WHEN CHILDREN BECOME THE VICTIM OF THE 'CANCER DEVIL'

                                               

We’ve all watched movies where the hero fights the bad guys dodging various obstacles, encountering odds and fighting valiantly to come out victorious in the end.

The bad guy here is ‘Cancer’ and the hero is a little naïve child.

When a child or teen is diagnosed with cancer it comes like a blow to the parents, siblings, and others who love them. The cancer creates a crisis in the normal life of each family member. But just like our movies, it is our responsibility to handle obstacles sportingly and try to emerge out as heroes in the life of our children.

The types of cancers that occur most often in a child are different from those seen in adults. The most common cancers of children are:

• Leukemia - cancers of the blood and bone marrow account for about 30% of all cancers in children. These can cause bone and joint pain, fatigue, pale skin, bleeding, weight loss and fever.
• Brain and Central Nervous System tumors- constitute about 26% of childhood cancers. Most brain tumors in children initiate in the cerebellum. They can cause nausea,headaches, vomiting, blurred vision and dizziness.
• Bone cancer- Osteosarcoma is common in teens, and usually develops near the ends of the long bones in arms or legs. Ewing sarcoma is another type of bone cancer occurring in the pelvic bones, the chest wall or in the middle of the long leg bones.
• Lymphoma -These cancers start in the lymphocytes. They grow in lymph nodes and other lymph tissues, like the tonsils. Lymphomas can cause fever, weight loss, sweats, tiredness and lumps.
• Neurolastoma- starts in early forms of nerve cells found in a fetus and constitute for about 6% of childhood cancer.This tumor starts usually in the belly and can be noticed as a swelling.
•  Nephroblastoma accounts for roughly 5% of childhood cancers. It starts in one or both kidneys. It is most often found in children of the age group of 3- 4 years.
• Retinoblastoma- is a cancer of the eye and makes up for about 2% of childhood cancers. It normally occurs in children around the age of 2.

The family of a child diagnosed with cancer goes through a potpourri of mental turbulence. All parents seem to feel shock,fear, guilt, sadness, anger and anxiety. To add to the stress, parents feel like they are on an emotional roller coaster ride. The daily psychological, physical, financial and mental frustration of dealing with a complex health care system, new places, and many different care providers can also enhance disturbance and anger. 

                                          

There are various methods which parents should adopt while dealing with such a situation:

• Remembering that feelings of panic and shock will pass with time.
• The disbelief and denial that strikes at first can help buffer feelings of agony and stress. Some denial is perfectly normal and not harmful unless it keeps a child from getting the proper timely treatment.
• Having a thorough check of the reputation of the medical center and qualifications of the treatment team.
• Asking for help and getting a second opinion if necessary and reviewing the information.
• Talking with a team social workers working to fight cancer, about their feelings.
• Seeking comfort from family members or friends. Understandably, when unhappy,parents may want to avoid taking part in social activities. But having a break and being distracted from the cancer and its treatment will do everyone good.
• Seeking spiritual support, getting guidance from pastors, using prayer and meditation as a means of stress reliever.

Parents need to take cancer up as a challenge and help their children realize that they will always fight the battle together. Innocent as they are, children need to be properly explained about the disease, its effects and treatments. Different age groups require diverse methods of care and methods of understanding these complexities.

                           

Ages 0 to 3–Are not capable of understanding the term ‘cancer’ and are most afraid that the hospital staff will take them away from their parents and are deathly scared of medical treatments. Parents need to assure them that they will not abandon them.

Ages 3 to 7 - Can understand if the term ‘cancer’is explained in simple terms. Being honest with the child about the various tests , medicines and treatments helps. Also, it must be explained that the doctors are treating them to help make them better.

Ages 7 to 12 - can understand a more detailed explanation of cancer. It is best to be honest with them about pain likely from tests and treatments. Kids at this age tend to hear about information regarding cancer from other sources, such as school, TV, and the Internet. It will help, if the parents and children discuss it together instead of letting the poor kid engulf himself in a shadow of doubts and delusions.

Teenagers–are capable of understanding about a detailed and complex explanation of cancer and may have many related questions. They are likely to think about their cancer in terms of its symptoms and the effect it will have in daily activities, such as friends, school and sports.Teens also may have access to various other sources of information so they may want to play a role in making considerable decisions about their treatment. It is in the best interest to talk honestly with them about the possible side effects.

  

                                           

A brief, single conversation between the parent and child probably won't be enough. Having frequent discussions will help to keep the lines of communication open. Parents should try to be honest and encourage children to inquire about their doubts. Sharing feelings with children gives them support and the faith that their parents were, are and will always be the strongest pillars of their lives.

