Can a faith healer, occult practitioner, or self-proclaimed miracle worker cure cancer? The clear and scientific answer is no. Yet many fraudsters continue to exploit vulnerable patients by claiming they can cure cancer through rituals, prayers, or supernatural powers. While police take action when such cases come to light, these incidents will continue unless people become more aware.

One such case recently emerged from Hadata village in Dhanera taluka of Gujarat's Banaskantha district. A man named Naresh, who claimed to cure cancer through spiritual rituals, was arrested following a complaint by the Gujarat Vigyan Jatha. He was later taken to the Dhanera Police Station for questioning.

What makes this case particularly disturbing is that he allegedly advised a Stage III cancer patient to discontinue hospital treatment, claiming that performing religious rituals alone would cure the disease. The patient's family, already distressed by the diagnosis, sought help in desperation, making them easy targets for false promises.

Cancer is a disease where early diagnosis often leads to successful treatment. However, advanced-stage cancer usually requires prolonged, complex, and expensive treatment. The outcome depends on several factors, including the patient's age, the type and stage of cancer, and overall physical, mental, and financial condition. Unfortunately, the emotional and financial burden of treatment sometimes pushes families toward miracle cures. They hope for a shortcut or a divine intervention. Sadly, no scientific evidence has ever shown that rituals, faith healing, or supernatural powers can cure cancer. Delaying evidence-based treatment, on the other hand, can significantly reduce the chances of survival.

If faith alone could cure cancer, even India's greatest spiritual leaders would never have required medical care. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the revered guru of Swami Vivekananda, suffered from throat cancer and was treated by physicians. Similarly, the renowned sage Ramana Maharshi developed cancer and also underwent medical treatment rather than relying on miracles.

Faith in God can provide emotional strength, hope, and resilience during illness. However, blind faith in individuals who claim miraculous healing in God's name can be dangerous. When even revered saints trusted doctors and medical science, ordinary people should have complete confidence in evidence-based cancer treatment.

Cancer should always be treated by qualified oncologists using scientifically proven therapies. Patients should never stop or delay medical treatment based on the advice of self-proclaimed miracle healers, as doing so can put their lives at serious risk.

Every year, millions of people worldwide fall victim to cancer. However, there is also some good news. According to the World Health Organization, 30 to 50 percent of cancer cases can definitely be prevented through proper lifestyle modifications, vaccines, and timely screening.

This means that cancer is not always a game of luck. How alert and proactive we are can significantly reduce our risk of developing cancer.

 How Severe is the Cancer Situation in India?

According to the GLOBOCAN 2022 data by the International Agency for Research on Cancer:

 In 2022, India recorded 14.61 lakh new cancer cases.
 8.08 lakh deaths occurred in India due to cancer.
 Every 1 out of 9 Indians is at risk of developing cancer at some point in their lifetime.
 It was estimated that by the year 2025, more than 15.7 lakh new cases would be recorded annually in India.

These statistics clearly demonstrate that the most effective medicine against cancer is not just treatment, but prevention.

 7 Effective Ways to Prevent Cancer, According to WHO

1. Complete Abstinence from Tobacco
Tobacco is the biggest cause of cancer globally. In India, gutkha, mava, betel nut (supari), bidi, and cigarettes are responsible for the majority of oral, throat, and lung cancers.

2. Avoid Alcohol Consumption
Regular alcohol consumption increases the risk of mouth, throat, liver, breast, and colon cancers.

3. Healthy Weight and Regular Exercise
At least 30 minutes of daily exercise and avoiding obesity lowers the risk of several types of cancers.

4. Balanced Diet
Consume more fruits, green vegetables, whole grains, and fiber-rich foods. Reduce the intake of processed meat, excessive sugar, and ultra-processed foods.

5. HPV and Hepatitis-B Vaccines
The HPV vaccine reduces the risk of cervical cancer, while the Hepatitis-B vaccine protects against liver cancer.

6. Regular Screening

 Mammography for breast cancer
 HPV/Pap test for cervical cancer
 Oral examination, especially for tobacco users

Early detection multiplies the success rate of treatment manifold.

7. Protect Yourself from Pollution and Harmful Sun Rays
Air pollution and excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays also elevate the risk of certain cancers.

In Gujarat, oral and throat cancer cases are seen in alarming proportions, particularly due to the rising use of tobacco and betel nut.

The biggest battle against cancer does not begin in a hospital, but right inside our homes. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, staying away from tobacco, getting necessary vaccines, and undergoes timely screenings—these four steps can save millions of people from cancer.

