World Cancer Day 2022

Cancer Awareness

Feb 3rd, 2022

Posts Tagged ‘ Cancer Hospital ’

Cancer Awareness

Thursday, February 3rd, 2022

Shocked and surprised at a loved one’s cancer diagnosis? Being diagnosed with cancer and going through intensive treatment can cause immense physical discomfort as well as an emotional upheaval. As per statistics by multiple cancer research organizations; early detection and treatment helps save lives of cancer patients. Regular cancer screening is recommended for everyone. Cancer causes cells to divide uncontrollably. This can result in tumours, damage to the immune system, and other impairment that can prove fatal. India saw over 14 lakh new cancer cases in 2020 and the leading cancers were: breast, lung, mouth, cervix, uterus and tongue. World Health Organization (WHO) speculates that one in 10 Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime and one in 15 will die of the disease. The theme for this year’s World Cancer Day, celebrated on 4th February “Close the Care Gap” aims to raise awareness about cancer and provide appropriate cancer care to all.

Types of Cancer

Cancer refers to an abnormal & unregulated growth of tissue, which may invade surrounding normal structures and also spread to sites distant from that of origin. These cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumour cells. They are further identified by the name of the tissue that the abnormal cells originated from (for example, lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, etc). Cancers are broadly of 3 types:

  • Carcinomas (70%)
    Arise in membranes (coverings) and glands/ ducts of glands; commonest type of cancer; usually spreads to neighbouring sites, then to distant sites; important sites include head-neck, lung, breast, prostate, oesophagus, colorectum & anus.
  • Sarcomas (10-20%)
    Arise from bone/muscle/nerve; less common; spreads to distant sites early.
  • Blood cancers
    This includes leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma.

Symptoms of Cancer

It’s important to be aware of the warning symptoms of cancer, regardless of your age or health. Some of the signs and symptoms aren’t usually indicative of cancer. However it is critical to consult a medical specialist to assess your health and take appropriate action. The following are some of the most common cancer signs and symptoms in both men and women:

  • Abnormal periods or pelvic pain.
  • Breast changes.
  • Chronic cough.
  • Excessive bruising.
  • Frequent fevers or infections.
  • Skin changes.
  • Persistent pain and fatigue.
  • Stomach pain or nausea.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Unusual lumps.

Risk factors of Cancer

There has been extensive research on cancer over the years and studies suggest that the most common causes and risk factors of cancer are:

  • Alcohol intake.
  • Tobacco use.
  • Lack of physical activity.
  • Being overweight or obese.
  • Poor dietary habits.
  • Radiation exposure.
  • Virus infections and other infections.
  • Family history.

Common questions about Cancer

Cancer is a serious health condition and may be difficult for some people to understand and care about. Here are some common questions to ask your doctor and understand your condition better:

  • What risk factors do I have about cancer?
  • What is my chance of developing cancer?
  • How can I lower my risk of cancer?
  • What cancer screening tests do you recommend?

Cancer prevention

There is no definitive way to prevent cancer. However, you can make changes to lower the risk of getting cancer. Here are a few changes to adapt:

  • Aim to be a maintain a healthy weight throughout life.
  • Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.
  • Limit sugar and salt intake.
  • Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
  • Avoid alcohol and tobacco use.
  • Exclusively breastfeed your baby.
  • Get vaccinated.
  • Be regular with cancer screenings.

Cancer care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Cancer symptoms vary according to the site of the disease. However, any abnormal lump or any unusual bleeding or discharge needs to be investigated by a specialist. Meet our team of highly trained specialists for comprehensive cancer care using high-end technologies that match international standards. Our team of oncologists and onco-surgeons work closely with the patient and offer multi-modal treatment that includes radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgical treatment as well as rehabilitation care.

Our advanced technology includes:

  • Minimal Access Surgery and Robotic Surgery for most cancers.
  • Trilogy for radiotherapy, EdgeTM and Novalis Tx for radiosurgery.
  • Latest PET Scan for precise diagnosis.

