People suffering from a terminal or incurable disease, such as cancer, are often described as 'severely ill.' Those who carry a chronic disease such as asthma, or diabetes that influences or grossly hampers their normal routine in some way or others, are also severely ill. Many such patients become dependent on others for help or change their lifestyle to meet the treatment requirements.

❓ What is cancer?

 Cancer is a condition in which the affected area's body cells keep multiplying at an abnormal rate, instead of growing normally; cancerous cells destroy other normal cells and create new tissues called tumors. The tumor subsequently affects the surrounding healthy tissues and damages them. Unlike benign tumors, the malignant ones always try to spread throughout the body by forming secondary growths known as 'metastases.' For instance, skin cancer can reach the bones and vital organs in the malignant stage. How and why cancer occurs is not clear yet. But research has confirmed that environmental pollution, smoking, and hereditary traits can favor its occurrence.

The earlier the cancer is detected, the better are the chances of recovery. There are different methods for treating this disease, some of which are applied in combination with other methods. In one method, the tumor is surgically removed, and subsequently, the patient undergoes oral or intravenous medication treatment (chemotherapy). In another method, the tumor is irradiated with strong rays and gradually rendered non-functional. Both methods aim to destroy the cancerous cells in the body, but both have drastic Side - Effects such as loss of hair and nausea. After therapy is over, the side - effects vanish, and the lost hair grows back. Even children can fall prey to cancer. Children in the malignant stage of cancer are usually treated in special children's wards in cancer hospitals. ❓What causes diabetes?

Diabetes referred to as 'diabetes mellitus' by doctors, is of two types. The first type usually occurs in childhood and is mostly hereditary. The second type occurs mostly in older adults and only rarely in youngsters because of obesity and inactivity. In diabetes, the pancreas' beta cells produce little or no insulin - - a hormone that is essential for regulating the level of sugar in the body. Thus, doctors advise people with diabetes to avoid eating sweets and to take insulin through injections or tablets. If they do not take insulin, the disease can become fatal. ❓Why does an asthma patient find it difficult to breathe?

The bronchial tract must be completely free from congestion or stress to function properly. In an asthma attack, there is an inflammation in the tract which constricts the air passage. The inflammation produces thick mucus, which makes it difficult for the patient to breathe. While the swelling partially blocks the track, very little air is inhaled because of the mucus congestion. This inevitably leads to a deficiency of oxygen intake and, consequently, to breathlessness. In such a situation, the patient has to take - usually by inhaling - medicines that can immediately relax and clear the bronchial tract.