Cancer

An informed and engaged cancer patient has better clinical outcomes and fewer side effects. Knowing the trajectory of the illness also helps the patient and their family plan for the treatment and other care related aspects. Dr. Shital Raval shares an exhaustive set of questions that you may need to ask your cancer specialist.   A Cancer diagnosis can be quite alarming but by taking an active role in planning treatment and care, it can help alleviate the unwelcome stress and anxiety.…

What is a Bone Scan? What do the results of the scan indicate? When do you need a Bone Scan? How often should you get a Bone Scan? We give you information that will help you discuss your options with your doctor. What is a Bone Scan  A Bone scan is done to check the bone mineral density (BMD) so as to assess strength of the bones and probability of any fractures. The scan helps identify any mild (osteopenia) or serious bone loss (osteoporosis). The most common bone density test is the DEXA…

Payel Bhattacharya, 38 suffers from a rare condition called VHL and has undergone countless surgeries and a liver transplant to overcome her various challenges. She is a warrior and here she recounts as to how tough her going has been Please tell us a bit about yourself, your condition, as in what you are suffering from and when you were diagnosed. I am Payel Bhattacharya. I was born and raised in Kolkata, but I am currently residing in New Delhi with my mother for the past decade. Ten years…

Cervical cancer refers to cancer that originates in the cells lining the cervix, which is the organ connecting the uterus and the vagina. There are two main types of cervical cancers: The most common is squamous cell carcinoma, arising in the squamous (flattened) epithelial cells that line the cervix. The other is adenocarcinoma, which starts in the mucus-producing gland cells of the cervix.  The human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer.…

Shailaja Asave, a non-smoker, who developed lung cancer at 67, believed to be due to a gene mutation prevalent in Asian women, is undergoing targeted therapy and living each day to the fullest. Read about her diagnosis, treatment and unbeatable spirit. When were you detected with lung cancer? Last year in February 2017. It was already in the advanced stage, what is called Stage IV. What were your initial symptoms? I had a persistent dry cough for 3 months which did not go away with anti-allergy…

Dr Kumar Prabhash, Prof. Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, gives insights into the different types and stages of lung cancer and outlines the benefits of targeted therapy as treatment. How many different types of lung cancer are there? Earlier lung cancer was classified only into two major types: Small cell lung cancers (SCLC) and Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), based upon the microscopic appearance of the tumor cells. These two different types of cancers grow, spread as…

People get umpteen health news forwards and they often forward without verifying. Some even think "may be it will help some one". Dr. Aju Mathew, medical oncologist and director, Kerala Cancer Care shares his tips on how to spot the fake news forwards and whether you should forward or not. We live in an era of information superhighway. In a way, this is a more democratic way of communication. Everyone has a voice - not just those with power or knowledge. But in the cacophony of the voices, the…

Amita Modi, 44 from Ahmedabad, was diagnosed with Oral Tongue Cancer survivor when she was 28. Her 18 month old daughter motivated her to stay strong and positive through her cancer treatment. She still worries about her stress triggering off a relapse of cancer. When were you diagnosed, Amita? What were the early symptoms? In November of 2002, I noticed a small sore on my tongue. I tried some home remedies but got no results and it seemed to have grown bigger. During the December holidays, we…

Narayan Chandra Dey,72 from Bally, Howrah has been fighting prostate cancer for 7 years now. He talks about how he finds the will to combat his condition. Please tell us about your condition? I am surviving with prostate cancer for the last 7 years.  Prostate Cancer was diagnosed on 18/8/2011 after screening of PSA test which was high (69.8) and USG report revealing enlarged heterogeneous prostate. What were the early symptoms of prostate cancer? Difficulty while urinating, fever, more…

Shrenik Shah, 67 from Ahmedabad, India was diagnosed with Larynx (Vocal Folds) cancer, stage IV A 22 years ago. He now speaks with an Electrolarynx to motivate and inspire others. What were the early symptoms? What made you go see a doctor? I started getting hoarseness in my voice in late 1996. It was followed by breathlessness at night time and weight loss. I also would get so drowsy that I would sleep while standing. I am a non-smoker and have never had alcohol, tobacco, gutka, masala etc.…