Cancer is notoriously stealthy, so its important not to miss those cues. Ignorance and denial leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment; most Indians change doctors when asked to go in for a screening or biopsy. Other than the fear of invasive treatment, disfigurement and financial burden, the ill-placed belief that a cancer patient will always die makes patients and their families refuse specialised treatment. The importance of awareness can be seen from the fact that in highly literate Kerala, 40% cases are detected early, a fact that ultimately leads to fewer deaths.

Hence, when it comes to cancer, its important to remember that early treatment is the best treatment. Experts suggest that if you notice any other major changes in the way your body functions or feels, you should see a doctor, especially if the changes persist for more than three weeks or gets worse. It may not be cancer but its safer to get it checked out.