FDA approves first use of novel immune system drug for 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…

Race to Rein-in-Cancer organised a Cancer Conference in New Delhi to focus on the need for early detection and to set the perspective right for Cancer prevention and treatment now and in the coming years. Race to Rein-in-cancer in collaboration with Indian Science Congress Association (Delhi Chapter) and Media India Centre for Research & Development organised an informative and well organised Oncology Conference at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on 18th November. A risk factor in the…

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…

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…

Cancer and its treatment like Chemotherapy and Stem Cell Therapy can weaken your body's immune system and make you vulnerable to food borne diseases. Dr Shital Raval recommends some guidelines to help keep your food safe and prevent infections. Cancer treatment often weakens the person’s immunity. This is called immunosuppression, a situation in which the body's immune system is made less effective usually by drugs. It puts the patient at a higher risk of contracting infections and food-borne…

A clinical trial update on long term research carried out on patients with advanced gastro intestinal stromal tumours 10% of patients with advanced and aggressive GIST cancer have survived more than 10 years after treatment with one of the first successful targeted cancer drugs. They are living free of any progression of their cancer. These are based on long-term results from a major international clinical trial of patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) a decade after…

Dr Shruti Mohanka, a fertility specialist and gynaecologist at Global hospital in Mumbai helps us understand how fertility preservation should addressed for all young male and female patients undergoing cancer treatment. Fertility preservation is a critical element of improving quality of life in cancer survivors. Young children and young adults often survive cancer and may wish to have families in the future. They and their families need to be aware that preserving fertility is an option. Too…

The Romila Palliative Care Centre was started by Dr Armida Fernandez, after she lost her daughter to cancer. While the best medical care was provided to her, she felt the softer aspects of patient care were missing. Here, she talks about her desire to fill this vacuum. When and how did you start Romila Palliative Care? Romila Palliative Care started in February 2017. I lost my daughter to cancer in 2013 and at that time we felt that although the best of medical care was available, the softer…

By maintaining a healthy gut or gastrointestinal tract, you can ward off a host of uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, flatulence and constipation and conditions like bowel cancer, Depression and IBS. Tips from Nutritionist Kohila Govindaraju. The importance of gut health Gut health is important. The health of the body starts with the gut to help reduce the risk of conditions like bowel cancer, constipation, etc. The food you consume is broken down to fats, proteins, and simple carbohydrates…

Geetha Paniker, a breast cancer survivor, shares her views on how various forms of creating art, and even photography, can heal both the mind and the body. Art and craft is a source of healing the mind and body. Creative pursuits can be transformed into healing arts, which, in turn, transform you. "He who works with his hands is a laborer; He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman; He who works with his hands, head and heart is an artist." Francis of Assisi The healing powers of…