FDA approves first use of novel immune system drug for cancer

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…

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…

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.…

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,…

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, 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…

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…

The 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo for discoveries that have led to new medicines that activate the immune system and drive it to fight cancers. These therapies can defeat even the deadliest malignancies. Two scientists, Professor James P Allison from the US and Professor Tasuku Honjo from Japan, who discovered how to fight cancer using the body's immune system have won the 2018 Nobel Prize for physiology or…

Pranab Kumar Basu has turned a counsellor after being a full-time caregiver to his wife who was suffering from Cancer. He discusses his experiences of supporting cancer patients who are apprehensive about hair loss. In your experience, who suffer more hair loss after chemotherapy: men or women? Hair loss occurs in both men and women but in respect of volume women suffer more hair loss. For whom is it more traumatic: men or women? Is there an age profile that is affected more? It is more…

Dilip Kumar Kanjilal, 77 from Kolkata has fought cancer of the Vocal Chords and emerged a winner. He looks back to recall his struggle which has also reiterated his faith in life. Professionally, I used to be a driver of the long-distance state bus for 30 years. I had the responsibility to take the passengers to their destinations safely and I was good at it. Likewise, when I was attacked by the big C-Cancer, I was not engulfed by fear, tension, agony. I faced it bravely like a warrior. What is…