Can the Cancer !

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The Incidence of Tobacco- related cancer accounts for almost one third of all cancer in India. Excessive use of Tobacco/Tobacco related products might cause cancer of the Oral parts (Cancer of Lips,mouth, tongue,gums,salivary glands) ,throat cancer ,and cancer of the esophagus and lungs .
Look here for a basic overview of the signs and symptoms of Oral/Throat Cancer .
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IMAGINE IF YOU WERE UNABLE TO TALK FOR A DAY ??

IMAGINE IF SOMEONE HAS LOST THEIR VOICE BOX (LARYNX) BECAUSE OF CANCER AND COULD NOT TALK AT ALL FOR LIFE ??

I would like to share this real life incident which happened during my college days. My experience with a cancer patient.

Lets call this person as Subbu .Subbu was a chain smoker in his late 30's when he was diagnosed with Laryngeal cancer . The spread of cancer was so extensive that a total Laryngectomy had to be performed on him .He had to be prepared for the worse to choose either losing his voice box (Larynx) or life. Subbu used to work as a driver prior to the diagnosis. Imagine how could one survive without talking for life or could sustain a means of livelihood?
After the medical procedures were over, the rehabilitation efforts focussed on achieving artificial voice .After continuous rehab efforts and therapy , Subbu could communicate through artificial voice . Currently ,One of my professors has employed him as a driver.

As a Speech Pathologist, am proud that i (as a part of rehabilitation team member) made a difference in Subbu's life.....
Nowadays,Subbu attends various motivation groups for laryngectomees and he himself serves as a positive model for patients with throat cancer . He motivates other patients by telling how he overcame his difficulties and that he got a new lease of life. Subbu, for sure, makes a difference in others life by letting them know that the diagnosis of cancer is not the end of life.
Though am away from Chennai, i do get updates about Subbu from my college mates .

I dont want to write much technical details here. The whole point i would like to convey is that, CANCER when identified and diagnosed at early stages can be conquered thru' the available medical and rehabilitation procedures.

*Laryngectomy = Surgical removal of part or all of the larynx.
*Laryngectomee = a person who has undergone laryngectomy
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Another personal experience :

I lost my grandfather because of cancer.It was pathetic to see him writhe in pain, he became very weak,lost his body weight, hair, changes in skin color..It happened before our eyes. That was one of the unforgettable stressful period of time that our family went through. My brother , a Doctor by profession , says this is one of the reasons that prompted him to opt for specialization in Radiation Oncology .I hope he gives his best to the society and hope his treatment makes a difference in someone's life .
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Finally :

A visit to Jeevodaya would squeeze your heart. This is a hospice center for terminally ill cancer patients that are counting their last days of life. You may want to donate charity to this organization.

Its all about MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE'S LIFE !