Cancer

By Dr Raghuvirsinh Solanki, Consultant plastic and Oncoreconstructive Microsurgeon. Are all breast cancer patients, who have had their breast removed, eligible for reconstruction? All patients wishing to undergo breast reconstructive surgery are eligible for reconstruction provided medical fitness and stage of cancer allows it. We do not offer reconstruction in advanced stages usually as it delays adjuvant treatment. What are the different types of reconstruction…

Ovarian cancer survivor, Meghna, 30, tells you why. Here, she shares her experience – symptoms and treatment – and her learnings. Please tell us a bit about your condition.  I have a rare form of ovarian cancer called Granulosa Cell Tumour (GCT). These are classified as stromal tumours originating from the sex cord. GCT accounts for about 2-3% of all ovarian cancer cases. I was staged 1a (12x7cm tumour removed intact). When were you diagnosed?  I was diagnosed in…

Food and Nutrition Cancer and cancer treatments can be harsh on the body. Lack of appetite, weight loss and muscle wasting are common during cancer and treatment. Healthy food choices that are high in calories and proetins can boost cell growth, weight gain and improve recovery. Here are some tips for good nutrition: Eat small  and frequent snacks Eat every few hours Include lots of leafy greens and vegetables in the diet (but make sure they are washed and cooked properly to avoid…

The options depend on the type of cancer, how far it has spread, age, lifestyle and the health status of the patient. There is no single treatment for cancer and doctors often combine different types of treatment. Surgery Surgery is the oldest known method of treating cancer. Surgery is quite effective if the cancer has not spread or metastasised. Surgery is often combined with other forms of therapy, like radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is generally used when the…

What causes cancer There is no single cause of cancer. What affects a certain body tissue may not affect another. For example, tobacco smoke can cause lung cancer. Overexposure to sunlight can cause melanoma, but sun exposure won’t cause lung cancer and smoke won’t cause melanoma. Here are some common triggers: Genetics:Each cell in our body contains DNA, which controls its action. Any change or mutation to the DNA that damages the genes involved in cell division can lead to cancer. Cancer…

Cancer accounted for an estimate 9.6 million deaths in 2018. This cancer burden can be reduced by avoiding key risk factors, early detecttion and management of patients. The risk of developing cancer depends on genes, environment and lifestyle. If the cancer is linked to certain behaviours, it may be prevented. Here are some dos and don’ts: Do not use tobacco (smokless and smoking) to protect against oral, lung and several other cancers Do not drink excessive alcohol to protect against liver…

Cancer symptoms depend on the site and size of the cancer and how much it has affected the organ. If the cancer has spread, symptoms may appear in different parts of the body. Common symptoms include: Unexplained weight loss. Loss of more than 10 pounds may be the first sign. Lump under the skin. Fever, commonly seen in blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. Tiredness or fatigue that does not get better even after rest. Unhealing sores on the skin,inside the mouth or the genital area.…

Cancer is named after the part of the body where it originates. In 2018, it was estimated that 18 million cases of cancer were detected globally. The five top most common cancers among men, globally, are: Lung Prostate Colorectal Stomach Liver The five top most common cancers among women, globally, are: Breast Colorectal Lung Cervical Thyroid Other cancers include: Brain cancer Childhood cancer (neuroblastoma,Wilms’ tumour, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, retinoblastoma) Pancreatic cancer Bile duct…

Early detection can improve the effectiveness and success of the treatment. Depending on the type of cancer, the doctor may recommend some of the following: Imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans and ultrasound to locate the tumour and the organ affected by it. Blood samples are analysed for signs of cancer, which may include cancer cells, protein or other substances released by cancer cells. Examples of bloods tests include: Complete blood count: This common blood test is…

Says Dr Subhojit Dey, cancer researcher at the Indian Institute of Public Health. He tells us why, and how to protect yourself. 70% of Indian women with breast cancer seek medical help at the late stage. 5-year survival rate is around only 60%. In Developed Countries, for example in the USA 60-80% women reach the doctor at an early stage and 5 year survival is almost 90%. Awareness is key and saves lives. Breast cancer incidence is increasing. What are the factors…