A recent international study has sparked widespread discussion after researchers from the University of Miami reported that unmarried individuals may have a higher risk of developing cancer compared to married people. The study was published in the scientific journal Cancer Research Communications.

After reading such headlines, many people naturally wonder: Can marriage really protect someone from cancer?

As a cancer specialist, it is important to understand this finding from a scientific perspective.

What Did the Research Find?

Researchers analyzed more than four million cancer cases recorded across 12 U.S. states between 2015 and 2022. They examined whether there was any relationship between a person's marital status and the likelihood of being diagnosed with cancer.

The study found that cancer incidence was approximately 68% higher among unmarried men and about 85% higher among unmarried women compared to their married counterparts. Certain types of cancer also appeared to be more common among unmarried individuals.

So, Does Marriage Prevent Cancer?

The simple answer is no.

The study does not prove that getting married prevents cancer. In scientific terms, the research shows an association, not causation. In other words, a link was observed between marital status and cancer incidence, but this does not mean that marriage itself is the reason for the difference.

Why Might Married People Show Lower Cancer Risk?

Several factors could help explain the findings.

1. Social and Emotional Support

Long-term emotional support plays a major role in overall health. A spouse may notice unusual symptoms or physical changes earlier, encouraging timely medical consultation and diagnosis.

2. Regular Health Check-Ups

Married individuals are often more likely to undergo routine health screenings and medical check-ups. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes for many cancers.

3. Healthier Lifestyle Habits

Some studies suggest that married people may be less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or other unhealthy lifestyle practices.

4. Better Stress Management

Chronic stress can negatively affect overall health and immune function. Strong personal relationships and family support can help individuals cope with stress more effectively.

5. Childbirth and Breastfeeding

For women, pregnancy and breastfeeding have been associated with a reduced risk of certain types of breast cancer. However, this benefit is linked to biological factors rather than marital status itself.

Should Unmarried People Be Concerned?

Absolutely not.

Cancer risk depends far more on lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, genetic factors, and preventive healthcare than on whether someone is married or unmarried.

Some of the most important cancer risk factors remain:

 Tobacco use and smoking
 Excessive alcohol consumption
 Obesity
 Physical inactivity
 Unhealthy diet
 Viral infections such as HPV and Hepatitis
 Family history of cancer
 Failure to undergo recommended screening tests

Managing these factors can significantly reduce cancer risk.

A Cancer Expert's Perspective

The real message of this research is not that people should get married to avoid cancer.Instead, the study highlights the importance of social connections, emotional support, healthy living, and regular medical screening. Whether you are married or unmarried, the most effective weapons against cancer remain the same: awareness, preventive care, timely screening, and a healthy lifestyle.Make your health a priority. Schedule regular check-ups. Do not ignore unusual symptoms.In the fight against cancer, early detection remains the greatest victory.

Indian scientists have achieved a significant breakthrough in breast cancer research by developing an advanced nanomedicine capable of selectively targeting breast cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

The innovation comes from researchers at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. The findings have been published in the internationally reputed scientific journal Advanced Healthcare Materials.

How does the technology work?

The researchers have developed a "MUC1-Targeted Silica Nanocarrier", a specialized nanomedicine designed to identify MUC1, a protein that is highly expressed on the surface of breast cancer cells.

Once inside the cancer cell, the nanocarrier suppresses two critical genes—MCL-1 and Survivin—which are responsible for the survival and rapid growth of cancer cells. By blocking these genes, the treatment triggers the gradual destruction of the cancer cells.

Contribution of Indian researchers

The research team includes Niladri Halder, Rajkumar Samanta, Surajit Patra, Devyani Sengar, Sachin Jadhav, and Virendra Gajbhiye, among others.

According to the scientists, this technology could be particularly effective against aggressive forms of breast cancer and may pave the way for more precise and personalized cancer therapies in the future.

Human clinical trials are still awaited

The nanomedicine has shown promising results during pre-clinical studies, including laboratory experiments and animal models. However, human clinical trials have not yet begun.

Experts believe that if future clinical trials demonstrate similar success, this innovation could transform breast cancer treatment worldwide.

Potential to reduce chemotherapy-related side effects

Conventional chemotherapy often damages healthy cells along with cancer cells, leading to side effects such as hair loss, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.

In contrast, the newly developed nanomedicine is designed to target only cancer cells, raising hopes for a treatment that is more effective, safer, and associated with significantly fewer side effects.

Researchers believe this breakthrough represents an important milestone for India's biomedical and cancer research ecosystem and has the potential to make a meaningful global impact on breast cancer therapy.