Cancer can come as a turbulent storm in our peaceful life but we need to stand steadfast in the face of difficulty and show the demon that we will not be deterred by it. 

                    

Yoddhas we are and as Yoddhas we shall fight!

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Author- Ivy Sinha
(Yoddhas Ambassador)

CANCER MYTHS DEBUNKED

In today's so called 4g generation ‘Jo gol nahi hai', to every question however weird it may seem, internet is awashed with answers. But when it comes to healthcare the information is either outdated, not upto the mark or even worse misleading and far from authentic. When we talk about issues like cancer, which is one of the most dreaded word, it's important to break myths which are rooted in old theories and communication is the most important aspect to remove the cancer related stigma.
 So below are most prevalent 8 myths about cancer busted:

1. Cancer- a death sentence

Truth: Death is inevitable- don't we all know that? But hey! Cancer=death is not necessary. Today, medical science has come a long way and so has treatment of cancer. It definitely depends upon individual patient's lifestyle and other factors like stage and type of cancer but quality of life of cancer patients has improved.

2. Having sugar will worsen your cancer

Truth: Ok, let us get that straight, there is no scientific evidence that if you have cancer, eating sugar is going to harm you in anyway. Of Course, you are what you eat and it does affect your cancer risk but, eliminating all types of sugar(including natural sugars in fruits) will harm normal cells because they too require glucose to function and no, your not eating sugar will not shrink or affect your tumor anyway. So no need to ditch that sweet tooth yet! But having said above, one should reduce sugar in the diet.

3. Cancer is contagious

Truth: No! It's NOT contagious. You can't “catch” cancer from someone suffering from it by any sort of physical contact with them or breathing in the same air or sharing meals with them, except in rare cases of organ transplant wherein the donor has a history of cancer.

4. Cancer is hereditary

Truth: Research says only 5-10% of cancers can be inherited so it's not necessary if you have a family history of cancer you will suffer from it too and also it does not mean if you do not have a family history of cancer you will not suffer from it.

5. Only females suffer from breast cancer

Truth: Albeit, women are more likely to suffer from breast cancer that does not mean men can't suffer from it. Males too have breast tissue and they also suffer from breast cancer but breasts in males are not developed due to different hormones in males and females so chances are less.

6. Use of antiperspirants/deodorants causes breast cancer

Truth: According to scientific studies so far, no relation has been found between use of antiperspirants/deo and changes in cells of breast.

7. All cancers are same/cancer patients receive same kind of treatments

Truth: FALSE! There are over 100 types of cancer discovered and even if the cancer is of same type the treatments are tailored specifically for each patients depending upon location, stage and genes of individual patients. We all are different, right?

8. Cancer is extremely painful

Truth: Now that may sound true but no, not all people with cancer experience pain. It may be a side effect or symptom of cancer but it can be treated with certain medications and now a days there is a special type of care unit known as the palliative care which relieves side effects and symptoms of cancer.
So! Cancer does not necessarily have to be painful.

9. Cancer causes hair loss.

                                               

Truth: Cancer  does not causes hair loss but its treatment does . Yes, you heard it right. Chemo drugs are powerful medicines which kills rapidly growing cells which are present in our body. 
                                            

Unfortunately, they cannot differentiate between the good cells and the bad cells so in this process they end up killing the good cells too which includes the one which are responsible for our hair growth. 

These were some of the most common myths about cancer but there are many more myths which need to be taken care of!

 What to do?

First, and the foremost stop consulting Dr Google because Hey! Half knowledge is even dangerous than ignorance. There are many websites which lack credential information and are misleading. So it's better to take help from healthcare specialists and authentic sources. Lastly, stay positive and smile often!

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Author- Arundhati Sitoke

THE IDEAL DIET FOR CANCER PATIENTS

An ideal diet plan can be the key to any treatment. A well planned diet is very important as the treatments often result in side-effects like nausea and the taste changes leading to a loss of appetite. So, the choice food should be suitable to the body and should not cause any adverse effects. One should not have too many dietary restrictions.

A good diet for a cancer patient contains a mix of vegetables and meat with lot of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals. They should strictly avoidextremely sweet and oily foods.

Ideal cooking methods for them should be steaming, boiling, and stir-frying. Don’t do any deep frying, grilling, barbequing and baking items.

