Skip to main content
  • Cancer
    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.
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 15 October 2015

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 cancer has spread (metastasised) to other parts of the body. The aim of chemotherapy is to kill the cancer cells or stop them from growing. To do this, the cancer cells are treated with drugs (either pills or intravenous drugs) that interfere with the cell division process. The problem is that these drugs can harm normally rapid growing cells also. Chemotherapy is undertaken in cycles so that the body gets recovery time between cycles. Chemotherapy has lots of side effects, like nausea, vomiting, appetite change, pain, hair loss, anaemia and fatigue.

Radiation therapy
High-energy rays and other charged particles are used to kill cancer cells by damaging their DNA. Radiotherapy can cure cancer if the cancer is localised. Radiation therapy can be used in combination with other cancer treatments to prevent recurrence of the primary malignant tumour (as in early stages of breast cancer). Side effects include skin changes like dryness, peeling or blistering, fatigue, plus other side effects depending on the part of the body being treated. 

Targeted Therapy
Drugs are used to target cancer-specific genes or proteins without harming normal cells.

Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy aims to get the body’s immune system to fight the tumour. It works by pumping up the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells or by injecting a man-made immune system protein. 

Gene Therapy
This is still a new therapy. The goal of gene therapy is to repair or replace damaged genes in cancer cells.

Community
Condition

Stories

  • How To Be An Empowered Cancer Patient?
    An informed and engaged cancer patient has better clinical outcomes and fewer side effects. Knowing the trajectory of the illness also helps the patient and their family plan for the treatment and other care related aspects. Dr. Shital Raval shares an exhaustive set of questions that you may need to ask your cancer specialist.   A Cancer diagnosis can be quite alarming but by taking an active role in planning treatment and care, it can help alleviate the unwelcome stress and anxiety.…
  • Image: Fingers pointing at a Bone Scan Image
    When To Get A Bone Scan?
    What is a Bone Scan? What do the results of the scan indicate? When do you need a Bone Scan? How often should you get a Bone Scan? We give you information that will help you discuss your options with your doctor. What is a Bone Scan  A Bone scan is done to check the bone mineral density (BMD) so as to assess strength of the bones and probability of any fractures. The scan helps identify any mild (osteopenia) or serious bone loss (osteoporosis). The most common bone density test is the DEXA…
  • "Someday Somebody Would Really Understand My Rare Condition"
    Payel Bhattacharya, 38 suffers from a rare condition called VHL and has undergone countless surgeries and a liver transplant to overcome her various challenges. She is a warrior and here she recounts as to how tough her going has been Please tell us a bit about yourself, your condition, as in what you are suffering from and when you were diagnosed. I am Payel Bhattacharya. I was born and raised in Kolkata, but I am currently residing in New Delhi with my mother for the past decade. Ten years…
  • Stock pic with the word FAKE over the news on a laptop
    Sifting The Truth From The Fake – Health News In The 21st Century
    People get umpteen health news forwards and they often forward without verifying. Some even think "may be it will help some one". Dr. Aju Mathew, medical oncologist and director, Kerala Cancer Care shares his tips on how to spot the fake news forwards and whether you should forward or not. We live in an era of information superhighway. In a way, this is a more democratic way of communication. Everyone has a voice - not just those with power or knowledge. But in the cacophony of the voices, the…
  • A picture of Stage 2 Oral tongue cancer survivor Amita Modi and how she fought cancer
    My Daughter Kept Me Going Through The Difficult Times Of My Cancer Journey
    Amita Modi, 44 from Ahmedabad, was diagnosed with Oral Tongue Cancer survivor when she was 28. Her 18 month old daughter motivated her to stay strong and positive through her cancer treatment. She still worries about her stress triggering off a relapse of cancer. When were you diagnosed, Amita? What were the early symptoms? In November of 2002, I noticed a small sore on my tongue. I tried some home remedies but got no results and it seemed to have grown bigger. During the December holidays, we…
  • Cancer Is A Blessing In Disguise
    Shrenik Shah, 67 from Ahmedabad, India was diagnosed with Larynx (Vocal Folds) cancer, stage IV A 22 years ago. He now speaks with an Electrolarynx to motivate and inspire others. What were the early symptoms? What made you go see a doctor? I started getting hoarseness in my voice in late 1996. It was followed by breathlessness at night time and weight loss. I also would get so drowsy that I would sleep while standing. I am a non-smoker and have never had alcohol, tobacco, gutka, masala etc.…
  • Living Better After Breast Cancer - A Webinar/Live Q&A Series
    Cancer is not a death sentence. And many people continue to live fulfilling lives after cancer. In our Live Discussion sessions we talk to eminent doctors and brave survivors for tips, vital information and motivation. In the first of the series on Living Better After Breast Cancer we have with us Director and Breast Cancer Specialist Dr. D.G. Vijay, HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad  Breast Cancer Survivor Nandita Muralidhar, Chennai   Breast Cancer Survivor Urvi Sabnis - Dave,…
  • The Role of Counselling in Palliative Care
    Pranab Basu has been a hands on caregiver for his wife, and has now devoted himself to helping and counselling people suffering from Cancer. He talks about the importance of counselling in Palliative Care. What is the role of Palliative Care? World Health Organization defines Palliative Care as "to prevent and relieve suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other related problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual". The intrinsic value…
  • Rita Banik on the left in a red dress and beige jacket with her husband on the right with a blue shirt and black jacket standing by the gate of a building and a garden in the background
    I Have Actually Forgotten My Pre-cancer Life
    Rita Banik, founder of RACE to Rein in Cancer has been living with cancer for more than 12 years. She reflects on her journey, the ups and downs and what keeps her going as the fear of relapse stays in the mind forever. The milestones and key incidents that come to mind Detected the breast lump in March 2006 Going for FNAC test was the hardest First reaction of relatives was that I was going to die The trauma of losing a breast came almost after a year of surgery First realization of what I…
  • Childhood cancer patients with face masks doing art work during their treatment
    Art Therapy For Mental Wellbeing Of Cancer Patients And Caregivers
    Cancer patients and their families go through stressful, fearful and anxious times of emotional upheaval.  Dancer and Actress Kamalika Guha Thakurta talks to PatientsEngage on how Artscape is using art, music and  dance therapy to support healing and psychological rehabilitation of cancer patients and their family caregivers. 1.   Tell us a little about Artscape. Artscape is a non-governmental organization established in 2015, which works in the area of mental wellness. We…