.
A procedure that restores blood-forming stem cells in cancer patients who have had theirs destroyed by very high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
An approach that helps doctors select treatments that are most likely to help patients based on a genetic understanding of their disease.
A doctor examines the lump, noting its color, thickness, movability, location, and other characteristics.
Laboratory tests, such as urine and blood tests, help identify abnormalities that may indicate cancer. For example, an unusual number of white blood cells (WBCs) may suggest leukemia.
Various imaging tests are used to help diagnose cancer, including:
- Computerized Tomography (CT) scan
- Bone scan
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
- Ultrasound - X-ray
A sample of cells is collected and examined for abnormalities, helping to confirm the diagnosis, determine the type and severity of cancer, and guide treatment.
In Ayurveda, concepts like Granthi and Arbuda show similarities with cancer, as they both indicate unwanted tissue growth in the body. Similarly, symptoms of vrana (ulcers) resemble malignancy. According to Ayurveda, all diseases result from an imbalance of the three doshas (tridoshas). Ayurvedic texts explain that Arbuda arises from lifestyle errors, such as unhealthy food, poor hygiene, or poor behavior, or from physical trauma, leading to imbalances in Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. This results in injury to the inner skin layer and the formation of abnormal blood vessels.
Ashtanga Hridaya describes how excessive Mamsa dhatu formation can lead to various pathological conditions, including Alaganda, Gandamala, Arbuda, Granthi, and Adimamsa, all characterized by excessive tissue growth. Granthi is described as a round, hard, bulging swelling caused by Vata and Kapha aggravation, affecting muscular tissue, blood, and fatty tissues. Arbuda is described as a large, round, muscular, immovable, deeply rooted, and slowly growing swelling caused by dosha aggravation,
Fatty Tissue
Muscular Tissue
Blood
Cancer originates due to metabolic changes. Vata dosha is responsible for cell division, and its aggravation can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Meanwhile, suppressed Kapha dosha or the interaction between both doshas can also contribute to excessive cell growth. Aggravated Pitta dosha can result in the destruction of adjacent tissues. The spread of disease is facilitated by dhatus like rakta (blood).
Treating cancer with a single system of medicine is like fighting a battle with a single weapon. Ayurveda offers hope in treating cancer through its multidimensional treatment methods. Combining Ayurveda with existing treatment methods can open a new channel for a cure. Implementing preventive concepts of Ayurveda and encouraging people to take Ayurvedic treatment as a preventive measure can reduce the incidence of cancer in society and improve public health.
There is nothing ayurveda couldn’t offer you. From minor disease treatments to entire body rejuvenation, ayurveda has everything in it to keep your wellbeing.
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