Cancer is one of the most talked-about health issues today, but many people still don’t fully understand what it really is. This article aims to explain cancer in the simplest way, while also giving you a glimpse of how Ayurveda looks at this disease.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a condition where certain cells in the body grow uncontrollably. Normally, our body cells grow, divide, and die in a controlled way. But in cancer, this system breaks down. Cells start dividing too quickly or don’t die when they should. These abnormal cells can form a lump (tumor) or spread to other parts of the body through blood or lymph.
Is Every Tumor Cancer?
No. Not all tumors are cancerous.
- Benign tumors: These are not cancer. They grow slowly and don’t spread.
- Malignant tumors: These are cancerous. They can grow fast, damage nearby tissues, and spread to other parts of the body.
How Does Cancer Start?
Cancer usually starts because of changes (mutations) in the DNA of a cell. These changes can happen due to:
- Smoking or tobacco
- Pollution and chemicals
- Unhealthy diet
- Lack of exercise
- Family history (genes)
- Radiation exposure
- Infections (like HPV or Hepatitis B)
Ayurveda looks at cancer as a condition where the body’s inner balance is disturbed, especially the Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and Dhatus (body tissues). Long-standing Ama (toxins), weakened Agni (digestive/metabolic fire), and disturbed Ojas (vital energy) also contribute to the growth of abnormal tissues.
Common Symptoms of Cancer
The symptoms can vary, but some general signs include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue
- Long-lasting fever or infections
- Unusual lumps or swelling
- Changes in skin, moles, or warts
- Persistent cough or voice changes
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
Note: These symptoms don’t always mean cancer, but if they last long, you should consult a doctor.
How is Cancer Diagnosed?
Modern diagnostic tools include:
- Blood tests (like tumor markers)
- Imaging (X-rays, CT scan, MRI, PET scan)
- Biopsy (examining tissue under a microscope)
- Endoscopy (to look inside organs)
In Ayurveda, Nadi Pariksha, Tridosha assessment, Dhatu Dushti evaluation, and Agni-Ojas analysis help understand the body’s imbalances and overall strength.
How Ayurveda Can Help in Cancer
Ayurveda may not always cure cancer fully, but it offers great support in many aspects:
- Preventing the spread of cancer (रोगाचा प्रसार रोखणे)
- Avoiding recurrence (पुनरुद्भव टाळणे)
- Reducing tumor size (ट्यूमरचा आकार कमी करणे)
- Managing chemo/radiotherapy side effects (केमोथेरपी आणि रेडिओथेरपीचे दुष्परिणाम कमी करणे)
- Improving quality of life (जीवनशैलीची गुणवत्ता सुधारणे)
- Boosting strength and immunity (ताकद आणि रोगप्रतिकारशक्ती वाढवणे)
- Increasing disease-free survival time (आजारमुक्त जीवनाचा कालावधी वाढवणे)
- Faster recovery and rehabilitation (जलद पुनर्वसन)
Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Amalaki, Turmeric, and Pippali, along with Rasayana therapies and Panchakarma, are used under expert guidance to support healing.
Takeaway Message
Cancer is a serious disease, but early awareness, timely diagnosis, and a combination of modern medicine and Ayurveda can offer a strong line of support. The goal is not just to treat the disease, but to improve the overall health, strength, and quality of life of the patient.
Stay informed. Stay healthy. Let Ayurveda guide your journey to wellness.
Ayurved Oncology 
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