Cancer

Says Dr Subhojit Dey, cancer researcher at the Indian Institute of Public Health. He tells us why, and how to protect yourself. 70% of Indian women with breast cancer seek medical help at the late stage. 5-year survival rate is around only 60%. In Developed Countries, for example in the USA 60-80% women reach the doctor at an early stage and 5 year survival is almost 90%. Awareness is key and saves lives. Breast cancer incidence is increasing. What are the factors…

Rajita, now 42, looks back on her ‘shock’ diagnosis and treatment, and how she kept going through rough chemo sessions.  Please tell us a bit about your condition and your history.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 31.  After I noticed a lump, I went to my gynaecologist as there’s a history of breast cancer in my family. I lost my mother to it at age 56. She suggested needle biopsy. The report of FNAC (fine-needle aspiration cytology) came out…

Breast cancer survivor and founder of RACE to rein-in-cancer, Rita Banik talks about how cancer changed her life and why she is passionate about helping others. Here, her thoughts on getting a second opinion, staying active, yoga… and more.  Please tell us a bit about your condition.  I am a breast cancer survivor.  I had a relapse of cancer in 2013, in the sternum bone.  So, I am also a cancer patient presently. When were you first diagnosed? March 2006 What…

“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…

Treatment of oral cancer involves surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Treatment plan is decided based on severity, stage of the cancer and patient’s condition. Doctors may recommend some of the following: 1. Surgery – Surgical treatment is planned based on size, stage of cancer and patient’s condition. Tumor excision - It is done to remove the tumour and surrounding healthy tissue margins to ensure complete destruction of cancer cells. Excision depends on…

Apart from the treatment options, the following are important for management of oral cancer as well: Food and nutrition  Eating right is a key part of cancer treatment. You need to keep your body as strong as possible before, during and after treatment, so you need to take in enough nutrients. Eating enough proteins and calories will help your body deal with the treatment and fight off infections. Weight loss or malnutrition presents a real life risk for cancer patients. But for some oral…

Stages of oral cancer TNM Staging of oral cancer. T stands for tumour size.   TX- Primary tumour cannot be assessed T0- No evidence of primary tumour Tis -Carcinoma in situ T1- Tumour 2 cm or less in greatest dimension T2 -Tumour more than 2cm but not more than 4cm in greatest dimension T3 -Tumour more than 4cm in greatest dimension T4 - Tumour invades adjacent structures, eg, through jaw bone, jaw nerve, floor of mouth, skin of face. N stands for lymph node involvement. NX:…

If you have any of the following signs or symptoms, see your dentist or a General Physician: Swelling, ulcer or any type of growth in the oral cavity or around the mouth White or red patches on lips, gum, tongue or mouth lining A lump that can be felt inside the mouth or on the neck Pain or difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking Continued hoarseness of voice Numbness or pain in any area of the mouth that doesn’t go away Swelling of the upper or lower jaw Sudden loosening of teeth…

Dentist can identify any sign or abnormality during check-up and based on that they can refer Oral -maxillofacial surgeon - head and neck surgeon for further diagnosis. Examination of oral cavity, including lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard palate, soft palate, tonsillar area, buccal mucosa is done to check any abnormal changes such as red or white patches, lump, ulcers or lesions. Sub mandibular, sub lingual and cervical lymph nodes are examined to identify any swelling…

The risk factors include the following: Habitual smoking, taking snuff and chewing of tobacco,gutka, pan or areca nut Heavy drinking of alcohol Human papilloma virus (HPV) Epstein-Barr virus Lichen planus  that causes white lines and spots in the mouth. On immuno suppression drugs Exposure to radiation at a young age Previous personal history of cancer elsewhere in the body Family history of cancer Certain genetic traits and syndromes (such as Fanconi anemia and Dsykeratosis congenita)…