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Health tips
Short, plain facts about cancer checks, food, warning signs and care, each from an official source. Information only, not medical advice.
What to test (screening)
Cervical cancer: a simple test can find it early
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in Indian women. It can be found before it causes any trouble.
Breast cancer: know your normal
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Indian women. Found early, it is easier to treat.
Mouth cancer: a 2-minute check with a mirror
Mouth cancer is very common in India, mostly because of tobacco and supari. It often starts as a small patch.
Bowel cancer: tests that can find it early
Bowel (colon and rectal) cancer can often be found early with simple tests.
Lung cancer: who should ask about a scan
Smoking causes most lung cancers. For long-time smokers, a special scan can find it early.
Free cancer checks near you
Government health centres check people aged 30 and above for mouth, breast and cervical cancer.
National Cancer Awareness Day: get checked early
Today, 7 November, India marks National Cancer Awareness Day.
Cervical cancer can be stopped
On 17 November, WHO marks the day of action to end cervical cancer.
What to eat
A plate that lowers cancer risk
No single food prevents cancer. But everyday eating habits make a real difference.
Tobacco, supari and alcohol: the facts
These are among the biggest causes of cancer in India.
Eating well during cancer treatment
Good food helps the body cope with treatment. Small changes help.
Safe food when immunity is low
Chemotherapy can weaken the body's defences. Food germs can then cause serious illness.
Mouth sores or nausea? Food that is easier
Treatment can make eating hard. These tips help many people.
Move more, lower your risk
Being active and keeping a healthy weight lowers the risk of many cancers.
Herbal medicines and supplements: tell your doctor
Many families try home remedies alongside treatment. Some can cause harm.
Know the signs
Body signs you should not ignore
Most of these are not cancer. But if they last more than 2 to 3 weeks, see a doctor.
Mouth cancer: early signs
Caught early, mouth cancer is much easier to treat.
Breast changes to show a doctor
Most breast lumps are not cancer. Every change should still be checked.
Women's cancers: signs to talk about
Many women feel shy about these signs. A doctor sees them every day.
Blood cancers: signs that are easy to miss
Leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma can start with signs that look like everyday illness.
Cancer in children: signs parents should know
Childhood cancer is rare, and many children are treated successfully when it is found early.
World Cancer Day: know the signs, get checked
Today, 4 February, is World Cancer Day.
Myth or fact
Myth: cancer spreads by touch
Fact: you cannot catch cancer from another person.
Myth: a biopsy makes cancer spread
Fact: a biopsy is safe and is needed to plan the right treatment.
Myth: eating sugar makes cancer grow faster
Fact: stopping sugar does not shrink cancer.
Myth: only smokers get lung cancer
Fact: people who never smoked can get lung cancer too.
Myth: cancer always means death
Fact: many cancers can be treated well, especially when found early.
Myth: home remedies can replace cancer treatment
Fact: no herb, diet or home remedy has been shown to treat cancer on its own.
Myth: no cancer in my family means I am safe
Fact: most cancers are not passed down in families.
World Hepatitis Day: protect your liver
Long-term hepatitis B and C infections are major causes of liver cancer.
During treatment
Fever during chemotherapy is an emergency
Chemotherapy can lower the cells that fight infection. A fever can then become serious fast.
Prevent infections during treatment
Simple habits protect a person whose immunity is low.
Feeling tired all the time during treatment
Tiredness (fatigue) is one of the most common side effects. It is real, and it can be eased.
Caring for someone with cancer
Caregivers carry a lot. Looking after yourself helps the person you care for.
Questions to ask your cancer doctor
It is your right to understand your illness and treatment. Take this list with you.
Worry and sadness during cancer are normal
Feeling scared, angry or low is common for patients and families. Help is available.
Trials explained
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a careful study that tests a new treatment, test or way of care in people.
Trial phases in simple words
A new treatment is tested step by step. Each step is called a phase.
Your rights in a clinical trial in India
Indian law protects people who take part in clinical trials.
Will I get a sugar pill instead of treatment?
This is a common worry about cancer trials.
How to find a cancer trial in India
MyCancerTrials lists trials that are taking patients, in plain words. It is free.
Help and rights
Ayushman Bharat can pay for cancer treatment
PM-JAY gives eligible families health cover for hospital treatment, including cancer care.
Free help to quit tobacco
Quitting tobacco is hard, but help is free and it works better than trying alone.
Going to a cancer hospital? What to carry
Being prepared saves time and repeat tests.
Free mental health help for patients and families
Cancer affects the mind as well as the body. Talking helps.