Supporting a Loved One with Breast Cancer

In India, every four minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. With some 1,78,000 new cases being diagnosed every year, breast cancer has overtaken cervical cancer to become the most common cancer in Indian women. It accounts for 14% of cancers in Indian women. Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event for anyone, but it’s not just the patient who feels the impact. Friends and family members also go through a rollercoaster of emotions as they try to support their loved one through the challenging journey of treatment and recovery.  While the treatment varies for each patient, it’s vital to support your loved one throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Increased support from family and friends ensures better outcomes and also helps prevent depression following a breast cancer diagnosis.

Understanding the Medical Aspects

Breast cancer is a complex disease with various types and stages, which can determine the treatment approach. Treatments include:

• Surgery
  This is often the first step in treating breast cancer. It can involve a lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue) or a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast). Understanding the type of surgery your loved one is undergoing can help you provide appropriate support.
• Chemotherapy
  Chemotherapy uses drugs to target and kill cancer cells throughout the body. It can be administered intravenously or orally and may have various side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.
• Radiation Therapy
  Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It is usually administered after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
• Hormone Therapy
  This treatment is designed for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers. It involves medications that block or reduce hormone production to prevent cancer growth.
• Targeted Therapy
  Targeted therapy specifically targets certain molecules involved in cancer growth. It is often used in combination with other treatments.

How to Support someone with Cancer?

Understanding the specifics of your loved ones treatment plan is helpful to provide effective support. Here are a few things to help make things easier for your loved one and yourself after diagnosis and during treatment:

• Stay in touch
  A breast cancer diagnosis can evoke a wide range of emotions, including fear, anxiety, and sadness. Be a good listener, offer a shoulder to cry on, and reassure your loved one that you are there for them no matter what. 
• Be patient
  The first few days after diagnosis, the patient is usually overwhelmed and overflowing with emotions. Be patient and kind with the person as they navigate their treatment options.
• Accompany for appointments
  After a breast cancer diagnosis, doctor appointments can be overwhelming especially the information about their condition, treatment options and prognosis. Attending medical appointments with your loved one can offer moral support and help them remember important information.
• Help with Chores
  Treatment can be physically demanding. Offer to drive your loved one to appointments, take care of children, pets or help with household chores to reduce their burden.
• Discuss Mental health
  Poor mental health can negatively impact cancer treatment and its outcomes. If you notice your loved one’s mental health deteriorating, reach out to them and connect them with a mental health specialist.
• Find Support Groups
  Both patients and caregivers can benefit from joining support groups. These groups offer a safe space to share experiences, ask questions, and find comfort in knowing you’re not alone.

Breast Cancer care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

The journey of breast cancer may be challenging, but your presence and care can make a significant difference in their battle against breast cancer. Remember that every small gesture of support counts in helping your loved one through this difficult time. The Comprehensive Breast Care Unit at our Centre for Cancer is a dedicated service that has been created to specifically diagnose and treat conditions affecting the mammary gland. Consult our experienced oncologists who have successfully performed over 3300 breast cancer surgeries. Please find the below link for further details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_cancer/comprehensivebreastcareunit.html

Prostate cancer is one of the leading cancers in India that usually affects men in the age group of 65 years and above. However, recently there has been an increase in reports of cancer in younger men below 65 years of age residing in metropolitan cities. Increasing age, obesity, improper diet habits, lack of exercise and genetic alterations have been identified by experts as the main contributing factors towards prostate cancer.  

Most often, the symptoms of prostate cancer are either ignored or neglected, leading to advanced stages of the cancer. Doctors warn against delay in diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer as it can prove fatal. It is important to know your family history, understand the common symptoms of prostate cancer and be regular with screening tests.

What is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system, responsible for producing seminal fluid that nourishes and transports the sperm. Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the prostate gland start to grow uncontrollably. While it is generally a slow-growing cancer, it can be aggressive in some cases, making early detection and prevention crucial.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

The common symptoms include:

• Urinary Problems
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Pain and discomfort in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
• Unexplained weight loss and persistent fatigue

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

While the exact cause of prostate cancer is not known, several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing the disease, which include:

• Age
  Prostate cancer is more common in older men especially those above 65 years of age.
• Family History
  Men with a family history of prostate cancer, especially in close relatives like fathers or brothers, are at higher risk.
• Dietary Factors
  A diet high in red meat and low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
• Obesity
  Being overweight or obese is associated with a higher risk of developing advanced prostate cancer.

