Cancer

Are you at risk of developing prostrate cancer Prostate cancer is unusual because it does not behave the same way in all men.  Sometimes the cancer will spread rapidly throughout the body and cause death.  More often it causes few, if any, symptoms for many years, and the man is more likely to die from other health issues than prostate cancer. Because of this, the lifetime risk of a man being diagnosed with prostate cancer is 16% (1 in 6) while the lifetime risk of dying from prostate…

What is Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer,also known as carcinoma of the prostate,is a malignant tumour in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and pelvic floor in men. The urethra (tube that carries urine from the bladder to exit the body) passes through the middle. The prostate is also the sex gland that produces the milky white fluid that helps carry and nourish sperm. Most prostate cancers are slow-growing…

A poem by Rita Banik, Founder, RACE to rein-in-cancer The never uttered word CANCER  The word that fills our heart with grief  Turns our feet cold with fear The word that haunts and shatters … How long shall we go on fearing? How long shall we keep running away? The more we run, the faster it chases  The faster you erase the quicker it re-appears! Now cancer invokes anger in me The anger that returns  Every time someone is diagnosed   Every time cancer takes a life…

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 proteins can boost cell growth, weight gain and improve recovery. Here are some tips for good nutrition that can be followed while treatment is ongoing: Eat small  and frequent snacks Eat every few hours Include lots of leafy greens and vegetables in the diet (but make sure they…

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? Understanding the causes and risk factors can help in cancer prevention efforts and early detection strategies. Here are some common triggers: Genetics - Genetic predisposition can increase the risk of certain cancers, especially in families with a history of the disease. 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 occurs when because of gene…

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: Unexpected weight loss – Unexplained weight loss, without changes in diet or exercise can be a symptom of various cancers, including pancreatic, stomach, oesophageal, and lung cancer. Persistent fatigue and fever that does not improve with the rest, often caused by the body’s immune response to…