A balanced diet should be of

·        1. Proteins (which helps to build tissues, prevents infection, heal wounds and helps to maintain a healthy immune system);

·        2. Carbohydrates and Fats (helps in gaining energy - removes weakness);

·        3. Vitamins and Minerals (helps for proper growth, body functioning) and;

·        4. Have plenty of Water and Liquids to avoid dehydration.

Foods to Include In Your Diet:

These are some of the food which should be included in the diet of patients and help them overcome the pain with a strong body.

Proteins:

• Lean meat, fish, poultry, and eggs.

• Dairy products, nuts, dried beans, dhal and chickpeas.

• Fish and soy(especially for prostate cancer).

   

Carbohydrates: 

• Rice, chapatti, wholegrain bread,healthy pasta and noodles.

• Potatoes, oats, wholegrain crackers,corn, beansand dairy products.

• Honey (should be consumed in limited quantity so that its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties will possibly help in preventing infections).

   

  

Vegetables:

• Carrots, peas, tomatoes, pumpkin and turnips (vitamins and fibre).

• Parsley (especially good for prostate cancer), tomatoes and tomato puree.

• Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage contain certain chemicals that will help to convert bad oestrogen into good oestrogen, and hence diminish cancer risk as well as the risk of deterioration.

• Asparagus and Brussels sprouts for detoxification.

• Bitter gourd (helps in lowering the blood sugar levels).

• Green leafy vegetables (calcium and iron).

   

Fruits:

• Oranges (vitamin C).

• Bananas, mangoes, kiwi, peaches, pears and strawberries (vitamins and fibre).

• Guava, apricots,avocadoes, figs, prunes and raisins (helps in regaining energy).

    

   

Foods to avoid:

• Grilled, barbequed, deep fried, baked meats (since exposing animal protein to high heat creates carcinogenic by-products called heterocyclic amines and causes damage to system).

• Excessive consumption of sugar, saltand extreme oily foods.

• Red meat and processed meats such as ham, sausages, bacon.

• Preserved foods like pickles, kiamchye (salted mustard green), jams and century eggs (contains nitrites which are carcinogenic).

• Minimise alcohol consumption.

   

Furthermore, patients must avoid unbalancedconsumption of vitamin supplementsas they act as antioxidants and may hinder with chemotherapy treatment when taken in large doses.

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
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Author- Yamini Koneti

Giloy herb: A possible cancer cure!

Tinosporacordifolia, which is known by the common names Heart-leaved Moonseed, Guduchi and Giloy in the tropical areas of India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

Giloy is one of the most important herbs to exist in Ayurveda. It is also known as Indian Tinospora or (Giloya/Guduchi) in Hindi. It is used for a variety of purposes, especially when it comes to treating diseases. “Guduchi” is known for its immense application in the treatment of various diseases in the traditional ayurvedic literature .Giloy is anti-arthritic, anti periodic, anti pyretic , digestive, anti inflammatory , blood purifier and has number of uses.

Giloyis very helpful in building up the immune system and the body's defense against infecting organisms. In a scientific study conducted using human WBC (white blood corpuscles), the Ayurvedic herb helps in enhancing the killing ability of macrophages (the resistant cells which are responsible for fighting foreign bodies as well as microorganisms).

How Giloy Is Used Along With Several Diseases?

There are a lot of researches going on Giloyworldwide because of its healing properties and benefits in healthcare. The Giloy creeper which grows on Neem tree is said to posses more medicinal values than growing on its own because Neem itself being bitter in taste and having excellent blood cleansing properties, it enhances the efficacy of Giloy in Cancer and other blood disorders.

 Important Uses of Giloy and Benefits of Tinosporacordifolia:

1. The stem juice or stem powder of the twine is used for many types of Cancers. It is known as immuno-modulatory herb. It helps the immune system to understand the cancer cells and control them. Giloysatv or the herbal extract of tinosporacordifolia is also used.

2. The cancer responds very well to Guduchi powder or GuduchiSatva. The latest research of GiloySatva on Cancer proved that the effects were similar or better than the modern chemotherapy drug – doxrubicin.

Other uses of guduchiare :

1. Cancers

2. Arthritis

3. Gout

4. Inflammatory conditions

5. Fevers of Unknown origin, chronic fevers, low grade fevers, unexplained weakness and tiredness 6. Liver diseases – liver cancer, hepatitis,jaundice

7. Skin diseases­ very effective in Psoriasis, Eczema,Ringworm, Lichen planus, acne,

8. Auto­immune disorders – Nephrotic syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis

9. Low Immunity – Blood cancers,Malignant tumors, low immunity conditions.
10. Blood pressure

11. Giloy can be used along with castor oil to relieve gout.
12. It can be used along with ginger to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
13. Giloy is used with sugar to treat skin and liver related diseases.
14. It is also used with ghee to treat arthritis.
15. Giloy is used with jaggery for treating constipation.