Preventive Measures for Prostate Cancer

Medical experts recommend these essential lifestyle changes and tips to reduce your risk of prostate cancer:

• Dietary Changes
  Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Exercise Regularly
  Engaging in regular physical activity not only helps maintain a healthy weight but may also reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
• Limit Red Meat and Dairy
  Reducing the consumption of red meat and dairy products, particularly high-fat varieties, may lower the risk of prostate cancer.
• Maintain a Healthy weight
  Obesity highly increases your risk of getting aggressive prostate cancer. Maintain a healthy weight through a combination of diet and exercise.
• Screening and Early Detection
  Regular screenings are vital, especially for men with a family history of prostate cancer or those over the age of 50. Discuss with your healthcare provider when to start prostate cancer screenings, such as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
• Know your Family History
  Understanding your family’s medical history can help you and your healthcare provider assess your risk accurately.
• Reduce Stress
  Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and potentially contribute to the development of cancer. Find ways to cope better with stress through yoga, meditation, self-care, etc.
• Avoid Smoking and Quit Alcohol
  Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. Quit today.

Prostate Cancer Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Prostate cancer awareness is essential for every man, as early detection and prevention can make a significant difference in the outcome of the disease. The team of specialists at our Centre for Cancer provides high-quality, evidence-based comprehensive and personalised care for prostate cancer. Regular check-ups and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in protecting your prostate health.

Our Uro-Oncology teams have successfully treated more than 500 prostate cancer patients in the past using state-of-the-art da Vinci Robotic Surgery and radiation techniques. Our multidisciplinary team consists of a uro-oncologist, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and onco pathologist and radiologist for prompt decisions and faster treatment. Please find below our website link for more details: https://kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_cancer/prostatecancer.html

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, and early detection plays a crucial role in increasing the chances of successful treatment and survival. When cancer is detected in its early stages, it is often more treatable and less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. Early stage patients are known to require only a single modality treatment, either surgery or radiation therapy but once it comes to stage III or IV multimodal treatment is always required, either two or three forms of treatment. In fact, statistics suggest that more than 50% cancer deaths in India are due to late diagnosis.

Several screening tests can help with early detection of cancer. In addition to screening tests we recommend regular health check-ups, reporting unusual symptoms and conducting self-examinations to increase the chances of early detection. Additionally by adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, promptly treating infections, abstaining from tobacco and alcohol and minimizing exposure to toxins you can lower your risk of developing cancer and improve your general health.

Cancer screening

It is important to be proactive in maintaining one’s health and to seek medical attention if any symptoms or concerns arise. Here is a list of various cancer screening tests to be performed as per your doctor’s advice:

• Mammogram
  A low-dose X-ray of the breast used to detect changes or abnormalities that may indicate breast cancer.
• Pap smear
  A test to detect abnormal cells on the cervix that could indicate cervical cancer.
• Colonoscopy
  A test that uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of the colon and rectum for signs of cancer or precancerous polyps.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
  A blood test to measure the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland that can indicate prostate cancer.
• Liver function tests
  Blood tests that measure levels of certain enzymes and proteins produced by the liver to detect liver cancer or other liver diseases.
• Endoscopy
  A test that uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine for signs of cancer or precancerous changes.
• Chest X-ray
  A low-dose X-ray of the chest to detect changes or abnormalities that may indicate lung cancer.

