FDA approves first use of novel immune system drug for cancer

Chemotherapy can have different roles in treatment of cancer. It is important to understand the role of the chemotherapy prescribed for the patient. Dr. Kriti Mittal MD, MS Hematology and Medical Oncology explains the roles - curative, non-curative, palliative and adjuvant. It is important to understand the role of chemotherapy in the treatment of your cancer. In some cases of localized or locally advanced cancer that has not yet spread to distant organs, your health care provider may chose to…

“Cancer patients in India are not just dealing with a major disease, they have to also deal with the stigma that comes with it” - Dr Purvish Parikh, Medical Oncologist and Hematologist; Health Activist and Editor in Chief at JASCAP Utsa Shah attends a cancer patients meet at Tata Memorial Hospital and experiences the truth of the statement. A middle-aged lady holding her 15-year-old kid’s hand, her eyes watery, said, “My kid is not allowed to play with other children.…

In the words of Kamini Pradhan, a featured Ovarian cancer crusader Family and friends have a major role to play in the treatment of a cancer patient. A cancer patient can be supported in the following ways :- MENTAL / EMOTIONAL  SUPPORT 1.  Acceptance – Do not be in denial mode. Know and understand the implications of the disease so that you can help the patient in getting the best treatment. 2.  Positivity   -  Please remember in this…

Cancer is a group of diseases characterised by out-of-control cell growth. There are more than 100 different types of cancer. The cancer is named after the area of the body or organ where it originates. For example, if the cancer starts in the breast and spreads elsewhere, it is still called breast cancer. Cancer occurs when the body’s normal cell division and regeneration process goes awry. Normal cells in the body follow a sequence of events - growth, division and death. This programmed cell…

A husband recalls his wife’s losing battle with pancreatic cancer. He shares his experience and his advice for families in similar situations. My wife Nirmala, 69, and I had gone on a tour of Eastern Europe, which entailed long trips by bus. Nirmala started complaining of back ache. Well, our reaction was that this was due to sitting in the bus for long spells.  We met our doctor as soon as we got back. The dull back pain persisted. The X-ray showed an inflamed pancreas…