1.Blood Cancer:

Consuming a concoction prepared by blending an aloe Vera leaf with wheatgrass and Giloy stem proves effective in the treatment of blood cancer and reduces the painful side effects of chemotherapy.

2. Boosts Immunity:

Giloy has ability to boost immunity. It acts as a rejuvenating agent too. Giloy contains antioxidant properties that improve health and fight dangerous diseases. Giloy also removes toxins from both the kidneys and the liver and makes sure to flush out free radicals. In addition to all this, Giloy even fights bacteria that cause disease and also combats liver diseases and urinary tract infections.

3. Treats Chronic Fever:

Another benefit of Giloy is that it treats chronic fever and diseases. Since it is anti-pyretic in nature, it can reduce signs and symptoms of several life threatening conditions. It increases the count of your blood platelets and alleviates symptoms of dengue fever as well

4. Boosts Digestion:

Giloy can also take care of your digestive system. This Giloy herb is popularly known for treating ailments of several kinds. In fact, you can use this simple remedy at home in order to maximize the results. Take half a gram of Giloy powder along with some amla regularly. Giloy juice can also be taken along with buttermilk in order to maximize the results. This remedy can be used for patients suffering from piles as well. Giloy relaxes the mind and prevents indigestion

5. Diabetes:

If you suffer from diabetes, Giloy would definitely be effective for you. Giloy acts as a hypoglycaemic agent. It can lower the levels of blood pressure and lipids. This makes it very easy to treat type 2 diabetes. Diabetic patients can also take Giloy juice in order to reduce high levels of blood sugar.

6. Herb:

Giloycan reduce both mental stress as well as anxiety. Giloy is often combined with other herbs to make an excellent health tonic. It will boost memory and help you pay attention at work . It can clear all brain toxins too. Giloy has often been called an anti-aging herb.

7. Asthma:

Asthma causes chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing etc. It is very difficult to treat such a condition. Giloyhas often been used by experts to treat asthma patients.

8. Gouty Arthritis:

Giloycontains anti-flammatory as well as anti-arthritic properties that take care of arthritis and its several symptoms, including joint pains.

9. Eye Disorders:

Giloy can also be used to treat eye disorders. It boosts clarity and helps you see better without spectacles. In some parts of India, people do apply Giloy to the eyes. Just boil some of it in water, let it cool down and apply all over the eye lid.

11. Reduces Signs Of Aging:

Giloy can also be used to treat signs of aging. It contains anti-aging properties that reduce dark spots, pimples, fine lines and wrinkles. It keeps your skin bright, young and beautiful.

Is Giloy Safe For Kids?

Giloy is safe for children who are aged five years and above. However, doses shouldn’t be given for more than one to two weeks.

Giloy in Cancer treatment:

This wonderful Ayurvedic herb helps in raising the efficiency of protective WBC (white blood cells) and builds up the body's own protection mechanism known as immune system. It is used as an immunity booster in certain ailments like jaundice, hepatic fibrosis and seasonal fevers. Giloy has proved very effective in preventing fibrous changes and promoting regeneration of the liver. It is a very good and helpful diuretic agent that helps removing renal stones and reducing urea from the blood. Giloy has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, and anti-allergic actions.

Causes of cancer and Treatment Prevention of Cancer with Giloy:

Cancer starts with the damage in your DNA. DNA tells your cells how to grow and divide. Normal cells also suffer damage in their DNA but either they are able to repair themselves or they die. But there are certain damages that cannot be repaired. This causes the cells to grow and such cells become cancerous. The mutations also increase the life of the affected cells and they live beyond their normal life span. This causes the accumulation of the cancerous cells.

Many studies have now established that about 80 to 90 percent of cancer in humans is caused due to environmental factors. Some of the important factors contributing to cancer are smoking, infectious diseases, diet, chemicals and presence of radiation near the places of our residence or work.

 Giloy is an Indian herb which has been used since ages by the masters of Ayurveda for the treatment of various diseases including cancer. It is said to increase the life of the human beings by preventing the body from many disease. It is antihelminthic, anti periodic, anti arthritic, blood purifier, anti pyretic, digestive, carminative and expectorant. It gives strength to the heart and is an excellent diuretic. 