Consult our team of experts at our Centre for Cancer for prevention, timely screening, early diagnosis and appropriate cancer care. Please find below the website details for further information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_cancer.html

All About Cervical Cancer

Wednesday, January 19th, 2022

India is responsible for roughly one-third of all cervical cancer fatalities worldwide, with 122,844 cases diagnosed each year. According to the Globocan 2020 report, cervical cancer affects 18.3 percent of Indian women. Due to lack of awareness, hesitancy, or restricted access to medical services, only a small percentage of women in India are screened for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treated cancers once diagnosed, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively. The month of January is observed as “Cervical Cancer Awareness Month,” with the goal of raising awareness about cervical cancer prevention, screening, and treatment.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer happens when cells change in women’s cervix, which connects the uterus and vagina. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause behind cervical cancer. There are around 100 different forms of HPV, with about 14 of them being high-risk cancer-causing strains. Most HPV infections in women clear without any intervention within 2 years. The high-risk strains of the virus can survive in the body for up to two years, integrating with cells and progressing to cervical cancer. Early detection requires regular screening.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

A person may have no symptoms at all in the early stages of cervical cancer. This makes regular pap smear tests even more essential. A pap smear test is a preventive measure and it not only helps identify the disease, but also reveals any cell alterations that may signify the onset of cancer so that treatment can begin sooner. Here are some of the most common signs of cervical cancer:

  • Pelvic pain.
  • Bleeding between periods.
  • Bleeding after sexual intercourse.
  • Bleeding in post-menopausal women.
  • Vaginal discharge with a strong odour.
  • Discomfort during sexual intercourse.

These symptoms may also happen due to other underlying health conditions. Consult a gynaecologist for further investigation and care.

Risk factors for Cervical Cancer

Here are some risk factors that increase your risk of getting cervical cancer:

  • Multiple sexual partners.
  • Early sexual activity.
  • Use of contraceptive pills.
  • Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • A weakened immune system. 
  • Smoking.

How can you Prevent Cervical Cancer?

Based on your age, overall health, and personal risk for cervical cancer, you can take some precautionary measures to reduce your risk of getting cervical cancer. Work with you gynaecologist to know more about these preventive measures:

  • Be regular with pap smear tests
    A Pap test is your first line of defence against cervical cancer. During a pelvic exam, your gynaecologist will take a sample of your cervical cells to look for ones that could become cancer.
  • Get an HPV vaccine
    Vaccines can help protect children and young adults against certain HPV infections.
  • Practicing safe sex
    Limiting sexual partners, using condoms and abstaining from sex at early ages helps limit your risk of cervical cancer.
  • Not smoking
    Quit smoking to reduce your risk of cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer: Myths and Facts

There’s a lot of misinformation about cervical cancer, let us clear the most common myths and facts about this condition:

Myth: If you have HPV, you will surely develop cervical cancer.
Fact: There are over 100 different strains of HPV, some of which are associated with a higher risk of cervical cancer than others. HPV-16 or HPV-18 are responsible for over 70% of HPV-related cervical cancers. However, most genital HPV infections, do not result in cancer.

Myth: Cervical cancer only occurs in less developed countries.
Fact: Cervical cancer affects people in all countries worldwide. However, due to lack of regular screenings and early care, it is more common in less developed countries.

Myth: I’ve received the HPV vaccine, so I don’t need Pap tests.
Fact: Regular Pap tests are still necessary for everyone who have had the HPV vaccine. The vaccine protects against some types of HPV, but not all of them, making regular screenings essential.

Myth: Pap smear screening checks for all gynaecologic cancers.
Fact: That is not true. The test does not screen for other gynaecologic cancers such as ovarian cancer and fallopian cancer, it tests only for cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Our Centre for Cancer offers comprehensive cancer care for the prevention, screening and early detection of cervical cancer. The team of highly trained oncologists and onco-surgeons offer specialized cervical cancer care and are supported with advanced technology. Our team of doctors provide compassionate care and multi-modal treatment options for cervical cancer that include medical therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, etc. Please find below our website details for further information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_cancer/gynecologicaloncology.html