It is important to note that these tests may vary based on individual risk factors, such as age, family history, and lifestyle habits. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations and to discuss the benefits and risks of each test. Further, an early detection does not guarantee a cure, but it can greatly improve the chances of a successful outcome and increase the chances of survival. Early detection can also reduce the need for more extensive and invasive treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Cancer treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Our Centre for Cancer brings together the expertise within the hospital to provide comprehensive and coordinated care for patients with all types of cancers, including solid tumours and blood related diseases. We offer a broad scope of cancer services, ranging from public awareness programs, screening and diagnosis, to treatment, pain management and palliative care. The range of care provided is organised into a number of patient-centred clinics, which includes Radiation therapy, Chemotherapy, Surgery, Bone Marrow Transplant, and Pain and Palliative Care. Our centre is supported by a Day Care Chemotherapy Unit that allows patients to go home the same day while under treatment. Besides, we offer cutting edge services that include:

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

We also offer Precision Oncology, a landmark in cancer care which offers personalized, precise and individualized cancer treatment for each patient.

The Comprehensive Breast Care Unit at our Centre is a dedicated service that has been created to specifically diagnose and treat various diseases affecting the breast including breast cancer and is known to provide evidence based medicine using a multidisciplinary approach. Our highly experienced team has successfully performed over 19,500 complex cancer surgeries with excellent outcomes.

When it comes to your body, remember you are in charge. If you do spot something unusual, don’t put it off. Speak to your doctor, or reach out to our cancer specialists for further investigation. In most cases it won’t be cancer – but if it is, finding it early can make a real difference. For more information regarding the advanced cancer treatments offered at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, please visit:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_cancer.html

India accounts for the highest number of cervical cancer cases in Asia, according to a latest Lancet study on the disease. There were around 6,04,127 new cases of cervical cancer in 2020 and India reported around 21% of the total cervical cases, as per the data. Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the lower part of the uterus called the cervix – a part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. This disease is caused by various strains of human papillomaviruses (HPV), a group of viruses that cause sexually transmitted infections. When the human body is exposed to HPV, the body’s immune system typically prevents the infection from viruses but sometimes people with weaker immune systems cannot fight against the infection caused by HPV, which results in the virus surviving in their body for years, contributing to the process of cervical cells becoming cancerous cells.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Sadly, cervical cancer doesn’t initially show any symptoms that are obvious. Only when the cancer has progressed do symptoms start showing up. It is advised to undergo routine screening tests that are known to identify the likelihood of having cervical cancer because in its early stages, the disease may not exhibit any symptoms at all.

The most common symptoms of cervical cancer in women include:

• Vaginal bleeding between periods or following sexual intercourse
• Vaginal discharge that is heavy, foul-smelling, or contains blood
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
• Fatigue or weakness
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• A change in bowel or bladder habits
• A lump or mass in the pelvic area
• Lower back pain

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and not all women with cervical cancer will have symptoms. That is why it is important to have regular cervical cancer screenings.

Cervical Cancer: Do’s & Don’t

Here are some essential healthcare precautions to note to reduce your risk of cervical cancer:

Do’s:

• Get regular Pap tests and cervical cancer screenings as recommended by your healthcare provider
• Practice safe sex to reduce the risk of HPV infection
• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to support overall health
• Understand the symptoms of cervical cancer and seek medical attention for any unusual changes
• Get the HPV vaccine

Don’ts:

• Don’t ignore or avoid recommended cervical cancer screenings
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products
• Don’t rely solely on alternative medicine to treat cervical cancer
• Don’t ignore symptoms or delay seeking medical attention

Cause of Cervical Cancer

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

• Poor vaginal hygiene
• Smoking
• Increased number of childbirths
• HIV infection
• Prolonged use of oral contraceptive pills
• Sexual intercourse with multiple partners

Lead a healthy lifestyle, take care of your reproductive health and see a gynaecologist for any unusual changes.

Cervical Cancer treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Cervical cancer is a serious disease that affects many women worldwide. Early detection and treatment are crucial in increasing the chances of survival. The Centre for Cancer at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai is staffed with experienced and compassionate oncologists and onco-surgeons who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. We use state-of-the-art technology for prevention, screening and early detection, advanced imaging (including PET CT) to surgery, radiation and chemotherapy all under one roof to provide our patients with the best possible care. We are committed to fighting cervical cancer and saving lives. Please find below our website details: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_cancer/gynecologicaloncology.html