Cancer, a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. 4th Feb World Cancer Day an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the largest and oldest international cancer organization dedicated to taking the lead in convening, capacity building and advocacy initiatives that unite the cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity, and integrate cancer control into the world health and development agenda. Why did this need arise?

Each year 10 million people die from cancer & according to experts; this number could rise to 13 million.

‘History is who we are and why we are the way we are’ – David Mccullough

Human history has witnessed a lot of changes and dramatic events. Necessity as we are all well aware is the mother of invention. This need led to the inventions of numerous things of which we are reaping the benefits & drawbacks. Those born with the silver spoon are directly experiencing these positive & negative while those who are not, are ruining their health by constantly running after these conveniences. At what point of time did the threat of cancer start to leave its footprints in human history.

Cancer-like diseases such as Arbuda & Granthi that are a type of inflammatory or non-inflammatory swelling, with their particular remedies mentioned in Ayurveda as well Siddha medicine. Cancer case reports from India began in the 17th century & began to rise ever since the 20th Century.  Coincidentally, in India the Tobacco plant was introduced around the 17th Century. As per the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research), tobacco related cancers account for 27% of cancer burden (2020) in India. This is just a small aspect of its rise.

             Just run through the list of probable causes of cancer. I am sure you must have noticed, these factors are the result of the evils of today’s, evolving society and its trends.

How can Ayurveda help us?

For starters, we can look towards Ayurveda to guide us to an ideal daily routine, diet, yoga, meditation etc. Nearly 30-40 % of cancer deaths due to unhealthy diet, obesity, lack of physical activity can be averted by following the three pillars of Ayurveda i.e. Ahar, Nidra and Brahmacharya.

 The therapeutic approach of Ayurveda is categorised into Prakriti-sthapani chikitsa (Health maintenance), Roganashani chikitsa (Disease cure), Rasayana chikitsa (Restoration of normal function) and Naishthiki chikitsa (spiritual approach).

Every moment our body is continuously generating new cells, but are they healthy? Panchkarma therapy works as detox & formulations like chyavanprash as Rasayan or rejuvenative therapy. This makes the new generating cells healthy as well as enhances your immunity.

Modern researchers have now proved anti-Cancer activity of many herbs. Not only this, but it is also effective in recovering from ailments and weakness from post-cancer therapy and treatment. When you think of Ayurveda just imagine, Mary Poppins bag, everything you need is in here. So, an integrated approach will definitely aid in tackling the threat of Cancer.

References:

            1.      https://www.worldcancerday.org/

            2.      http://ccras.nic.in/sites/default/files/viewpdf/faq/CANCER.pdf

        Article By: Dr.Madhuri Bhogan (MD Ayurveda)