Today, one of the major factors contributing to the rising incidence of cancer is the chemicals that enter our food through the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. While modern agriculture has helped increase food production, it has also raised concerns about its long-term impact on human health. Given India's large population, it may not be practical for every farmer to completely stop using chemical fertilizers. However, small and meaningful efforts can certainly help reduce this problem. One such inspiring example has emerged from Surat.

This is the story of Kalpesh Patel, a farmer from Saras village in Olpad taluka of Surat district. After losing his father to cancer, he transformed his personal tragedy into a source of inspiration for society. Following his father's death, Kalpesh completely abandoned chemical farming and adopted natural farming practices. Today, he is recognized as one of Gujarat's successful natural farmers.

Kalpesh's father, Ramanbhai Patel, had spent years using chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the fields. According to Kalpesh, his father's body often carried the smell of pesticides. When Ramanbhai was diagnosed with cancer, Kalpesh began to realize the possible health risks associated with prolonged exposure to agricultural chemicals. After his father's passing, he made a firm decision never to use toxic chemicals in farming again.

In 2019, Kalpesh started experimenting with natural farming on his land. Alongside his job as a chemical operator in a private company in Surat, he attended training programs organized by the Gujarat Agriculture Department and learned natural farming techniques such as Jeevamrut.

Today, he cultivates more than 50 varieties of bananas on about three and a half bighas of land. These include Poovan, Rasthali, Basrai, Red Banana, Elaichi Banana, and the internationally popular Blue Java variety. The banana bunches produced on his farm typically weigh over 30 kilograms. In 2025, his farm attracted nationwide attention when one banana bunch weighed an impressive 73 kilograms.

According to Kalpesh Patel, after adopting natural farming, he saves between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000 per bigha every year. As soil quality has improved, productivity has also increased significantly. Today, he earns approximately ₹10 to ₹12 lakh annually from his three-and-a-half bighas of farmland.

To further increase income and reduce waste, he processes unsold bananas into value-added products such as banana wafers, banana powder, and dried banana figs.

Kalpesh Patel's journey is an inspiration for society. He has demonstrated that successful farming does not depend solely on chemical fertilizers. With determination, knowledge, and sustainable practices, farmers can achieve both economic success and environmental responsibility.

Cancer vaccines are a form of treatment that train the body’s immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. mRNA vaccine technology sends a message (mRNA) into the body, which helps it produce proteins and prepares it to fight diseases. This technology proved successful during COVID-19 and is now being explored for cancer treatment.

In simple terms, just as a blueprint is created before building a house, our body has DNA, which acts as that blueprint. The information from this blueprint is delivered through a messenger called RNA. Based on this message, the body produces new cells. If we introduce a specific message into this system, the body starts working accordingly. In cancer, certain cells go out of control. mRNA technology helps the immune system recognize and fight these cells again, making it highly promising.

Why Can It Be Revolutionary?

mRNA vaccines can offer personalized treatment tailored to each patient. They directly prepare the body to fight cancer cells. In the future, they may even help prevent cancer before it develops. That is why this technology is considered a game-changer in medical science.

Why Does Misinformation Spread?

Despite its promise, misinformation about mRNA vaccines is spreading rapidly, creating fear and confusion among people.

New Subject, Old Fear

People naturally fear new medical technologies.

Role of Social Media

Platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube enable rapid spread of incomplete or misleading information.

Complexity of Science

Scientific concepts like mRNA are difficult to understand, making simplified misinformation seem believable.

Trust Deficit

Distrust in governments and pharmaceutical companies fuels doubts.

Profit-Driven Narratives

Some misinformation is spread intentionally for views, influence, or financial gain.

Cultural Beliefs

People often rely on word-of-mouth rather than verified sources.

Speed vs Science

Science takes time to validate facts, while misinformation spreads instantly.

Misinformation arises from fear, lack of knowledge, and rapid communication. The solution lies in spreading accurate and simple scientific information.

My advice to readers:

 Verify if the source is an expert

 Check for hidden motives

 Ensure the information serves public interest

Cancer cases in India have been rising at a concerning pace in recent years. According to information presented in Parliament, since 2021 the country has been witnessing an average annual increase of around 28,000 new cancer cases and nearly 15,000 additional deaths each year. These numbers highlight a major public health challenge, although the central government and health authorities are taking several steps to address the growing burden of cancer.

The rise in cancer cases in India is attributed to several factors. The Ministry of Health has stated that increasing life expectancy, a growing elderly population, improved diagnostic technologies, and greater health awareness are contributing to higher detection rates. In many cases, cancers that earlier went undiagnosed are now being detected in time.

