Cancer

According to a study being conducted by the Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai, yoga has a positive impact on breast cancer survivors, especially in domains related to fatigue, emotional score, pain management, compliance to treatment and improves overall quality of life. An interview with Dr Nita Nair who led the study. The Department of Surgical Oncology, Breast Disease Management Group and Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) in Mumbai recently undertook a study on cancer and yoga. The study was led by…

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…

Usha Jesudasan, who is affected by polio, diabetes and breast cancer, is a prolific writer of inspirational books and articles. Here, she advises on a holistic approach to cope with the diagnosis of chronic illness and move forward without letting life crumble. Sitting across from the doctor’s table, I hear him say something. “It is what we call a chronic disease.” 1. Your Attitude Matters Chronic disease? The doctor explained: “A chronic disease is one which continues for a long time. There is…

Do you think it is possible to find joy and motivation in cancer? Neelam Kumar, who battled breast cancer twice, began her quest for a happy ending that culminated with India’s first humorous book on cancer.  Her belief - Write Your Own Life Script. You have become popular as the author of India's first humorous book on Cancer, ‘To Cancer With Love – My Journey of Joy’. How did you embark on this idea? I did not consciously set out to write India’s first humorous book on cancer. In fact I…

Cara Chew, 32, from Singapore, was diagnosed with Diffused Large B-Cell Lymphoma. She shares her brush with cancer, chemo therapy and its after effects, and also how she learnt to overcome the trauma with Taichi, physical exercise and a positive mind. Cara, please tell us a bit about your condition  In December 2015, I was diagnosed with Diffused Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) at one spot located at my lower left jaw at Stage 1. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common…

Does Yoga help people manage chronic conditions and the various symptoms? On International Yoga Day, we speak to a cross section of people who believe strongly that yoga has contributed greatly in their journey of recovery1.  Mr Purushotaman - Parkinsons Mr. Purushotaman is 77-years-old and has had Parkinson's for 4 years. An unassuming gentleman, Mr. Purushotaman is extremely regular for all meetings and yoga sessions conducted by Parivarthan for Parkinson’s. Parivarthan is a…

When Kamini Pradhan faced cancer recurrence a second time and chemotherapy with strong after effects could not be considered an option for treatment, the doctors decided to put her on Targeted Therapy with a rare drug which worked miracles! I was detected with a second recurrence of Ovarian Cancer in December 2015 and as always went to Tata Hospital in Bombay for treatment. I could feel no symptoms but the disease was so visible in the scans that malignancy did not even require a test. Yet, a…

This time in our Health by Numbers/Medical Tests series, Dr Shital Raval takes a look at the importance of Calcium levels in the metabolic panel. Read the previous parts on Sodium Levels, Potassium Levels and Chloride Levels CALCIUM: Calcium is an important component of our bones, teeth, nerve cells and organs such as heart and kidneys. A blood calcium test is ordered if there are any symptoms of any bone or neurological disorders, kidney stones etc or can be a part of a Comprehensive…

World Brain Tumour Day Primary brain cancers account for 2% of all cancers and represent about 20% cancer deaths per year. Dr. Suresh Sankhla, Consultant Neurosurgeon emphasises that increased awareness about brain tumours can result in early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and excellent outcome. What are the common signs and symptoms of brain tumour? Following are the most common symptoms of brain tumours, which may be present in various combinations. All symptoms are initially very mild but…

World Ovarian Cancer Day Nearly 70 % of ovarian cancers are not discovered until they have reached an advanced stage III or later when it is more difficult to treat and can be fatal. Dr Kiran Coelho, gynaecologist and obstetrician, counsels women, particularly those at high-risk, to undergo regular ovarian cancer screening to be safe. 1. What is the rate of incidence of ovarian cancer among Indian women? The incidence of ovarian cancer has shown an increasing trend in India in the last 20 years…