Cancer

Shivani Maheshwari brings you a list of 10 movies and documentaries on health released in 2017. It is a random selection, with no preference or bias. They were picked up because they featured prominently on social media. The dominance of American staple probably makes a telling statement that more work needs to be done in the health sector in India, in terms of films, features, docudramas, narratives, and motion pictures. Hopefully, 2018 will be better. Watch them if you can. Many are available…

Waiting for medical test results can be the hardest part, but you can make it easier. In a heart-warming article, Usha Jesudasan, relates how she became a nervous wreck when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and how the composed, comforting presence of her son gave her strength to face her diagnosis.    At some point, most of us will accompany someone we love to a hospital or a doctor.   We  go, because we care about the person who felt the lump in her breast…

Usha Jerome, who was diagnosed with upper rectal cancer at 62, talks candidly about her symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and how she heroically fought the darkest period of her life. Where shall I begin? Perhaps with Dr Naresh Bhat, an eminent and accomplished gastroenterologist in Bangalore. It was strange that when we met him on the morning of June 19, 2011, he was his usual charming self. Later that evening, after the colonoscopy, his expression was totally grave and grim. Even at that point,…

As part of our focus on men's health, we talk to urologist Dr. Vinit Shah about erectile dysfunction caused by cancer treatment and the strategies that may be employed to prevent and manage ED 1.    What are the most common pelvic cancer symptoms for men? Very often pelvic cancers are detected only in later stages as the organs they affect are deep seated and therefore the symptoms are often absent or silent. However one must have a high index of suspicion in all cases of…

It is estimated that nearly 15 lakh prostate cancer cases among men are detected in India every year, of which 85 per cent are stage four cancers. We speak to Dr Ajay Mehta, Director & Oncosurgeon, HCG-NCHRI Cancer Centre, Nagpur, on prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment and how to reduce risks with healthy diet and lifestyle. What is prostate cancer? Prostate is a walnut sized gland located between the bladder and the penis. Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men. Prostate…

Dr. V. L. Ramprasad, COO of MedGenome, a genomics-based diagnostics and research company, highlights the importance of genetic testing. Genetic testing can be useful in identifying genetic disorders, inherited diseases and abnormalities and helpful in management, treatment or prevention of diseases, especially cancers. What is the difference between genetic testing and genome sequencing? Genetic testing is an investigation that looks at specific set of gene variations or set of genes or the…

Breast cancer is the commonest cancer of urban Indian women and surgery is often an important step in treating breast cancer. In an interview, Dr. Rucha Kaushik, Consultant Breast Cancer Surgeon, Hinduja Hospital, answers your unanswered questions about breast cancer surgery procedures, options and challenges. A biopsy is typically done to diagnose breast cancer. Are there different types of biopsies? Yes, there are different types of biopsies done to diagnose breast cancer. Most commonly used…

Cancer affects and changes family and societal relationships. How are interpersonal relationships impacted when a woman is undergoing treatment for cancer? How do priorities change? We spoke to a cross section of breast cancer patients and survivors across the country and beyond to find out their experience, how their relationships were affected, how their outlook of life changes and what keeps them motivated. Did any of your interpersonal relationships with family, friends, relatives,…

Jayshree Guru was diagnosed with breast cancer, but she decided to be strong to face the treatment, for her own sake as well as for her family. Having dealt with cancer, she was not prepared when Lymphoedema set in. With help and assistance from Lakshmi Pain and Palliative Care, Jayshree learnt to treat lymphoedema.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 48yrs.  It was tough, and I did not think much about it at that time. One thing I decided - that I will not become weak and feel…

Lymphoedema can be caused by cancer, surgery of any kind, radiotherapy or even infection and can result in swelling, pain and discomfort. Dr. Subathra Muthukumaran of Lakshmi Pain and Palliative Care Trust shares how it can be managed by simple exercises and what to avoid in such a situation. The goal of palliative care is to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life of those with chronic illnesses since people go through not just pain but various other symptoms. One such distressing symptom…