Government data indicates that India recorded around 1.35 million cancer cases in 2019, which increased to more than 1.53 million by 2024. Similarly, cancer-related deaths have also been rising steadily. In 2023, an estimated 820,000 deaths in India were attributed to cancer.

To tackle this growing challenge, the Government of India has launched several health initiatives and programs. One of the key initiatives is the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS). The main objective of this program is to promote prevention, early detection, treatment, and awareness regarding non-communicable diseases including cancer.

Under this program, more than 700 district-level NCD clinics, around 268 day-care centers, and thousands of special clinics at community health centers have been established across the country. These facilities provide screening, counselling, and treatment guidance for cancer and other diseases.

To ensure early detection of cancer, the government has also launched nationwide screening programs. Special focus is given to the detection of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and oral cancer, particularly among women. Screening activities are conducted at both rural and urban levels under the National Health Mission to ensure wider access to healthcare services.

In addition, the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) provides free or low-cost treatment for economically weaker sections. Through this scheme, millions of patients have been able to receive expensive hospital treatments that would otherwise be unaffordable.

The government is also expanding advanced cancer treatment infrastructure across the country. Several government medical colleges and super-speciality hospitals are being equipped with facilities such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other modern treatment options.

A noticeable increase has been observed particularly in cancers affecting women, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer. In response, special screening and awareness programs targeting women have been introduced.

Research and data collection also play a crucial role in combating cancer. The Government of India, through the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), runs the National Cancer Registry Programme, which collects nationwide data on cancer cases. This information helps policymakers design better health strategies and plan medical infrastructure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a nationwide HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination campaign from Ajmer on February 28. The primary objective of this initiative is to reduce cervical cancer among women.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, and nearly 90% of cases are caused by HPV infection.

This vaccine is effective not only against cervical cancer but also against:

 Anal cancer
 Penile cancer
 Vaginal cancer
 Vulvar cancer
 Throat cancer

HPV is a commonly transmitted virus that spreads mainly through physical contact.

Key Highlights of the Campaign

Under this national campaign:

Special focus will be on 14-year-old girls
A single dose of the HPV vaccine will be administered
The target is to vaccinate approximately 11.5 million girls every year

Vaccination during adolescence provides stronger and long-lasting protection.

Which Vaccine Will Be Used?

Currently, the campaign will use the Gardasil vaccine.

India’s indigenously developed Cervavac by Serum Institute is awaiting approval from World Health Organization and is therefore not being used at present.

In the future, it may be included once approved.

GAVI Vaccine Alliance will supply 26 million doses to India, out of which 10 million doses have already arrived.

Is One Dose Enough?

Yes.

According to experts at the World Health Organization:

A single dose is effective for girls aged 9 to 20 years
Women aged 21 years and above require two doses
Individuals with weakened immunity are advised three doses

Is This the First Time in India? What About Other Countries?

After HPV vaccination began in Australia:

HPV prevalence among young women dropped from 22.7% to 1.5%.

Some Indian states have already implemented the program:

Sikkim launched it in 2018, covering over 95% of girls
Punjab started in 2016 and vaccinated 97% of the target group.

Senior Bollywood and television actress Praveena Deshpande passed away at the age of 61 years on Tuesday. The information was shared by her family through her official Instagram account. Her last rites were performed on Tuesday afternoon at a crematorium in Andheri, Mumbai. The actress had been battling cancer for a long time.

She was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2019. During her bone marrow transplant, she remained in isolation for 17 days. Even after her diagnosis, she continued to stay active, but she had mentioned that her strength was gradually declining and she was losing the ability to work. She passed away on February 17.

Praveena Deshpande played the role of Shalini Choudhary in Ready. She also worked in films like Ek Villain, Gabbar Is Back, and Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran. Recently, she appeared in a cameo role in Emraan Hashmi’s web series ‘Taskari: The Smugglers Web’.

What is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer. It begins in the plasma cells of the bone marrow. It destroys normal blood cells and produces abnormal proteins. This can weaken bones and damage the kidneys.

It is a serious but treatable disease. Treatment options include chemotherapy and stem cell transplant.

Symptoms:

Bone pain in the spine, chest, or hips
Fatigue
Frequent infections
Kidney problems
Weight loss

Causes and Risk Factors:
The exact cause is unknown, but it is more common in older adults (60+) and in men.

Diagnosis:

Blood and urine tests (for M-spike)
Bone marrow biopsy
Bone scans

Early diagnosis and consultation with a specialist oncologist can help in effective management of the disease.

