Conditions

Approximately 34% of women with PCOS have depression. Dr Madanki Srinavasan, Gynaecologist and women’s health counselor helps us understand lifestyle changes to manage PCOS. Along with weight gain, unwanted hair growth, acne, irregular periods etc, women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) also frequently suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.  Can stress be a risk factor for PCOS? Stress can be a risk factor for any medical ailment, including PCOS.…

It is estimated that nearly 15 lakh prostate cancer cases among men are detected in India every year, of which 85 per cent are stage four cancers. We speak to Dr Ajay Mehta, Director & Oncosurgeon, HCG-NCHRI Cancer Centre, Nagpur, on prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment and how to reduce risks with healthy diet and lifestyle. What is prostate cancer? Prostate is a walnut sized gland located between the bladder and the penis. Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men. Prostate…

Ever struggled to figure out what you can do or say to someone grieving the loss of a dear family member or friend. Here is a useful guide on how you can help someone coping with grief and bereavment. If you have other suggestions or experiences please do share by leaving a comment below  

Dr. V. L. Ramprasad, COO of MedGenome, a genomics-based diagnostics and research company, highlights the importance of genetic testing. Genetic testing can be useful in identifying genetic disorders, inherited diseases and abnormalities and helpful in management, treatment or prevention of diseases, especially cancers. What is the difference between genetic testing and genome sequencing? Genetic testing is an investigation that looks at specific set of gene variations or set of genes or the…

Breast cancer is the commonest cancer of urban Indian women and surgery is often an important step in treating breast cancer. In an interview, Dr. Rucha Kaushik, Consultant Breast Cancer Surgeon, Hinduja Hospital, answers your unanswered questions about breast cancer surgery procedures, options and challenges. A biopsy is typically done to diagnose breast cancer. Are there different types of biopsies? Yes, there are different types of biopsies done to diagnose breast cancer. Most commonly used…

Jayshree Guru was diagnosed with breast cancer, but she decided to be strong to face the treatment, for her own sake as well as for her family. Having dealt with cancer, she was not prepared when Lymphoedema set in. With help and assistance from Lakshmi Pain and Palliative Care, Jayshree learnt to treat lymphoedema.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 48yrs.  It was tough, and I did not think much about it at that time. One thing I decided - that I will not become weak and feel…

Lymphoedema can be caused by cancer, surgery of any kind, radiotherapy or even infection and can result in swelling, pain and discomfort. Dr. Subathra Muthukumaran of Lakshmi Pain and Palliative Care Trust shares how it can be managed by simple exercises and what to avoid in such a situation. The goal of palliative care is to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life of those with chronic illnesses since people go through not just pain but various other symptoms. One such distressing symptom…

Workplace can create its own pressures on a person to develop long-term mental health issues. A look by clinical psychologist Smriti Sawhney at how certain issues ought to be tackled in one’s professional space. “INDORE, India — Leaving his wife and two young children home on a recent Sunday, a 27-year-old salesman of a pharma company in India — in fact, one of the American health care company’s top performers there — rode his motorcycle to a remote railroad track and died by suicide. In his…

The psychological impact of premature menopause can range from anxiety and insomnia to low self-esteem and conflict in interpersonal relationships. Dr. Madanki Srinivasan, gynecologist/obstetrician and now mental health counsellor, tells us how to make the journey smooth. What are the main reasons for early or premature menopause? The causes for early or premature menopause would be premature ovarian failure, genetic, surgical, or drug-induced as in by chemotherapy and radiation during…