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Cancer is a heterogeneous disease showing variations in its types and occurrence among both male and female. Cancer continues to be one of the most significant health challenges of our time. Cancer figures among the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Cervical cancer being first most common and breast cancer is second most common cancer among women. Cancer of breast accounts for approximately 10% of all breast diseases and 20% approximately accounts for Cervical cancer of all uterine diseases presenting at the clinics. The incidence of breast and cervical cancer is increasing due to increased life expectancy, increase urbanisation and adaptation of western lifestyle.

Cervical cancer is the growth of cancer cells in the tissue of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus which open into the birth canal. Its primary cause to be persistent infection with the high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The probable risk factors are early age at marriage, multiple sexual partners, multiple pregnancies, poor genital hygiene, malnutrition, Use of oral contraceptive and lack of awareness.

Cervical cancer early signs and symptoms.

• ·      Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• ·      Unusual vaginal discharge·     
•  Pain during intercourse
• ·      Post coital bleeding
• ·      Pelvic and lower back pain
• ·      Postmenopausal bleeding
• ·      Urinary symptoms

 Screening For cervical cancer

·      PAP SMEAR test- To be done yearly after 35-40 age.

·      VIA test (Visual Inspection with acetic acid)

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is a malignant proliferation of epithelial cells lining the ducts or lobules of the Breast. Being overweight, Lack of exercise, smoking cigarettes and eating unhealthy foods are some of the risk factors associated with Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer early signs and symptoms

·      Feeling lump in breast or underarm

·      Change in the shape or size or texture of the nipple and breast

·      Skin dipping or puckering

·      Nipple retraction or discharge

·      Persistent breast pain

·      Enlargement or inflammation in the regional lymph nodes

Screening for Breast Cancer

Breast Self-Examination (BSE)-

• Mammography – To be done Yearly after the age 30
• Monthly self-examination after the age of 30 Or can be examined under the medical supervision

Ayurveda perspective on cancer

Cancer is not directly mentioned in Ayurveda texts under one title and as a set of similar diseases, as described in modern science. Ayurvedic classification of cancer depends on various clinical symptoms in relation to Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Ayurveda describes cancer like Gulma and Arbuda involving Tridosha imbalance, Ama accumulation, Dhatu detoriation and loss of Ojas.

Ayurveda management

 Ayurveda provides supportive and palliative management. It often improves the quality of life by enforcing and strengthening the immune system.

Ayurveda highlights the importance of nurturing women’s health and recognising the impact of hormonal changes from puberty onwards. Hormonal fluctuations throughout a women’s life can influence normal physiology and emotional well-being. Increasing the risk of gynaecological cancers like Breast Cancer,Cervical Cancer and Ovarian Cancer. Stress is considered a potent factor in cancer development and is prevalent in today’s fast paced lifestyle.

Embarking on a journey of well-being. Ayurveda suggests specialised care at every stage of women’s life, from the nuanced care during menstrual days to the transformative phases of Pregnancy, Postpartum and Perimenopause.

Ayurveda being rich in traditional formulation that offers varivicous ways to prevent disease. Woman, who follows ayurvedic practices for the unique life stages of woman can lower the risk of serious health problems such as Cervical and Breast Cancer.

• ·      Rajaswalacharya-A guiding principle for woman:

One of the central core concepts in Ayurveda for preventing cervical and breast cancer is RajashwalaCharya Which outlines health guidelines and lifestyle practises for young women to tell post menopause It emphasises the importance of a nutritious and balanced diet, practicing mindfulness, reducing stress, particularly during menstruation.

·      Garbinicharya-Nuturing during Pregnancy

• Garbini Paricharya refers to the health regime during pregnancy, this regimen emphasis the significance of nutritious intake throughout the nine months with the specific dietary recommendation for each month to support maternal and foetal health.

·      Sutika Paricharya-Post delivery healing

• Sutika Paricharya focus on care of women after childbirth. It plays a crucial crucial role in preventing health complications that could lead to cervical and breast cancer. This regimen involves specific diet and practises, which is believed to significantly decrease the risk of postpartum complications and promote long term health.

·      Panchakarma-Detoxification Therapies

The word Panchakarma means five actions/5 processes. Panchakarma is a complete detoxification program. The toxic burden Cellular environment is a reflection of the toxicity of our living environment. Toxic components of our food, lifestyle and our thoughts These toxicities add up to generate abnormal cellular activity that may be expressed in the form of physiological imbalance, inflammation and ultimately Cancer cleansing the cellular micro environment allows the natural healing mechanisms of the body to restore functional balance to the physiology of each cell carried by Panchakarma therapies.

Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis)-Useful in Kapha dominating symptoms in Cancer

Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation)-Useful in Pitta dominating symptoms in Cancer

Basti (Medicated Enema)-Useful in Vata dominating symptoms in Cancer

Nasya (Nasal Medication)-Useful in Kapha and Vata dominating symptoms in Cancer

Raktamokshana (Bloodletting)-Useful in symptoms of Pitta and vitiated Rakta in Cancer, not only detoxification, further other treatments like Utara Basti,Yoni Pichu

Yoni Prakshalana is highly contributive for women’s health along with preventive measure for cancer.

Panchakarma along with Rasayana treatment have proved to be effective in preventing recurrence and metastases. Side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy are remarkably reduced with Panchakarma treatment

• ·      Rasayana – Rasayana therapy can be beneficial as these measures can improve general well-being and can act as immune boosters to promote health and wellness. Routine intake of these herbs is highly useful, herbs such as:

Haridra (Curcuma longa)-It contains Curcumin which is a powerful antioxidant. It neutralizes the free radicals that increase the risk of cancer.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)- It contains Withaferin A which has cytotoxicity activity and act as an Anti-carcinogenic agent.

 Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) – It contains polyphenols as tannins and flavonoids acts as anti-carcinogenic agent.

Guduchi (Tinospora cordiflolia)- It contains berberin, alkaloids, steroids, lignans which act as anti-oxidative, anti- inflammatory in action.

Ginger (Gingiber officinalis)- It contains Gingerol and Zerumbone, significantly acts on inflammation.

Holy Basil (Occimum sanctum)- It contains Urosolic acid which significantly acts on inflammation

Satavari (Asparagus racemosus) – It contains saponins, glycosides,which have the anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory effects. There are many other such herbs which are beneficial, having scientific evidence of anti-cancer properties.

•  ·      Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation

Complementary approaches such as yoga, pranayama, meditation provide a holistic approach for mitigating some of the burdens of the disease such as Stress, Anxiety, Depression etc and also empowers the individual in their healing process.

Cervical and Breast cancer remain the most common, yet preventable form of cancer, especially when detected early and proper measures are taken for the prevention and cure. Due to lack of awareness and due to various personal reasons very small number of females undergo regular screening procedure. There is also a lack of knowledge of various preventive measures of HPV, negligence and failure to treat the precancerous condition are the main causes behind the chronicity of the disease, all these results in its poor prognosis. The major part of the population having low socioeconomic status suffer the most, due to their illiteracy, lack of awareness regarding personal hygiene and fear of screening procedure. Ayurveda works in preventive and supportive measure alongside modern therapeutics. Integrating the screening, therapeutics and adapting ayurvedic practise principle provides a holistic women’s long-term health and cancer prevention.