In today’s world, many of us stay up late — scrolling through our phones or watching “just one more episode.” But while it may feel harmless at the moment, habitual late nights can take a real toll. Chronic lack of restorative sleep can leave your body more vulnerable to fatigue, stress, inflammatory conditions, and even metabolic diseases such as diabetes.

During healthy sleep, our bodies produce critical hormones — like melatonin — and initiate repair and immune-boosting processes. Disrupting that cycle impairs the body’s ability to “recharge,” making immune cells less effective at defending against infections or potential malignancies.

What I tell my patients: Treat sleep as a medical priority

If you care about long-term health — including lowering the risk of cancer and other diseases — maintaining consistent, good-quality sleep is as important as any diet, exercise or screening recommendation I could give.

Here’s what I recommend:

- Aim for 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. This gives your immune system the time it needs to regenerate.

- Avoid blue-light exposure (phones, screens) at least an hour before bedtime — that late-night scrolling habit disrupts melatonin release, making restorative sleep harder.

- Make sleep a non-negotiable part of your daily routine — just as you would for taking medication or attending routine checkups.

The broader view: Sleep is foundational to immunity and health

Good sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a biological necessity. Over the years in cancer care, I have seen how lifestyle factors — nutrition, physical activity, stress management — play a huge role in shaping a person’s overall wellbeing. But among all habits, chronic sleep deprivation stands out as a silent — and common — culprit that wears down the body’s natural defences.

If you want to protect your immunity, improve healing, and reduce long-term risk of disease — start by honouring your nights.

Cancer is now no longer a disease of older age. In India today,adults in the 20–40 age-bracket are being diagnosed with various cancers that were once largely limited to those 50 and above. As a practising physician, this shift demands urgent attention — both from patients and from the health-system.

The changing face of cancer

Traditionally, we thought of cancer as something that develops slowly over decades as wear-and-tear accumulates. But doctors in major Indian cancer centres are reporting a striking rise in early-onset cases.

For instance, one oncologist in Delhi says that meeting a cancer patient in their 20s used to be a rarity — now, it happens every week.

Reports show that in India, forms of cancer such as breast, colon, lung, stomach, thyroid, uterine and prostate are being diagnosed in younger individuals (even late teens or early-20s) than before. 

Why is this happening?

1. Air and environmental pollution – In urban India, the air is thick with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that penetrates deep into the lungs, damages DNA, causes inflammation and may trigger malignant changes in cells — even in people who never smoked.

2. Lifestyle and stress – Younger professionals often live on adrenaline: late nights, high workloads, poor sleep, instant food, irregular routines. Chronic stress keeps cortisol and adrenaline levels high, suppressing immunity and interfering with DNA-repair mechanisms — creating a conducive environment for cancer to thrive.

3. Diet, body-clock and reproduction factors – Delayed childbirth, shorter or no breastfeeding, high processed-food consumption, lack of exercise and disrupted sleep patterns may contribute to earlier onset of hormone-sensitive cancers (such as breast cancer) in urban India.

4. Genetics, microbiome and unseen toxins – Emerging science indicates that early-onset cancers may differ biologically; gene mutations, gut-microbiome dysbiosis, exposure to microplastics or persistent chemicals may all play a role.

5.Better detection and reporting – While more cases are being found because of better awareness and diagnostics, that alone cannot explain the marked shift downward in age.

Why younger cancer matters

When cancer strikes in one’s 20s or 30s, the consequences ripple far beyond the individual health issue. Young adults are often in their most productive life stage — career growth, family formation, long-term contributions to society. 

What can be done? A call to action

1.Awareness & screening: Younger adults should not assume they are immune. Persistent symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, lumps, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss or persistent acidity need evaluation. Early detection improves outcomes significantly.

2.Lifestyle interventions: Avoiding tobacco remains critical, but so too are clean-air initiatives (especially in our cities), healthy diet (rich in fruits/vegetables, low in processed food/preservatives), regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, stress-management and timely reproduction/gynecologic health for women.

3.Environmental policy: This is not merely an individual issue. Clean air, safe food (regulation of preservatives, colouring agents, microplastics), safe workplaces — all are public-health priorities.

4. Support systems for young cancer-patients: From fertility-preservation counselling, psychological support, financial planning to long-term survivorship care — the younger age at diagnosis requires a tailor-made framework.

5. Research & registry: Understanding early-onset cancers in India (molecular differences, lifestyle + environment interactions) will guide better screening, prevention and treatment protocols.