Cancer

Rajita, now 42, looks back on her ‘shock’ diagnosis and treatment, and how she kept going through rough chemo sessions.  Please tell us a bit about your condition and your history.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 31.  After I noticed a lump, I went to my gynaecologist as there’s a history of breast cancer in my family. I lost my mother to it at age 56. She suggested needle biopsy. The report of FNAC (fine-needle aspiration cytology) came out…

Breast cancer survivor and founder of RACE to rein-in-cancer, Rita Banik talks about how cancer changed her life and why she is passionate about helping others. Here, her thoughts on getting a second opinion, staying active, yoga… and more.  Please tell us a bit about your condition.  I am a breast cancer survivor.  I had a relapse of cancer in 2013, in the sternum bone.  So, I am also a cancer patient presently. When were you first diagnosed? March 2006 What…

“On paper, I am better: I no longer have cancer… But off paper, I feel far from being a healthy 26-year-old woman,” said Suleika Jaouad in a New York Times article Lost in transition after cancer, documenting her battered and traumatised state after cancer treatment. Minakshi Ray, who battled breast cancer, responds to that article and offers her take on life after cancer.   That I have got a second chance to live is good enough reason for me to live life more…

The treatment depends on the site and size of the tumour, how far the cancer has spread and the patient’s general state of health. The doctor may recommend some of the following: Surgery: The surgeon may remove the tumour or the affected area. The patient may need reconstructive surgery following this to restore the appearance and function of the area affected. Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy is a treatment that uses high-energy beams of radiation focused on cancerous tissue. This kills cancer cells…

Apart from the treatment options, the following are important as well: Food and nutrition  Eating right is a key part of cancer treatment. You need to keep your body as strong as possible before, during and after treatment, so you need to take in enough nutrients. Eating enough proteins and calories will help your body deal with the treatment and fight off infections. Weight loss or malnutrition presents a real life risk for cancer patients. But for some oral cancer patients, food intake…

Stages of oral cancer TNM Staging of oral cancer. T stands for tumour size.   TX- Primary tumour cannot be assessed T0- No evidence of primary tumour Tis -Carcinoma in situ T1- Tumour 2 cm or less in greatest dimension T2 -Tumour more than 2cm but not more than 4cm in greatest dimension T3 -Tumour more than 4cm in greatest dimension T4 - Tumour invades adjacent structures, eg, through jaw bone, jaw nerve, floor of mouth, skin of face. N stands for lymph node involvement. NX:…

If you have any of the following, see your dentist: Swelling, ulcer or any type of growth in the oral cavity or around the mouth White or red patches on lips, gum, tongue or mouth lining A lump that can be felt inside the mouth or on the neck Pain or difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking Continued hoarseness of voice Numbness or pain in any area of the mouth that doesn’t go away Swelling of the upper or lower jaw Sudden loosening of teeth Difficulty in wearing dentures Bleeding in any…

The doctor may recommend some of the following tests: Colposcopy and optical diagnostic systems: The colposcope is an instrument with a magnifying lens that allows the doctor to take a close look at the affected part of the mouth. Acetic acid solution and iodine solution (Lugol's or Schiller's) are applied to the surface to improve visualisation of abnormal areas. Toluidine blue (TB) and lugols iodine staining: is a simple and inexpensive diagnostic tool to…

The risk factors include the following: Habitual smoking, taking snuff and chewing of tobacco,gutka, pan or areca nut Heavy drinking of alcohol Human papilloma virus (HPV) Epstein-Barr virus Lichen planus  that causes white lines and spots in the mouth. On immuno suppression drugs Exposure to radiation at a young age Previous personal history of cancer elsewhere in the body Family history of cancer Certain genetic traits and syndromes (such as Fanconi anemia and Dsykeratosis congenita)…

Can oral cancer be prevented Go for regular screening. People without risk factors should get screened every 6 months. Those with risk factors should get screened monthly. If oral cancer is detected early, the cure rate is more than 80%. Your dentist will examine your mouth during a routine visit, anyway, but if you have any concern, do mention it. Do not use tobacco in any form (both smoking and chewing tobacco can cause cancer) Do not chew betel nut or pan Do not drink alcohol in excess Stay…