FDA approves first use of novel immune system drug for cancer

Maya Ramachandran shares her experience as a caregiver to her parents and the learnings she drew from this. Caregiving is soul-satisfying, meaningful, draining and frustrating all at the same time. I had been a caregiver for my father for almost 16 years. My mother took charge from the forefront and I was with her, supporting her to the best of my ability through this period. However, for the last two years of my father’s life, I took on the role of ‘primary caregiver’, as my mother…

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…

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…

Cancer is usually named after the part of the body where it originates. According to WHO, there are 20 million cancer new cases and 9.7 million deaths globally. Approximately 55.3 million individuals were estimated to have survived within five years after being diagnosed with cancer. One out of every five individuals will experience cancer diagnosis in their life time. The five top most common cancers among men, globally, are:  Prostate Colorectal Lung  Skin cancer  Testicular…

Early detection can improve the effectiveness and success of the treatment. Depending on the type of cancer, the doctor may recommend some of the following: Imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasound to locate the tumour and the organ affected by it. PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography): Involves the injection of a radioactive tracer to highlight areas of cancer cells. Blood samples are analyzed for signs of cancer, which may include cancer cells, protein, or…

“On paper, I am better: I no longer have cancer… But off paper, I feel far from being a healthy 26-year-old woman,” said Suleika Jaouad in a New York Times article Lost in transition after cancer, documenting her battered and traumatised state after cancer treatment. Minakshi Ray, who battled breast cancer, responds to that article and offers her take on life after cancer.   That I have got a second chance to live is good enough reason for me to live life more…