Recent studies have confirmed that the fresh juice of the plant is very beneficial in the treatment and prevention of cancer. The important chemical compounds found in the plant are tinosporin, palmarin, tinosporon, tinosporol, perberillin, berberine and heptaconsoltinosporic acid. The fresh stem bark contains giloinin, giloin and gilosterol. But recently phenolic lignin and hypoglycemia agent have also been isolated from the plant. The above bio active phytochemicals have been found to have ability to prevent various diseases including cancer and other immunological disorders.

Based on the historical evidence of the use of Giloy or Tinospora in the treatment of various diseases including cancer and in the light of the recent researches many studies have been done to verify the claim that the fresh plant juice cures and prevents cancer including the liver cancer.

Though more scientific studies are required but the studies so far have revealed the anti cancer and radio protective activities of the herb. The encouraging results only support the wisdom of the ancient masters of Ayurveda. 

It is used in cancer prevention, cancer treatment support, high cholesterol and liver protection. It is used as strong anti-aging factor. It has been used to treat convalescence from severe illness, arthritis, food allergies and anemia. According to some herbalists, Tinospora has adaptogen effects, a term that indicates it helps the body to adopt to stress. In children it is used in general debility, digestive disturbance, loss of appetite and fever.Giloy is popular for its role in cancer and even many trials are going on for its immunomodulatory capacity in treatment of AIDS patients.

How to use Giloy in Cancer­:

Taking 500 mg to 1000 mg dosage, twice daily in case of cancers. In case of blood impurities, skin diseases, gout, the dosage can be 500 mg twice daily Buy 200 gram Giloy sat and make 400 equal dosages and wrap them in paper to make sachets. Each sachet will contain about 500 mg powder. Consume 1 sachet twice daily or 2 sachets twice daily.

In recent years many Indian herbs that have been used since long for various medicinal purposes, have received considerable attention and various scientific studies have been made on them. These medicinal herbal plants contain many phytochemicals like vitamins, terpenoids, carotenoids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, enzyms and minerals etc. All these phytochemicals have antioxidant properties which help in the treatment of many diseases including cancer.

Giloy is one such medicinal plant which helps in the treatment of cancer, perhaps the most important genetic diseases.

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 

Lastly,

Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!

Cheers!

Author- Akshay Shaligram

5 REASONS THAT CURB PEOPLE TO TALK ABOUT CANCER AND 5 TIPS TO OVERCOME THEM!

Every 1 in 10 cancer patients feel reluctant in talking about cancer and related symptoms which can be stern most of the time. Here are reason and tips so that there is a good way to bring in confidence and be the one you want to be!

       WHY NOT TALKING ABOUT CANCER? 

• People expect that they are never getting this disease 

Most of the people in the world think that they are the last ones to procure this disease.  In the gender category of men, almost a quarter of men have never told to their relative or a friend about the cancer in them 

• The word Cancer is believed to be a ‘Taboo’

Even in the 21^st century taboo still exists and one of taboos would be cancer (which is a myth) and when they are diagnosed with the disease, they tend to freak out because they think they are ‘unclean’.

• It is my body and what happens to it is my business

      This attitude might bring in the selfish element whereas in reality it results in depression. There is a no-use-talking-to-anyone feeling that gives birth in some people because everyone around them seems useless to them.

• Fear of being isolated

      Most of the cancer patients do not talk to others about cancer because they fear that they would never be understood instead be judged.     
  

• Fear of posing as a sympathy figure in the society

There is always a fear that they would be figured as a sympathy symbol and that he or she will not be able to lead a normal life ahead.

WHY IS THERE A NEED TO TALK ABOUT CANCER?

1.       None of us are immune to cancer

There wouldn’t be anyone who is completely immune to the disease and accepting that fact would bring a confidence and positivity.

2.       Talk about it and the taboo will be diluted

Only by opening up a dialogue can the taboo surrounding it be diluted and can get more people will feel like talking more about and be aware of those facts.

3.       Everyone will help you, just give it a try!

Talk to the people who you trust and believe in (can also be someone who is in the same state) .

4.       Need not always be a hero

Even when people look up to you as a hero, there can be times when you have to remove the mask of being a hero and let your feelings flow. Be who you are because sometimes we all need a support and be proud to accept it!

5.       Ignorance is never bliss!

Ignoring symptoms will not help you in any way; it can only push you down. Talk about symptoms and how you feel every day.

Silence always comes in with fear and being a hero is not to be silent but talking about it and bringing up a change. It doesn’t matter if you don’t talk…..but imagine if your one talk can make even a small difference…..it will even save a life…BE THE CHANGE!

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 

Lastly,

Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!

Cheers!

Author: Shruti Manmadhan Nair                                         Co-authored by Rahul Yadav